Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) London

Summary

Procedure time
4-8 h

Anaesthesia
Local and/or twilight

Hospital stay
Not required

Support garment
2 days

Exercise
From 8-10 weeks (selected exercises)

Recovery
3-4 weeks

Final results
9-12 months

What Is FUT Hair Transplant Surgery?

FUT hair transplant surgery involves removing a thin strip of scalp from the donor area, which is usually located at the back of the head where hair typically remains dense and stable throughout life. Once the strip is taken, it is carefully dissected under magnification into individual follicular units. These units contain naturally occurring groups of one to four hairs. After preparation, the follicular units are implanted into the thinning or balding areas of the scalp. This placement is carried out with precision to ensure the result follows the natural direction, pattern and density of the patient’s hair. The donor area is then closed with fine sutures, leaving a linear scar that is usually concealed by surrounding hair when kept at a moderate length.

FUT enables the harvesting of a substantial number of grafts in a single procedure, making it suitable for individuals with more advanced hair loss or those wanting to achieve maximum coverage at once. Because the follicles are taken from regions typically resistant to thinning, the transplanted hair can grow naturally and long term, supporting a fuller and more permanent restoration.

The FUT Procedure

A FUT hair transplant begins with a detailed assessment of the patient’s hair loss pattern, donor availability and goals for treatment. The procedure itself follows a structured sequence. After marking the donor and recipient areas, a strip is removed from the donor region. This strip is then passed to a surgical team who use microscopes to separate it into follicular units with care and accuracy. The receiving sites on the scalp are prepared through the creation of fine incisions, and the grafts are inserted individually.

Once the grafts have been placed, the donor area is closed. The healing phase begins immediately after surgery. The early days involve mild tightness or discomfort in the donor area as the incision settles. Over the following weeks, the implanted hairs enter a resting phase and are likely to shed, which is a normal part of the cycle. New growth gradually appears after several months and continues to improve over time. Final results typically become visible between nine and twelve months after the procedure, with the restored hair blending naturally with existing growth.

Who Is Suitable for FUT?

FUT is often selected by individuals who need a large number of grafts or who are experiencing substantial thinning or advanced patterns of hair loss. It is also well suited to people who want to treat multiple areas such as the hairline, crown or widespread thinning in a single session. Because a linear scar is created during the procedure, it is generally recommended for those who prefer to keep their hair at a length that comfortably conceals this fine line. Patients who prioritise high graft yield and long-term density may find FUT to be an effective option.

FUT Results and Recovery

The recovery process following a FUT hair transplant develops gradually. The donor area typically begins to heal within the first week, and sutures are usually removed around seven to ten days after the procedure. The transplanted hairs may shed in the first one to two months, which is an expected phase of the growth cycle. New hair growth generally begins around three to four months after treatment, with increasing density and volume developing between six and twelve months. Because the follicles are taken from hair-bearing areas that naturally retain strength throughout life, FUT offers durable and lasting improvements.

Why Choose Dr Stefano Cotrufo for FUT Hair Transplant in London

Choosing Dr. Stefano Cotrufo for a FUT hair transplant means selecting a surgeon renowned for meticulous planning, refined technique, and a commitment to achieving natural-looking outcomes. His approach is grounded in careful assessment and an understanding that every patient presents a unique pattern of hair loss, donor characteristics and aesthetic expectations. Dr Cotrufo applies the same high standard of detail that defines his facial and body procedures, ensuring each graft is positioned to follow the natural angle and direction of the patient’s hair.

Patients under his care benefit from a supportive and clearly guided treatment journey. From the initial consultation to the final stages of hair growth, he prioritises safety, comfort and transparent communication. His dedication to refinement and precision allows him to tailor FUT treatment plans that deliver balanced, seamless and long-lasting results for individuals seeking restoration that feels authentic and personalised.