Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) is the best-known technique for thickening hair in patients suffering from baldness.The practice is safe and guarantees valid, long-lasting results. It consists of surgically removing individual follicular units from the posterior region of the neck under local anesthesia. The hair in this area, in fact, is genetically protected from the negative effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and, therefore, does not fall out due to baldness. The individual follicular units are separated with the aid of epiluminescence stereotopic microscopes and subsequently re-introduced into the thinning areas with microsurgical forceps that ensure gentle handling. The particular attention and care of the entire surgical procedure allows for a natural healing with invisible scars, both in the donor area (the nape of the neck) and in the graft point of the follicular units, thus avoiding a "Doll Effect".

 

Pre-operative recommendations

It is advisable not to schedule surgery immediately before or during the menstrual period. Inform the surgeon of any treatment with drugs such as: cortisone, antihypertensive, contraceptive, hypoglycemic, anticoagulant, cardioactive or tranquilizing drugs, etc. 

Stop taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, Ascriptin, Bufferin, Cemerit, Vivin C, etc.) at least 10 days before surgery. Patients being treated with oral contraceptives are advised to stop taking them one month before surgery. It is necessary to abstain from smoking (active and passive) for at least two weeks before surgery (the incidence of complications is 10 times higher in patients who smoke). The onset of colds, sore throats, coughs and skin diseases should be flagged. Should there be a need to take any drug not reported during the anesthetic interview, inform immediately Dr. Battistella to assess its use. Do not eat or drink from midnight the day before: fasting is required. 

The day of the surgery 

Shampoo your hair with a good cleanser. For a few days after the surgery it will not be possible to wash the hair.

Bring to the clinic: 

- Original pre-operative examination reports. 

- Clothing: 

• wear comfortable clothes; 
• a top that can be opened at the front (e.g. sweatshirt, blouse);
• cotton linen (underwear and socks); 
• practical clothes to wear during your stay in the clinic; 
• a pair of slippers. 

- Payment of the procedure - The payment for the procedure must be received on the day of the surgery: 

• by cash; 
• by check 

Accommodation in the clinic includes a single or double room depending on the number of surgeries on the day and departmental needs. Therefore, in order to avoid disturbing those who have just undergone surgery, only one visitor / partner per person is allowed. 

After the transplant surgery with FUT/Strip technique

At discharge wear the elastic band, which must never be removed for the entire period indicated by Dr. Tommaso Battistella.

From 10 to 20 days, avoid doing heavy work or lifting weights. Work or sports must be resumed gradually. 

Do not smoke for at least 7 days. For at least a month, avoid direct exposure to the sun and intense heat (e.g. sauna). 

Keep the dressing dry and clean. Surgical scars need at least 10-12 months to stabilize and during this period they will noticeably improve spontaneously. 

Don’ts

- Taking acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) drugs for the first 20 days. 

- Rubbing the skin of the newly grafted scalp, washing the skin too vigorously. 

- Exposure to the sun or other sources of intense heat (sauna) for one year (protect the scars with a sunscreen for total protection even under the bathing suit).

Dos

- Wearing the elastic bandage for at least one week, day and night.

- Sleeping in a supine position (‘belly up ') or ‘broken’ (with 2 pillows behind the back and 1 pillow under the knees) for the first few nights.

- Scrupulously taking the prescribed pharmacological therapy. 

- Resuming sports activities gradually after 20 days.