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F.U.T. Hair Transplant in Seattle

F.U.T. hair transplant surgery in Bellevue moves healthy hair follicles from the back or sides of your scalp to areas with thinning hair or hair loss. Dr. George Min and his surgical team place the transplanted follicles to create a fuller, natural-looking hair pattern. Your treatment plan is based on your hair-loss pattern, available donor hair, and the results you wish to achieve.

What Is F.U.T. Hair Transplant?

F.U.T. stands for follicular unit transplantation. The procedure begins with the removal of a narrow strip of hair-bearing tissue from the donor area, usually at the back of the scalp. A surgical team separates the strip into small follicular-unit grafts, and Dr. Min creates recipient sites in the thinning or balding areas. The grafts are then placed into those sites to support new hair growth.

This strip method can provide many grafts in one session and usually does not require shaving the entire scalp. F.U.T. does leave a linear scar in the donor area, so it may be better suited to patients who plan to wear their hair long enough to cover the scar. Your consultation will help determine whether F.U.T. or another hair restoration option fits your needs.

How it works

A narrow strip of hair-bearing scalp is removed from the donor area. The follicles are separated into grafts and placed in areas with thinning hair or hair loss.

Procedure time

Usually 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number of grafts and the details of your treatment plan.

Performed by

Dr. George Min, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, with support from his trained hair transplant team.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia and scalp numbing medication.

Recovery

Initial healing usually takes about 7 to 10 days. Mild soreness, tenderness, itching, swelling, or scabbing may occur, and recovery varies by patient.

Benefits of F.U.T. Hair Transplant

F.U.T. may offer several benefits for the right candidate:

The strip method can provide a large number of grafts in one session.

Your own hair follicles are used to fill areas with thinning hair or hair loss.

The procedure can restore hair along the hairline, top, or crown of the scalp.

A full scalp shave is usually not needed.

Longer hair can help conceal the linear scar in the donor area.

The placement of individual follicular-unit grafts can create a natural-looking hair pattern.

Seattle Plastic Surgeon With Proven Expertise

George G. Min, M.D.

Dr. George Min is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. His background in intricate, detailed surgery informs the careful planning and precision needed for surgical hair restoration. He takes time to understand each patient’s goals and develops a treatment plan focused on balanced, natural-looking results.

Dr. Min has been named a Seattle Magazine Top Doctor for several years.

He is board-certified by:

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

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Safety and Risks of Hair Transplant Surgery

Patient safety guides every hair transplant performed at Newvue. The practice has invested in modern surgical tools, and procedures take place in its on-site surgical suite.

Hair transplant surgery is commonly performed, but every surgery carries risks. Possible complications include a reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, hematoma, scarring, and hair loss. Dr. Min will review these risks, answer your questions, and explain how the team handles concerns or complications.

Your Hair Transplant Procedure

Our team wants you to feel informed and comfortable on the day of your procedure. You will meet with Dr. Min and the technician team before surgery so they can answer any remaining questions. Medication may be given to help you relax.

F.U.T. usually does not require shaving the entire scalp. The surgical team will prepare you for surgery and use local anesthesia to numb the scalp. The procedure usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number of grafts and your treatment plan.

A semi-permeable dressing may be placed around your head to protect the transplanted follicles as the incisions heal. You can usually return home shortly after the procedure. A responsible adult will need to drive you home if you receive medication that affects your ability to drive. Dr. Min and the technician team will explain how to care for your scalp and transplanted hair.

Recovery After an F.U.T. Hair Transplant

Recovery from F.U.T. hair transplant surgery is often straightforward, but the first several days are important. You may notice mild pain, sensitivity, tenderness, or itching around the donor and recipient areas. Scratching can disturb healing grafts, so your aftercare instructions should guide how you manage itching.

Your semi-permeable dressing may need to be changed each day during early recovery. Sun exposure, strenuous exercise, and contact sports should be avoided until Dr. Min says they are safe. Gentle shampooing, performed exactly as directed, helps remove scabs that may cling to the hair shafts and place stress on the transplanted follicles.

Many transplanted hairs may shed during early recovery. This expected shedding does not mean the transplanted follicles have been lost. New hair usually begins to grow within 1 to 3 months, although timing varies from patient to patient.

Learn More About Hair Replacement in Seattle

If you are concerned about thinning hair, set up a consultation to learn about your options. The Newvue medical team uses the latest innovative techniques to combat hair loss in Bellevue, WA, and the surrounding areas of Seattle. Dr. Min will assess your scalp and current situation with hair loss and recommend the best treatment plan to help you reach your goals. Set up your appointment to learn more today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between F.U.T. and F.U.E. hair transplants?

F.U.T. removes donor follicles as a narrow strip of hair-bearing scalp, while F.U.E. removes follicles individually. F.U.T. leaves a linear scar but may allow the surgical team to collect many grafts in one session without shaving the entire scalp. F.U.E. creates many small extraction sites and may be more suitable for patients who prefer shorter hairstyles. Dr. Min can explain which option may better fit your donor hair, hair-loss pattern, and goals.

Does an F.U.T. hair transplant leave a scar?

Yes. F.U.T. leaves a linear scar where the donor strip is removed. The scar is usually placed at the back of the scalp so surrounding hair can help conceal it, but its appearance varies with healing, hair length, and other individual factors.

Is an F.U.T. hair transplant painful?

Local anesthesia numbs the scalp during surgery, and medication may be used to help you relax. Some soreness, tightness, tenderness, or itching may occur as the donor and recipient areas heal. Dr. Min and his team will explain how to care for your scalp and manage discomfort after the procedure.

How long does recovery take after an F.U.T. hair transplant?

Initial healing usually takes about 7 to 10 days, although recovery varies. You may need to wear a dressing, wash your scalp as directed, and avoid sun exposure, strenuous exercise, and contact sports until Dr. Min clears you. Careful attention to your aftercare will help protect the transplanted follicles while the incisions heal.

When will new hair grow after an F.U.T. transplant?

New growth usually begins within 1 to 3 months. Many transplanted hairs shed before new growth starts, which is an expected part of the process. Hair growth develops gradually, and your results and timeline may differ from those of another patient.

F.U.T. Hair Transplant In Seattle Metropolitan Area

Newvue Plastic Surgery

10047 Main St Ste 103, Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 463-9883

Monday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Tuesday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Wednesday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Thursday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Friday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Map & Direction

Newvue
Plastic Surgery
10047 Main Street
Suite 103 Bellevue, WA 98004

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Fax: (425) 968-4631

Monday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.

Tuesday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.

Wednesday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.

Thursday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.

Friday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed