Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) - Strip surgery
The strip surgery is one of the most progressive methods of modern hair restoration. Just as with FIT (Follicular Isolation Technique) single follicular units can be relocated from the donor area (back and sides of the scalp) to the balding zone.
During the procedure Dr. Mwamba will excise an elliptically shaped tissue from the wreath of the patient´s head by using scalpel. Both width and length of the “strip” are determined on the number of hair follicles needed. A removed tissue can reach a maximum size of 30 cm length and 1.5 cm width depending on the laxity of skin at the back of the scalp. Initially after the removal of the tissue the wound will carefully be sewed or stapled by a special technique, called the Trichophytic Closure. This method allows hair to grow by the linear scar and thus be less visible later. Wearing a short haircut will be possible in case the scar is not too big to be exposed.
The technical staff of the clinic will dissect the strip into follicular units growing in groupings of 1-5 hairs each. Every single graft is carefully prepared for the transition. Just as with FIT every follicular unit will then be placed in little incisions being carefully and delicately prepared by Dr. Mwamba in a previous step. A great advantage of choosing this method is that more hair can be taken within a shorter period of time (<3000 per day). The linear scar will barely be visible later since it will be covered by the surrounding hair completely. Those who want to wear very short hair or even shave the back of the head are advised to inform themselves about the FIT method before scheduling a procedure.
