TransformativeTales

Embarking on a journey to regain confidence and redefine one’s appearance often involves innovative solutions in the realm of hair transplantation. In this narrative of transformative tales, Dr Avinash Agrawal delves into the details of F.U.E.T and shares two compelling cases that showcase the impact of strategic hair transplant procedures.

I n the ever-evolving landscape of hair restoration, Follicular Unit Extraction and Strip Transplantation (F.U.E.T) emerges as a cutting-edge technique, combining the best of graft harvesting methods for maximal results. The convergence of both FUT and FUE methodologies ensures a holistic approach, aimed at maximising grafts for unparalleled outcomes.

Unveiling the technique

The F.U.E.T technique boasts a unique combination of graft harvest methods, allowing for maximal yield. Harvest criteria include a meticulous assessment, considering factors such as length, density, and thickness of the strip, ensuring an expected yield ranging from 3,500 to 4,500 grafts. The judicious use of FUT with increased laxity can escalate the graft count up to 5,500, marking a significant leap from conventional FUT, typically limited to 3,000 to 5,000 grafts. However, the true marvel of F.U.E.T is revealed when the two methods collaborate, enabling an exceptional yield of 7,000 to 9,000 grafts, a feat rarely achievable with individual techniques.

Safe donor zone and enhanced potential

While the Safe Donor Zone remains a critical consideration,F.U.E.T broadens the horizons, surpassing prior limitations. The extraction area, restricted to 3,500 to 4,500 grafts in most cases, occasionally extends to 5,500 grafts. However, debunking grandiose claims of 8 to 10 thousand graft extractions, F.U.E.T maintains a realistic approach. Harvesting beyond the Safe Donor Zone poses risks of graft miniaturisation and long-term poor outcomes, emphasising the need for strategic extraction.

Reaching maximum potential

The advantages of F.U.E.T are multifaceted. This technique ensures amaximum potential for grafts in a single session, facilitating better strip closure and reduced scalp tension. The collaborative effort during the procedure optimises team effectiveness, reducing the duration of the operation, and enhancing graft viability. However, patient expectations must align

with the technique’s limitations, and caution is warranted against excessive grafts that might compromise density.

Strategic applications: where and when

Strategically, F.U.E.T finds its niche in specific scenarios. It is an ideal choice for clients in Stage V, VA &VI requiring larger coverage areas or scar revisions. Moreover, in scenarios demanding increased density or multiple benefits, F.U.E.T shines. Operating within a surgical room, supported by a proficient team, this technique caters to discerning patients willing to prioritise the procedure’s quality over immediacy.

Crucial considerations

Patient education and safety remain paramount, emphasising the importance of a well-informed decision-making process. Maintenance of graft survival, awareness of limitations, and a comprehensive understanding of self-expectations contribute significantly to successful outcomes.

A transformative approach

F.U.E.T represents a transformative approach to hair transplantation. Its unique blend of techniques yields promising results, offering an expanded horizon for graft harvest. As the pursuit of hair restoration advances, F.U.E.T stands as a beacon, catering to the aspirations of patients seeking maximal grafts and exceptional outcomes in a single session.

CASE 1;

Mr. Shah, a 55-year-old male, presented with a Norwood Classification of 6 in Male Pattern Balding, accompanied by an average donor area. In pursuit of achieving a fuller head of hair, we devised a strategy for a comprehensive surgery involving a combination of FUE and FUT, termed FUET. Despite the limitation in the donor area, a successful transplantation of over 6,500 grafts resulted in a satisfactory coverage.

CASE 2;

Hair loss, particularly with temple and hairline recession, can significantly impact the appearance of a female face. We encountered a challenging scenario with a 35-year-old female exhibiting receding temples and hairline. With the implementation of a hair transplant procedure involving 2,640 grafts, the transformation was remarkable. Visual evidence, as depicted in the images below, aptly showcases the profound change in the face’s contour post-treatment

About the author:

Dr Avinash Agrawal is the Director Partner at Acube Aesthetics Clinic, Mumbai. He brings over 15 years of expertise in hair restoration surgeries. With a track record of over 3,500 successful procedures nationwide, he specialises in advanced techniques like FUT and FUE surgery, as well as scalp micropigmentation and eyebrow microblading Training head at master strokes by Tejco vision. He is also an associated surgeon at

Hair Restore Clinic, in Mumbai and Hair Tree Clinic in Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur and Kozhikode.