Follicular Unit Transplant
in Boston, MA

Regeneris Hair is the leading provider of follicular unit transplants in Boston. Our center employs cutting-edge techniques that ensure optimal graft survival and natural-looking results. Dr. Ryan Welter and his team utilize microscopic dissection methods to preserve each follicular unit during transplantation. Patients who undergo this procedure at Regeneris Hair experience lasting results that seamlessly blend with their existing hair, restoring their appearance and confidence.

Follicular Unit Transplant

in Boston, MA

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

What Is Follicular Unit Transplantation?

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is a surgical hair restoration technique where a strip of scalp containing healthy hair follicles is removed from the back or sides of the head. This strip is then carefully dissected under a microscope into individual follicular units (naturally occurring groups of 1-4 hair follicles). The grafts are meticulously prepared and preserved before being transplanted into tiny openings made in the balding or thinning areas of the scalp. FUT is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes 4-8 hours, depending on the number of hair transplants. This technique is sometimes called the “strip method” due to how the donor hair is harvested.

Preparation for Follicular Unit Transplant

The first step in the FUT process is a comprehensive medical consultation. During this initial meeting, Dr. Welter evaluates the patient’s hair loss pattern, donor area density, and overall scalp condition. Medical history, including any underlying health issues, medications, and previous hair treatments, is thoroughly reviewed. Dr. Welter also discusses potential outcomes, often using digital imaging to illustrate projected results. Blood tests are typically ordered to ensure the patient is healthy enough for the procedure and to rule out any conditions that might affect hair growth.

In the weeks before surgery, patients are usually advised to avoid certain medications and supplements that could increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin and vitamin E. Smoking cessation is strongly recommended, as nicotine can impair healing. The day before surgery, patients are instructed to wash their hair thoroughly. We provide specific pre-operative shampoos to minimize the risk of infection.

How Is Follicular Unit Transplant Performed?

01 Anesthesia

The procedure begins with the injection of local anesthesia to both the donor and recipient areas. This ensures that the patient remains comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. For individuals experiencing anxiety, a mild sedative may also be offered.

02 Donor Strip Harvesting

A thin strip of skin containing hair follicles is surgically removed from the donor area, typically at the back of the scalp, where hair is naturally denser. The incision is carefully planned to minimize scarring, and the strip size depends on the number of grafts required.

03 Closure Of the Donor Area

Once the donor strip is removed, the incision is meticulously closed using sutures or staples. This results in a linear scar, which can be hidden under existing hair. Dr. Welter uses advanced techniques, such as trichophytic closure, to promote healing and minimize visible scarring.

04 Graft Dissection Under Microscope

The harvested strip is then taken to a dissection area, where our trained technicians carefully divide it into individual follicular units under high-powered microscopes. This step is crucial to ensure the integrity of each follicular unit, which typically contains 1–4 hairs.

05 Preparation Of Recipient Area

Dr. Welter prepares the thinning or bald area by making tiny incisions or slits where the follicular units will be implanted. These openings are made precisely, considering natural hair growth direction, density, and aesthetic goals to ensure a seamless appearance.

06 Follicular Unit Implantation

The dissected follicular units are carefully implanted into the prepared recipient area. Each graft is placed individually into the incisions, ensuring that the follicles’ angle, depth, and orientation mimic the hair’s natural growth pattern.

07 Monitoring and Final Steps

After hair transplantation, the scalp is cleaned and bandaged to protect the treated areas. The surgical team provides detailed aftercare instructions to the patient, emphasizing the importance of following them for optimal results.

Recovery and Final Results

Immediate Recovery

The first few days after the procedure involve mild discomfort and swelling in the donor and recipient areas. Small scabs form around each transplanted follicle, and the scalp may be tender. Sleep must be done with the head elevated. Patients should also avoid touching or scratching the treated areas. Most people can return to work within 3-7 days, though visible signs of the procedure may still be present.

Shedding Period

The transplanted hairs begin to shed between 2 and 4 weeks after the surgery. This is a normal part of the recovery process, known as “shock loss,” and should not cause concern. The follicles remain in the skin, though the visible hair falls out. This shedding phase can last several weeks, and some patients may also experience temporary thinning of their existing hair.

Growth Period

New growth typically begins around the third month after the procedure. Initially, the hair is thin but gradually becomes thicker and coarser. Growth occurs in phases, with some individual hair follicles developing earlier than others. Significant improvements are usually visible by the sixth month, though the hair may still appear patchy or uneven.

Final Results

The full results appear between 12 and 18 months after the surgery. The hair thickens and matures during this time, achieving its final texture and density. The transplanted hair becomes indistinguishable from the surrounding natural hair. It can be cut, styled, and treated.

Immediate Recovery

Shedding Period

Growth Period

Final Results

How Long Will My Hair Transplant Results Last?

The results of FUT are designed to be permanent, offering a long-lasting solution to hair loss. Since the hair follicles are taken from donor sites that are genetically resistant to balding, they retain their characteristics after transplantation. Once the new hair grows, it blends seamlessly with the existing hair, leading to natural-looking results.

Candidates for Follicular Unit Transplant

Dr. Welter recommends ARTAS or follicular unit extraction (FUE) for patients with advanced hair loss. However, FUT is preferred in specific cases. It can correct the results of hair transplant surgery done by other centers that resulted in visible scarring. Here are the typical candidates for FUT:

Adults with extensive thinning hair
Individuals with sufficient donor hair on the scalp
Patients requiring a large number of grafts in one session
Those with hair loss patterns that are stable or predictable
Individuals seeking revision of prior hair restoration surgeries
Patients with visible scalp scarring that needs concealment
People unable to undergo FUE or ARTAS due to medical or anatomical reasons

Benefits of Follicular Unit Transplant

Natural-Looking Results

The FUT technique creates excellent results because it mimics how hair naturally grows. Dr. Welter carefully places follicular units at the correct angle and direction, ensuring the transplanted material blends seamlessly with existing hair.

Permanent Hair Growth Solution

Once the follicles establish themselves in their new location, they grow hair throughout the patient’s lifetime. The transplanted hair maintains its genetic resistance to hair loss hormones, making it a long-lasting solution for baldness.

Progressive Hair Loss Prevention

Dr. Welter can prevent continued hair loss by strategically placing follicular units in thinning areas. This proactive approach allows for better long-term planning and maintenance of hair density in vulnerable zones.

Cost-Effective Treatment

Since FUT can harvest many grafts in one session, patients often require fewer procedures to achieve their desired results. This makes it more cost-effective in the long run compared to other surgical treatments.

How Much Does Follicular Unit Transplant Cost?

The cost of a follicular unit transplant in Boston ranges from $4,000 to $12,000, depending on the number of grafts needed and the specific clinic chosen. At Regeneris Hair, all of our procedure prices are calculated on a case-by-case basis. This allows us to customize treatments to the patient’s needs and achieve the unique results they desire.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Welter will calculate your personalized pricing. We can also discuss your preferred payment option and our convenient financing through Advance Care Card. Our team strives to ensure that all procedures are financially accessible for our patients.

We look forward to helping you achieve your natural-looking hair!

What Makes Our Hair Restoration Surgery Different From Others?

Under Dr. Ryan Welter’s leadership, Regeneris Hair is at the forefront of hair restoration. Our distinctive methodology combines innovative microFUE™ techniques with advanced cellular therapies, setting a new standard in the industry. By utilizing sub-millimeter punches for transplantation, we achieve exceptional precision while minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissue.

What truly sets Regeneris Hair apart is our integration of cutting-edge cellular treatments, including activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) therapy, which enhance the effectiveness of traditional methods. This comprehensive approach, developed through Dr. Welter’s extensive research and clinical experience, promotes successful hair transplantation and strengthens existing follicles for optimal, natural-looking results.