Hair transplant has evolved from the big round Punch Grafts of the 1960 ’s and 70’s, to the smaller Mini-Micrografts of the 80’s and early 90 ’s, to the smallest Follicular Unit grafts. FUT is the modern standard technique that transplants entirely follicular units.
While FUT is a big step forward in achieving natural looking results, the average density of 25-35 grafts per sq.cm is not enough to achieve a full look. Further procedures are often required for a satisfactory coverage.
Ultra-Refined Follicular Unit Transplant ( UR-FUT )
We have moved on from Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) to Ultra-Refined Follicular Unit Transplant ( UR-FUT ). This has become the new gold standard, as well as a challenge, for devoted hair transplant surgeons who keep on searching for better technique, for better result.
The Evolution : Punch Graft --> Minigraft --> FUT --> Ultra-Refined FUT
Using magnified loupes and micro surgical instrument, surgeons dense pack as many as 40 to 60 FU grafts per sq.cm, almost twice that of the standard FUT. With a well trained team over 3,000 grafts can be transplanted. Naturalness and fullness can both be achieved with just one or two sessions. Criteria for Ultra-Refined FUT are therefore Dense Packing and Megasession.
International Standard for Ultra-Refined FUT
We do not make up the name. The term UR-FUT first appeared in Hair Transplant Network. The important features of UR-FUT was best described by Dr Arthur Tykocinski of Brazil. This is the standard we follow with some minor modification to cater for individual's need.
Microscope
Ultra-Refined FUT is a very delicate procedure. The smaller and more tightly packed incisions requires that graft must be carefully trimmed to contain a single follicular unit without transection. The graft has to be slim yet retains all essential structure. It is only possible when using microscopes.
Extra-Fine Instrument
Smaller incisions allow more grafts planted per area. This requires smaller blades and extra-fine instrument.
An Experienced Surgeon
It's no point taking out thousands of graft if the surgeon has no experience and skill in putting it back within 8 hours. Just remember that graft survival declined with time.
Good Surgical Team
It takes more time to insert grafts into the small and densely packed incisions. A good team is mandatory to assist the doctor in every step of the procedure.
Special Techniques
Usually hundreds or thousands of incision are made on the recipient site before inserting grafts. The skin openings however shrink after a few minutes. Making bigger holes solve the problem by compensating on density. A more skillful approach is called stick & place when each incision is immediately followed by insertion.
Advantages of Ultra-Refined FUT
Dense Packing is possible.
Naturalness and fullness can be achieved with just one or two sessions.
The tiny size of incisions also ensures rapid healing and minimal scarring. This is important when further transplant is planned on the same site.
