FUT and Scalp Tightness in the long term

[tripleg]

Are there any concerns with the FUT procedure and scalp tightness long term? I know in the short term there is some tightness for a few months or a little more, but how about longer term? Does anyone end up with permanently tight scalp? I've seen a lot about scars stretching after FUT in a small number of cases (or a large number of cases when the surgeon in incompetent). But how about other long term consequences after FUT?

Also it seems one can't really gauge one's own scalp laxity? I can the skin a bit, but I can't tell on this basis how large a strip a surgeon would be able to cut in a single procedure. I'm exploring an option of FUT megasession of 4,500+ grafts. How would I go about determining if that's an option for me?

I've calculate my approximate density in the prime donor region based using a USB microscope, but it all depends on the size of a strip that possible to take out in a single session without too much risk of scar stretching.

Here's my thread with pics:

 

[Melvin- Admin]

I don’t believe so @1978matt had an FUT 8 years ago. He’s in a better position to answer.

[Britanium]

My first FUT was over 10 years and I had another around a year later. Although my scar stretched it does not feel tight at all. My own laxity isn’t anything special though which may have caused the stretching. 

[Future Hair Doc]

Great question. @Parsa Mohebi, MD has a medical device called a laxometer which is useful to measure scalp laxity. I think he made it over a decade ago.

Here's the link to it:

https://parsamohebi.com/videos/the-laxometer-ii-how-to-measure-scalp-laxity-and-elasticity-during-hair-transplant-procedures/

 

[1978matt]

It felt tight for about 10 days but then a lot seemed to dissipate. 

Then it felt slightly tight/odd for about a year. 

After that, it just feels normal, as if nothing was done. 

[aaron1234]

I've had six strips (one of which was a scar reduction) and I have no issues with long term tightness.  It always feels tight for a few months but gradually returns to normal.

[kramer79]

On 4/9/2021 at 12:34 PM, JohnAC71 said:

My first FUT was over 10 years and I had another around a year later. Although my scar stretched it does not feel tight at all. My own laxity isn’t anything special though which may have caused the stretching. 

what is the shortest you can go to cover the stretched scar? what do you think contributed to the scar stretching?

[Britanium]

14 minutes ago, kramer79 said:

what is the shortest you can go to cover the stretched scar? what do you think contributed to the scar stretching?

Around grade 4. But I choose to have it longer. I had my FUT scar revised which improved it slightly. However I just don’t think my laxity was ever enough to allow for x2 FUT comfortably. Although the risk is there for anyone undertaking any FUT, especially multiple ones. 
I intend on getting it filled with some Beard grafts..

 

Edited April 11, 2021 by JohnAC71

[kramer79]

22 hours ago, JohnAC71 said:

Around grade 4. But I choose to have it longer. I had my FUT scar revised which improved it slightly. However I just don’t think my laxity was ever enough to allow for x2 FUT comfortably. Although the risk is there for anyone undertaking any FUT, especially multiple ones. 
I intend on getting it filled with some Beard grafts..

 

Did you do the laxity exercises before you did your FUT's? A 4 guard is still good for a stretched scar.

[Britanium]

4 minutes ago, kramer79 said:

Did you do the laxity exercises before you did your FUT's? A 4 guard is still good for a stretched scar.

It’s actually more stretched to the sides.. which is bizarre but true 😳 so second time around I did some laxity exercises.. first time I was very inexperienced. It wasn’t until using this forum about 10 years ago i learned on what I should be doing. Too late for the first FUT. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[Al - Moderator]

I don't feel any tightness in my scalp after many small FUTs and 5 scalp reductions done a long time ago. If multiple scalp reductions don't cause long term tightness then I doubt any FUTs will.

 

 

Edited April 12, 2021 by BeHappy