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Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

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Home Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

What Is FUT Hair Transplant?

FUT is the abbreviation for “Follicular Unit Transplantation,” and it commonly refers to the “strip” method of hair transplantation. In this method, the doctor removes hair from the donor area of the scalp by removing a strip of skin and hair before the area is then stitched up. This technique has been around for many years and is still employed, although some patients now prefer the FUE technique because it does not include any stitches.

Advances in Follicular Unit Transplantation

There have been advances in the closure methods and the healing of the donor incision. In most cases, the resulting linear scar from a strip hair transplant surgery is small and thin, with the patient being able to cover it well without having to grow their hair very long. A haircut with # 3 or # 4 clippers on the back and sides of the head usually completely conceals the donor scar.

Which Hair Transplantation Technique Is Right for You?

Misleading and sensationalist marketing material from industry and doctors wanting to promote the FUE method usually depicts a large linear scar on the back of an individual’s head next to another picture of an individual where the scar is not visible. These types of advertisements have obviously been produced to scare patients away from the strip (of FUT) surgery so they only consider the FUE procedure. However, the FUE technique does not work for every single patient. For a variety of factors, you may be a better candidate for the strip surgery than the FUE procedure.

Let Dr. Barusco help you decide which harvesting procedure is the best for you. He’ll explain the reasons why a specific procedure will give you the best results. We have no ulterior motives for offering one procedure over another. Because we perform both procedures with equal expertise, you can expect an unbiased opinion that takes your particular situation into account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, FUT typically leaves a linear scar in the donor area where the strip of tissue is removed. With proper surgical technique and healing, the scar can often be concealed with surrounding hair. Dr. Barusco plans procedures to preserve donor hair quality.

A good FUT candidate usually has sufficient donor hair, areas of thinning or baldness, and realistic restoration goals. Dr. Barusco reviews hair loss progression, family history, donor density, medical history, and future needs before recommending FUT.

Yes, FUT creates a linear scar in the donor area. The appearance of the scar depends on healing, surgical technique, and individual factors. Proper planning by an experienced surgeon helps minimize visibility and protect future hair restoration options.

Initial hair growth after an FUT hair transplant is usually visible within a few months, with more noticeable results developing over 6–12 months. Final results depend on graft growth, healing, and individual hair characteristics.

Yes, an FUT scar can often be concealed by keeping surrounding hair longer. Dr. Barusco considers your hairstyle preferences, donor area characteristics, and restoration goals when planning the procedure.

Yes, FUT can provide a larger number of grafts in a single session for some patients. Dr. Barusco evaluates donor hair supply, hair loss severity, and long-term restoration goals to determine the most effective approach.

Recovery after FUT involves allowing the donor incision and transplanted grafts to heal properly. Most patients return to normal activities within days, while full healing and hair growth occur gradually over several months.

FUT removes a strip of donor tissue to collect grafts, while FUE extracts individual follicles directly from the scalp. Dr. Barusco evaluates donor supply, hair loss pattern, lifestyle, and long-term goals to recommend the best technique.

Yes, many patients can have an FUE hair transplant after a previous FUT procedure. Dr. Barusco evaluates existing scars, donor hair availability, previous results, and future hair loss progression to determine the safest restoration plan.

Dr. Barusco can deliver incredible FUT results with minimal scarring.

Not all techniques will give you the results you want. Dr. Barusco helps you pick the procedure that will deliver the best, most natural results for your hair type.