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

What Is An FUT Hair Transplant?

Follicular Unit Transplantation—commonly known as FUT, or the strip method—involves removing a thin linear strip of scalp tissue from the back of the head, dissecting it into tiny individual hair grafts under a high-powered microscope, and planting the grafts into thinning or balding areas. After harvesting, the lower and top edges of the incision are brought together and stitched, resulting in a linear scar that can typically be concealed when the surrounding hair is worn at an appropriate length. Dr. Marco Barusco evaluates donor supply, hair loss pattern, medical history, and long-term goals to determine if FUT is appropriate.

Who Is A Good Candidate For FUT?

FUT can be an excellent option for patients with moderate to advanced hair loss who require a large number of grafts in a single procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Marco Barusco will evaluate your hair loss pattern, donor hair density, and long-term goals to determine whether FUT is the right option for you.

Does FUT Leave A Linear Scar?

FUT involves removing a thin strip of tissue from the back of the scalp, which is then carefully closed with advanced surgical techniques. This results in a pencil-thin linear scar that is easily concealed by hair. In the hands of an experienced hair restoration surgeon such as Dr. Marco Barusco, the scar is narrow and typically heals well. The appearance of the scar can also depend on factors such as your skin type, healing characteristics, and how closely you wear your hair.

Can the FUT Scar Be Concealed With Longer Hair?

Yes. The linear scar created by FUT can typically be concealed when the surrounding hair is maintained at an appropriate length. However, its visibility depends on the patient’s healing characteristics, scar formation, hair density, and haircut. Patients who prefer very short or closely shaved hairstyles should discuss this with Dr. Marco Barusco when determining whether FUT or FUE is the better option.

Can FUT Provide A Larger Number Of Grafts?

Yes. One of the primary advantages of FUT is its ability to yield a large number of healthy follicular units during a single session. Because the donor hair is removed as a strip rather than extracted individually, FUT often maximizes the number of grafts that can be safely obtained while preserving the surrounding donor area. This can make FUT an excellent option for patients with more extensive hair loss.

What Is The Recovery Process After FUT?

Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within one to two weeks after FUT surgery. Mild soreness, tightness, swelling, and redness around the donor area are common during the first several days, and gradually improve as healing progresses. Dr. Marco Barusco uses a running suture with self-dissolving stitches, so patients need not return to his office for removal. Dr. Barusco will provide detailed instructions regarding washing your hair, sleeping position, exercise restrictions, and other post-operative care to help ensure the best possible healing and outcome.

What Is The Difference Between FUT And FUE?

The primary difference lies in how donor hair is harvested. FUT removes a narrow strip of scalp from the donor area, allowing technicians to separate individual follicular units under magnification. This method leaves a linear scar and can be particularly well suited for patients who require a larger number of grafts. The FUE (Follicular Unit Excision) removes individual follicular units directly from the donor area using small circular punch blades instead of a scalpel. FUE does not leave a linear scar, but instead creates tiny dot-like scars that are generally difficult to detect after healing and easily concealed even by very short hair. Dr. Marco Barusco will recommend the procedure he determines will provide the best result, depending on your hair loss pattern, donor hair characteristics, and long-term goals.

Can A Patient Have FUE After A Previous FUT Procedure?

Yes. Many patients can successfully undergo FUE after having had an FUT procedure. FUE may be used to refine previous results, increase density, or even help camouflage scarring from a poorly performed FUT. Dr. Marco Barusco evaluates existing scars (if applicable), donor hair availability, projected hair loss progression, and other factors to determine the best approach for achieving your hair restoration goals.

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.