Both FUE and FUT achieve 90-95% graft survival rates and produce permanent results. The growth timeline is identical for both methods: initial shedding at weeks 2-4, new growth starting at months 3-4, and full density visible at 12-18 months.
Growth Timeline: FUE and FUT
| Phase | Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate post-op | Days 1-7 | Redness, swelling, scabbing in recipient area |
| Scab shedding | Days 7-14 | Scabs fall off, donor area heals |
| Shock loss | Weeks 2-4 | Transplanted hairs shed (this is normal) |
| Dormant phase | Months 1-3 | No visible growth; follicles are resting |
| Early growth | Months 3-6 | Fine, thin hairs begin emerging |
| Thickening | Months 6-9 | Hairs become thicker, coverage improves |
| Near-final results | Months 9-12 | Significant density visible |
| Final results | Months 12-18 | Full thickness and density achieved |
The timeline is the same for FUE and FUT because both methods transplant the same type of follicular units. The extraction method does not affect how fast transplanted follicles grow.
Understanding Shock Loss
Nearly all hair transplant patients experience shock loss between weeks 2 and 4. The transplanted hairs fall out, leaving the recipient area looking similar to (or sometimes worse than) before the procedure.
This is completely normal and expected. The follicles remain alive beneath the skin. Only the hair shafts are shed. New growth begins at months 3-4 when the follicles enter the anagen (growth) phase.
Some patients also experience shock loss in the surrounding native hair. This temporary thinning of non-transplanted hair occurs in 10-15% of patients and resolves within 3-6 months.
Month-by-Month Visual Progress
Month 1: The Ugly Duckling Phase
The recipient area has healed but looks bare after shock loss. The donor area shows small dot scars (FUE) or a healing linear incision (FUT). Many patients feel discouraged during this period. Patience is essential.
Month 3: First Signs of Growth
Fine, wispy hairs begin appearing in the recipient zone. Coverage is patchy and uneven. Hair texture may feel different initially, with some hairs growing curly or wiry before normalizing.
Month 6: Noticeable Improvement
About 50-60% of transplanted hairs are growing. Density is improving but not yet at final levels. Hair texture begins normalizing. Most patients start feeling positive about the direction of their results.
Month 9: Significant Coverage
Approximately 70-80% of final density is visible. The transplanted area blends more naturally with surrounding hair. Styling becomes easier and more effective.
Month 12-18: Final Density
Full results are visible. Hair has reached its mature thickness and growth pattern. Both FUE and FUT results at this stage are indistinguishable to the naked eye.
Graft Survival: What the Numbers Mean
Both FUE and FUT achieve 90-95% graft survival when performed by experienced surgeons. Here is what that means in practical terms:
| Grafts Transplanted | Surviving Grafts (90-95%) | Hairs Grown (at 2.2 hairs/graft avg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 900-950 | 1,980-2,090 |
| 2,000 | 1,800-1,900 | 3,960-4,180 |
| 3,000 | 2,700-2,850 | 5,940-6,270 |
| 4,000 | 3,600-3,800 | 7,920-8,360 |
| 5,000 | 4,500-4,750 | 9,900-10,450 |
Each follicular unit contains an average of 2.2 individual hairs. So 2,000 transplanted grafts produce roughly 4,000 individual hairs when fully grown.
Realistic Density Expectations
A healthy, non-balding scalp has 170-230 follicular units per square centimeter (varying by ethnicity). Hair transplants typically achieve 40-60 follicular units per square centimeter in the recipient area.
This lower density still creates the appearance of full coverage because:
- Transplanted hair is strategically placed for maximum visual impact
- Hair at the frontal hairline is placed at acute angles to create shadow and depth
- Crown coverage uses a spiral pattern matching natural growth direction
Important: No single hair transplant session recreates original density. The goal is sufficient coverage to appear full-haired under normal viewing conditions.
FUE vs FUT: Do Results Differ?
The final hair growth results are identical between FUE and FUT. Both methods transplant complete follicular units that grow permanently in their new location.
The differences are in the donor area:
- FUE donor area at 12 months: scattered dot scars, generally invisible at hair lengths of 1cm or longer
- FUT donor area at 12 months: a thin linear scar, hidden by hair that is 2cm or longer
In the recipient area, there is no visible difference between FUE and FUT results once hair has fully grown.
Factors That Affect Results
| Factor | Impact on Results |
|---|---|
| Surgeon experience | High. The most important variable |
| Hair caliber (thick vs fine) | Thick hair provides better coverage per graft |
| Hair color vs skin color | Low contrast (dark hair, dark skin) creates better illusion of density |
| Hair texture (straight vs curly) | Curly hair covers more area per strand |
| Graft count | More grafts = more density, within donor supply limits |
| Post-op care compliance | Following aftercare instructions protects graft survival |
| Finasteride/minoxidil use | Protects non-transplanted native hair from further loss |
Protecting Your Results Long-Term
Transplanted hair is permanent, but your native (non-transplanted) hair may continue thinning. Without treatment, progressive hair loss can leave the transplanted area looking like an isolated patch.
Recommended maintenance:
- Finasteride (1mg daily): Halts further loss in 80-90% of users, with 65% experiencing some regrowth. Side effects occur in 2-4% and are reversible.
- Minoxidil (5% topical): Supports 40-60% regrowth in non-transplanted areas. Apply twice daily.
- Regular monitoring: Track your hair loss progression with periodic photos or AI analysis.
Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to track your Norwood stage over time. Read our FUE vs FUT comparison for a full overview, or review the pre-procedure preparation guide if you are getting ready for surgery.
FAQ
How long does it take to see full results from a hair transplant?
Full results take 12-18 months for both FUE and FUT. New growth becomes visible at months 3-4, but density continues increasing through month 12. Some patients see minor improvements up to month 18. Both methods achieve 90-95% graft survival when performed by experienced surgeons.
Will my transplanted hair look natural?
Yes, when performed by a skilled surgeon. Both FUE and FUT transplant your own follicular units, which grow at natural angles and thickness. The key to natural results is hairline design, graft placement angle, and appropriate density. Results depend more on surgeon skill than on the method chosen.
Do FUE and FUT produce the same density?
Both methods achieve comparable density when the same number of grafts are placed. FUE can transplant up to 5,000 grafts per session, while FUT handles up to 4,000. For large coverage areas (Norwood 6-7), FUT may achieve higher density per session because strip harvesting preserves more donor tissue for future sessions.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before making treatment decisions.