FUE produces scattered dot scars that are nearly invisible at normal hair lengths. FUT produces a single linear scar that can be 15-25cm long. Both scar types are permanent, but their visibility depends on hair length, skin type, graft count, and healing ability.
Scar Types at a Glance
| Feature | FUE Scars | FUT Scar |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multiple small dots | Single linear line |
| Size per scar | 0.7-1.0mm diameter | 1-4mm wide, 15-25cm long |
| Location | Scattered across donor area | Horizontal line across back of scalp |
| Visibility (short hair) | Low to moderate | High |
| Visibility (longer hair) | Very low | Low (covered by hair) |
| Number of scars | Hundreds to thousands | One |
| Scar widening risk | Minimal | Moderate |
| Healable with SMP | Yes | Yes |
FUE Scarring: What It Actually Looks Like
FUE uses a micro-punch tool measuring 0.7-1.0mm in diameter to extract individual follicular units. Each extraction leaves a tiny circular wound that heals into a small white dot scar.
Healing Timeline for FUE Scars
| Timeframe | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Red dots, crusting |
| Week 1-2 | Pink dots, scabs falling off |
| Month 1 | Light pink, barely raised |
| Month 3 | White or skin-colored, flat |
| Month 6+ | Fully mature, nearly invisible |
FUE Scar Visibility by Hair Length
| Hair Length | Visibility |
|---|---|
| Shaved (0mm) | Visible as white dots on close inspection |
| Buzz cut (3mm) | Barely noticeable unless looking closely |
| Short sides (6mm+) | Not visible to casual observers |
| Medium length (2cm+) | Completely hidden |
The total number of FUE scars equals the number of grafts extracted. A 2,000-graft procedure creates 2,000 dot scars. A 5,000-graft session creates 5,000. At higher graft counts, the cumulative effect can create a slightly mottled or moth-eaten appearance when the donor area is shaved to skin level.
FUE Scar Factors
Several variables affect FUE scar visibility:
- Punch size: Smaller punches (0.7mm) leave less visible scars than larger ones (1.0mm)
- Skin type: Darker skin tones may develop slightly more visible scars due to hypopigmentation
- Extraction density: Over-harvesting (more than 45% of follicles) creates visible thinning
- Healing ability: Individual healing varies significantly
FUT Scarring: What It Actually Looks Like
FUT removes a strip of tissue from the donor area, typically 1-1.5cm wide and 15-25cm long. The wound is closed with sutures or staples, leaving a single horizontal scar across the back of the scalp.
Healing Timeline for FUT Scars
| Timeframe | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Day 1-7 | Sutured line, swelling, tenderness |
| Week 1-2 | Sutures/staples removed, red line |
| Month 1 | Pink line, raised in some patients |
| Month 3-6 | Fading to lighter color |
| Month 6-12 | Mature scar, white or skin-colored |
| Year 1+ | Final width established |
FUT Scar Visibility by Hair Length
| Hair Length | Visibility |
|---|---|
| Shaved (0mm) | Clearly visible as a line |
| Buzz cut (3mm) | Visible, noticeable |
| Short back (6mm) | Visible if specifically looked for |
| Medium length (2cm+) | Covered by overlying hair |
| Standard men's cut | Hidden unless hair is lifted |
FUT Scar Width Factors
FUT scar width varies from 1mm (best case) to 4mm+ (worst case). Key factors:
- Trichophytic closure: The surgeon overlaps one wound edge so hair grows through the scar. This technique significantly improves scar cosmetics.
- Scalp laxity: Tight scalps create more tension on the closure, leading to wider scars.
- Number of FUT procedures: Repeat FUT from the same area widens the scar. Each subsequent procedure removes the old scar plus additional tissue.
- Genetics: Some patients form thicker scars (hypertrophic) regardless of surgical technique.
Head-to-Head: Scarring by Norwood Stage
Your Norwood scale guide stage determines how many grafts you need, which directly impacts scarring.
| Norwood Stage | Grafts Needed | FUE: Number of Dot Scars | FUT: Strip Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 800-1,500 | 800-1,500 dots | 8-12cm strip |
| 3 | 1,500-2,200 | 1,500-2,200 dots | 12-16cm strip |
| 3V | 2,000-2,800 | 2,000-2,800 dots | 14-18cm strip |
| 4 | 2,500-3,500 | 2,500-3,500 dots | 16-20cm strip |
| 5 | 3,000-4,500 | 3,000-4,500 dots | 18-23cm strip |
| 6 | 4,000-6,000 | 4,000-6,000 dots | 20-25cm strip |
| 7 | 5,500-7,500 | 5,500-7,500 dots | 22-25cm strip (may need 2 sessions) |
Scar Concealment Options
If either type of scarring becomes a concern after surgery, several options can improve the appearance.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
SMP deposits tiny dots of pigment into the scalp that mimic the appearance of hair follicles. It effectively camouflages both FUE dot scars and FUT linear scars. Cost ranges from $1,500-4,000 depending on the area treated.
Scar Revision Surgery
A FUT scar that has widened can be surgically excised and re-closed. This works best for scars wider than 3mm in patients with good scalp laxity. Some surgeons transplant FUE grafts directly into the FUT scar to break up its linear appearance.
Topical Treatments
Silicone-based scar sheets and gels can reduce scar thickness during the first 6-12 months of healing. They are not effective on mature scars. Steroid injections can flatten raised (hypertrophic) scars.
Making the Decision Based on Scarring
| Priority | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Want to wear a buzz cut | FUE |
| Want minimal visible scarring | FUE |
| Always keep hair medium-long | Either (FUT scar hidden) |
| Need maximum grafts per session | FUT |
| May need multiple future sessions | FUE (preserves donor more evenly) |
| Budget is primary concern | FUT (20-30% cheaper) |
Your Next Step
Understanding your Norwood stage tells you how many grafts (and therefore how much scarring) to expect. Review the full treatment options hierarchy to see where surgery fits in your plan.
Get a free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze for your Norwood classification and graft estimate. This helps you anticipate the scarring impact of either method before you consult with surgeons.
FAQ
Which hair transplant method leaves less scarring?
FUE leaves less visible scarring. It produces small dot scars (0.7-1.0mm each) scattered across the donor area that are nearly invisible at most hair lengths. FUT leaves a single linear scar that can be 15-25cm long and may widen over time. Both types of scarring can be concealed with appropriate hair length.
How do I choose between FUE and FUT based on scarring concerns?
Choose FUE if you plan to wear short hairstyles (buzz cut or shorter), if visible scarring concerns you, or if you may need future procedures. Choose FUT if you always keep hair longer than 2cm, need maximum grafts per session, or prioritize lower per-graft cost over scar cosmetics.
Does my Norwood stage affect scarring from FUE or FUT?
Higher Norwood stages require more grafts, which means more donor area involvement. A Norwood 6-7 patient needing 4,000-7,500 grafts via FUE will have significantly more dot scars than a Norwood 2 patient needing 800-1,500. For FUT, a longer or wider strip is needed for more grafts, potentially resulting in a more prominent linear scar.
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.