Trichophytic closure can reduce FUT scar width by 40 to 60%, and FUE coverage places grafts directly through the scar for visible hair growth. Tracking the revision outcome with precise measurements tells you exactly how much improvement each technique delivers.
Understanding FUT Scar Revision Options
A FUT (strip method) hair transplant leaves a linear scar across the donor area. In some patients, this scar widens to 3 to 8mm and becomes visible even with moderate hair length. Two primary revision techniques can improve its appearance.
Trichophytic closure re-excises the scar and closes the wound using a technique where one wound edge slightly overlaps the other. This allows hair follicles to grow through the scar line as it heals, partially camouflaging the scar with natural growth.
FUE scar coverage extracts individual grafts from elsewhere in the donor area and implants them directly into the scar tissue. These grafts grow hair within the scar, reducing its visibility.
| Revision Method | How It Works | Expected Improvement | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trichophytic closure | Scar re-excision with overlapping edges | 40 to 60% width reduction | 10 to 14 days |
| FUE scar coverage | Grafts implanted into scar tissue | Hair growth within scar | 7 to 10 days |
| Combined approach | Trichophytic closure plus FUE coverage | Maximum improvement | 14 to 21 days |
Step 1: Document Your Pre-Revision Scar
Before any revision procedure, create a comprehensive baseline record.
Scar width measurements: Mark 5 evenly spaced points along the scar length. At each point, measure the scar width in millimeters using a ruler placed directly against the scalp. Record each measurement.
Example baseline:
- Point 1 (left side): 4.5mm
- Point 2: 5.0mm
- Point 3 (center): 6.2mm
- Point 4: 5.5mm
- Point 5 (right side): 4.0mm
- Average width: 5.04mm
Scar appearance documentation:
- Overall scar length (typically 15 to 25cm)
- Scar color compared to surrounding skin (red, pink, white, hyperpigmented)
- Scar texture (flat, raised, depressed)
- Any existing hair growth through or near the scar
- Close-up photos at each measurement point with ruler in frame
Step 2: Track Trichophytic Closure Recovery
If you had trichophytic closure, your tracking focuses on two metrics: scar width reduction and hair emergence through the scar line.
Scar Width Tracking
Measure at your 5 marked points monthly. The scar will be widest immediately after the revision (fresh suture line) and narrow progressively.
| Month | Expected Width Change | What to Document |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (pre-revision) | Baseline (e.g., 5mm average) | Full measurement set |
| 1 | May be wider than baseline (swelling) | Width, redness, suture healing |
| 2 | Beginning to narrow | Width, color change |
| 3 | 10 to 20% narrower than baseline | Width, first signs of hair through scar |
| 6 | 30 to 40% narrower | Width, hair count through scar line |
| 9 | 40 to 55% narrower | Width, hair density assessment |
| 12 | 40 to 60% narrower (final) | Final width, total hair through scar |
Hair Emergence Tracking
Starting at month 3 to 4, look for fine hairs emerging through the scar line. Count the number of visible hairs per centimeter of scar length at each session.
A successful trichophytic closure produces 5 to 15 hairs per centimeter of scar length by month 12. These hairs partially break up the visual line of the scar.
Step 3: Track FUE Scar Coverage Recovery
FUE scar coverage is tracked differently because you are measuring new graft density within the scar tissue, not scar width reduction.
Graft Placement Documentation
Record the number of grafts placed into the scar and their distribution. Typical FUE scar coverage uses 20 to 40 grafts per centimeter of scar length, depending on scar width.
Density Recovery in Scar Tissue
Graft survival in scar tissue is lower than in normal scalp tissue. Expect 60 to 80% survival versus the standard 90 to 95% in healthy tissue. The reduced blood supply within scar tissue is the primary cause.
| Month | Expected Scar Coverage Density | Tracking Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Dormant, shock shedding | Document shedding pattern |
| 3 to 4 | First sprouts within scar | Count new hairs per cm of scar |
| 6 | 30 to 50% of final coverage | Density measurement within scar |
| 9 | 50 to 70% of final coverage | Hair caliber assessment |
| 12 | 60 to 80% graft survival, final | Complete coverage assessment |
Step 4: Photograph for Maximum Detail
Scar revision tracking requires closer, more detailed photography than standard transplant tracking.
Camera distance: 15cm from the scar (closer than the standard 20 to 30cm for general tracking).
Ruler in frame: Always include a millimeter ruler adjacent to the scar. This provides objective scale for width measurements across sessions.
Lighting: Use a ring light or two-point lighting setup. Single-source lighting creates shadows that can make scars appear wider or narrower than they actually are.
Hair parting: Part surrounding hair completely away from the scar using clips. Any hair overlapping the scar compromises measurement accuracy.
Step 5: Assess the Combined Outcome
If you had both trichophytic closure and FUE coverage (the combined approach), track both metrics simultaneously.
Your final assessment at month 12 should include:
- Scar width at all 5 measurement points versus baseline
- Percentage width reduction
- Hair count through the scar (trichophytic growth)
- Hair count within the scar (FUE coverage growth)
- Overall scar visibility rating (1 to 10 scale, with photos for reference)
Cost of FUT Scar Revision
| Revision Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Trichophytic closure only | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| FUE scar coverage (200 to 500 grafts) | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Combined approach | $3,500 to $8,000 |
| PRP adjunct therapy (per session) | $500 to $2,000 |
Some patients add PRP therapy to the revision protocol. PRP may improve graft survival in scar tissue by enhancing blood supply. Clinical studies show PRP produces a 30 to 40% density increase in treated areas, though results in scar tissue specifically are less well documented.
When to Consider a Second Revision
If your 12-month tracking data shows less than 50% scar width reduction from trichophytic closure or less than 50% graft survival from FUE coverage, a second revision may be beneficial. Wait at least 12 months between revision procedures to allow complete healing and accurate assessment.
FAQ
How do I track FUT scar improvement after trichophytic closure?
Measure scar width at 5 marked points along its length monthly. Use a ruler with millimeter markings placed directly adjacent to the scar. Photograph each measurement point at 15cm distance. Trichophytic closure typically reduces scar width by 40 to 60% over 6 to 12 months, and hair should begin growing through the scar line at month 4 to 6.
What density should I expect in an FUE-covered FUT scar?
FUE scar coverage typically places 20 to 40 grafts per centimeter of scar length. Expect 60 to 80% graft survival in scar tissue, which is lower than the 90 to 95% rate in normal scalp tissue. The reduced survival is due to the scar tissue having less blood supply. Final density should partially camouflage the scar, not fully eliminate it.
How do I document my FUT scar revision outcome for insurance purposes?
Take pre-revision and post-revision photos with a ruler for scale at months 0, 3, 6, and 12. Document scar width measurements in millimeters at multiple points. Include close-up photos showing hair growth through the scar (trichophytic) or in the scar (FUE coverage). Export your myhairline.ai tracking report as a PDF for medical records.
Track your FUT scar revision with millimeter precision. Start your scar measurement protocol at myhairline.ai/analyze.
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.