FUT strip scars can be significantly reduced using FUE grafting into the scar, scalp micropigmentation (SMP), or trichophytic closure revision. The best approach depends on scar width, skin laxity, and whether you want real hair growth in the scar or cosmetic camouflage.
This guide covers all three revision methods, their costs, realistic outcomes, and how to choose between them.
Why FUT Scars Are Visible
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) removes a strip of scalp from the donor area, typically 1 to 1.5 cm wide and 15 to 25 cm long. The wound is closed with sutures or staples, leaving a linear scar across the back of the head.
Several factors determine scar visibility:
| Factor | Impact on Scar |
|---|---|
| Surgeon technique | Trichophytic closure produces thinner scars than standard closure |
| Scalp laxity | Tight scalps create wider scars under tension |
| Number of FUT procedures | Each repeat procedure widens the scar |
| Individual healing | Some patients form hypertrophic or keloid scars |
| Hair length worn | Scars visible below Norwood 0 (buzzed) hairstyles |
Most FUT scars measure 2 to 5 mm wide after healing. Scars wider than 5 mm are typically the result of poor surgical technique, multiple strip procedures, or individual healing characteristics.
Option 1: FUE Into the Scar
Placing FUE grafts directly into scar tissue is the most common and effective revision method. The surgeon extracts follicular units from surrounding donor hair and implants them into and around the scar.
How It Works
Scar tissue has reduced blood supply compared to normal scalp, which means graft survival rates are lower. Surgeons typically place grafts at a lower density (20 to 30 per cm2) to ensure adequate blood flow to each graft. The goal is not full density but enough hair growth to break up the visible line of the scar.
Expected Results
| Metric | FUE Into Scar |
|---|---|
| Grafts needed | 200-600 (depends on scar length/width) |
| Graft survival rate | 70-85% (lower than normal scalp) |
| Sessions required | 1-2 |
| Visual improvement | 50-80% scar concealment |
| Time to results | 12-15 months |
| Cost (US) | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Cost (Turkey) | $800-$1,500 |
Key Considerations
Multiple sessions spaced 12 months apart may improve results. The first session establishes baseline growth, and a second session fills gaps. Scar tissue is less predictable than normal scalp, so managing expectations is important. The scar will not disappear, but it becomes significantly less noticeable.
Hair growing through the scar breaks up the linear pattern that makes the scar visible. Even partial growth at 70% survival creates a meaningful cosmetic improvement.
Option 2: Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
SMP deposits pigment dots into the scar to match the surrounding hair follicle appearance. This is a non-surgical option that creates the illusion of hair stubble across the scar.
How It Works
A trained SMP technician uses a micro-needle to place small dots of pigment into the scar tissue. The dots are matched to the color, size, and spacing of the surrounding follicles. For FUT scars, the goal is to blend the pale scar tissue with pigmented dots that mimic shaved hair.
Expected Results
| Metric | SMP Scar Camouflage |
|---|---|
| Sessions required | 1-2 |
| Session length | 1-2 hours |
| Visual improvement | 60-90% concealment |
| Time to results | Immediate (after healing) |
| Longevity | 3-5 years before touch-up |
| Touch-up cost | $300-$500 |
| Cost (US) | $500-$1,500 |
Best Candidates
SMP works especially well for patients who wear their hair short (buzz cut or grade 1-2). The pigmented dots blend seamlessly with the surrounding stubble. For patients who wear longer hair, SMP is less effective because the scar lacks actual hair texture and volume that longer styles reveal.
SMP can also be combined with FUE into scar for maximum concealment. The FUE provides real hair growth, and SMP fills any remaining gaps.
Option 3: Trichophytic Closure (Surgical Re-Excision)
Trichophytic closure is a surgical technique where the scar is cut out and the wound edges are re-closed with a special overlapping method that allows hair to grow through the scar line.
How It Works
The surgeon removes the existing scar tissue and trims one edge of the wound at an angle (beveled edge). When the wound is closed, this angled edge allows hair follicles from the overlapping skin to grow through the scar line. The result is a much thinner scar with hair emerging through it.
Expected Results
| Metric | Trichophytic Re-Excision |
|---|---|
| Scar width reduction | 50-70% narrower |
| Visual improvement | 40-70% concealment |
| Recovery time | 10-14 days |
| Suture removal | 10-14 days |
| Time to final result | 6-12 months |
| Cost (US) | $2,500-$5,000 |
| Risk | Scar may widen again if scalp is tight |
Limitations
Trichophytic closure only works if you have enough scalp laxity for the re-excision. If the original FUT already tightened the donor area significantly, cutting out more tissue can create a scar that stretches wider than the original. A surgeon must assess your laxity before recommending this option.
This method also cannot be repeated more than once. If the first re-excision does not produce satisfactory results, FUE into scar or SMP becomes the fallback.
Comparing All Three Methods
| Factor | FUE Into Scar | SMP | Trichophytic Closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real hair growth | Yes | No | Partial (through scar) |
| Sessions | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1 |
| Recovery | 7-10 days | 3-5 days | 10-14 days |
| Cost (US) | $2,000-$4,000 | $500-$1,500 | $2,500-$5,000 |
| Best for | Wide scars, wants real hair | Short hairstyles, budget | Narrow scars, good laxity |
| Longevity | Permanent | 3-5 years | Permanent |
| Can combine | Yes (with SMP) | Yes (with FUE) | Yes (with FUE or SMP) |
Recommended Approach by Scar Type
Narrow Scar (Under 3mm)
Start with SMP. A narrow scar responds well to pigment camouflage alone, and the low cost and minimal downtime make it the most efficient first step. If results are not satisfactory, add FUE in a second phase.
Medium Scar (3-5mm)
FUE into scar is the primary recommendation. Place 300 to 500 grafts in the first session, evaluate at 12 months, and add SMP to fill remaining gaps if needed.
Wide Scar (Over 5mm)
Consider trichophytic re-excision first to narrow the scar, then follow with FUE grafting 12 months later. For patients who want to avoid additional surgery, combining FUE and SMP provides the best non-excision result.
Assess Your Options
Upload a photo of your donor area at myhairline.ai/analyze to receive a free AI assessment. The analysis evaluates donor density, scar characteristics, and suggests the most appropriate revision approach for your situation.