Follicular Unit Transplantation — Strip Harvesting Method
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), also known as strip harvesting, involves removing a strip of tissue from the donor area and then dissecting it into individual follicular units. This method can yield a higher number of grafts in a single session compared to FUE.
The strip is typically 1-1.5cm wide and 15-30cm long, depending on scalp laxity and the number of grafts needed. Under microscopic dissection, skilled technicians separate the strip into individual follicular units for transplantation.
A thin strip of donor tissue is removed from the back of the head under local anesthesia. The wound is closed with sutures or staples.
The strip is carefully dissected under stereoscopic microscopes into individual follicular units containing 1-4 hairs each.
Tiny incisions are made in the balding areas at specific angles and densities to create natural-looking growth patterns.
Individual follicular units are placed into the recipient sites, matching natural hair growth direction and density.
Sutures are removed after 10-14 days. The scar typically heals to a fine line hidden by surrounding hair. Full results in 12-18 months.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), also known as strip harvesting, involves removing a thin strip of tissue from the donor area at the back of the head. The strip is then dissected under microscopes into individual follicular units containing 1-4 hairs each, which are transplanted into thinning areas.
FUT leaves a linear scar at the donor site, typically 1-2mm wide when healed. The scar is usually hidden by surrounding hair if kept at least 1-2cm long. Trichophytic closure techniques can minimize scar visibility. FUT is not ideal for patients who want to wear very short hairstyles.
FUT can typically harvest 3,000-5,000+ grafts in a single session, which is often more than FUE in one sitting. This makes FUT particularly suitable for patients with advanced hair loss (Norwood 5-7) who need maximum graft coverage.
Neither is universally better — it depends on your needs. FUT yields more grafts per session and is often less expensive, but leaves a linear scar. FUE has no linear scar and faster recovery, but may cost more and yield fewer grafts per session. Many surgeons recommend combining both methods for maximum coverage.
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