Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), the strip technique, can suit larger graft numbers in a single session. Learn how it compares with FUE.
About the procedure
What this procedure involves
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), also known as the strip technique, moves a narrow strip of donor skin from the back of the head, which is dissected under magnification into individual follicular units before placement. Dr Jassim Daood performs both FUT and FUE at the Bankstown clinic in Sydney and recommends a technique after examining your scalp at a consultation.
Recovery
Recovery is commonly around a week, a little longer than after FUE, as the donor site and sutures need time to settle. Specific aftercare instructions are provided, transplanted hair usually sheds before new growth begins, and changes develop gradually over many months.
In depth
More about this procedure
Detailed information about this procedure. Select a section to read more.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), often called the strip technique, is the other established method of hair transplantation alongside FUE. A narrow strip of skin is taken from the donor area at the back of the head, and the site is closed with fine sutures.
The strip is then dissected under magnification into individual follicular units, which are placed into the areas of thinning in the same way as an FUE procedure. It is performed under local anaesthetic as a day procedure at the Bankstown clinic.
FUT can suit people who need a larger number of grafts in a single session, because the strip yields many follicular units at once. Whether it is appropriate also depends on the laxity of your scalp and the density of your donor hair.
FUE avoids a linear scar and generally involves a shorter recovery, while FUT leaves a fine linear scar at the donor site that is usually concealed by the surrounding hair unless it is worn very short. Dr Daood performs both techniques and recommends one after examining your scalp at a consultation.
Recovery after FUT is commonly around a week, compared with a few days for FUE, mainly because the donor site needs time to settle and the sutures need care while they heal.
Specific aftercare instructions are provided to protect both the donor site and the grafts. Transplanted hair commonly sheds in the first weeks before new growth begins, just as it does after FUE.
New growth develops gradually over the months following the procedure, with density improving as the transplanted follicles establish. Final results take time and vary between individuals.
Because pricing for FUT depends on the size of the strip and the number of grafts planned, costs are confirmed in writing after your consultation rather than quoted as a fixed figure.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
FUT, or the strip technique, takes a narrow strip of skin from the donor area at the back of the head. The strip is dissected under magnification into individual follicular units, which are then placed into the areas of thinning.
FUE removes follicular units one at a time and leaves small dot-like marks, while FUT takes a single strip and leaves a fine linear scar that is usually concealed by the surrounding hair. FUT can suit larger graft numbers in one session, and recovery is commonly around a week rather than a few days.
That depends on how many grafts are planned, the laxity of your scalp, the density of your donor hair and how you wear your hair. Dr Daood performs both techniques and recommends one after examining your scalp at a consultation.
FUT leaves a fine linear scar at the back of the head that is usually concealed by the surrounding hair, unless the hair is worn very short. Its final appearance varies between individuals and is discussed as part of the risks at your consultation.
Pricing depends on the size of the strip and the number of grafts planned for your individual case, so costs are confirmed in writing after your consultation rather than quoted as a fixed figure.
A GP referral is required before a cosmetic surgery consultation, and the referring practitioner must not perform cosmetic procedures themselves.
