FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) involves surgically removing a strip of skin from the donor area (usually the back of the head), closing the wound with sutures, and then dissecting that strip under a microscope into individual follicular units.

The Process

  1. A strip of skin of a predetermined width is surgically excised from the donor area.
  2. The donor site is closed with sutures or staples โ€” leaving the technique's characteristic thin linear scar.
  3. The strip is dissected by technicians under a stereo microscope into individual follicular units.
  4. Grafts are placed into channels opened in the recipient area.

Advantages

  • A high graft count can be achieved in a single session.
  • Cost per graft is generally lower than FUE.
  • Because follicles are dissected under a microscope, transection rates can be low.

Disadvantages

  • Leaves a permanent, thin linear scar at the back of the head โ€” potentially visible with very short haircuts.
  • Recovery time and donor-site discomfort are generally longer than with FUE.
  • May not be suitable for patients with insufficient scalp laxity.
Who it suits: Still a viable option for patients needing very high graft counts who don't plan to wear their hair very short, though it's less favored today compared to FUE and DHI.