This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), also called strip harvesting, is a hair transplant technique where a strip of scalp is removed from a donor area, follicular units are dissected, and then transplanted into areas of thinning or hair loss. A consultation is required to assess the pattern and cause of hair loss, donor suitability, and realistic expectations. All harvesting creates scars (typically a linear donor scar with FUT), and results vary.
FUT involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area and closing the wound, resulting in a linear scar. Follicular units are then prepared and transplanted. Scarring is permanent and visibility varies depending on hair length, skin characteristics and healing. Regrowth timelines vary and cannot be guaranteed.
Potential benefits depend on anatomy, skin quality and the extent of treatment. They may include:
– Redistribution of hair follicles to areas of thinning in selected patients (results vary).
– May allow efficient harvesting in selected donor patterns, depending on assessment.
– A staged plan may be discussed when hair loss is progressive.
No result can be guaranteed. Transplantation does not stop ongoing hair loss; long‑term planning may be discussed.
A suitable candidate is typically an adult who:
– Has a suitable donor area and hair loss pattern on assessment.
– Is medically fit for the procedure and aftercare.
– Understands linear scarring and variability.
You May Be a Good Candidate If
You may be a good candidate if you:
– You understand there will be a linear donor scar.
– You have realistic expectations about density and coverage.
– You can follow aftercare and attend follow‑up.
This procedure/treatment may not be appropriate if you:
– Active scalp infection or uncontrolled inflammatory scalp disease.
– Expectation of scar‑free outcomes or guaranteed density.
– Insufficient donor hair for desired coverage.
Technique selection is individual and based on your anatomy, goals and safety considerations. Options may include:
– Donor strip harvest and closure: creates a linear scar; technique aims to optimise healing.
– Microscopic graft preparation: follicular units prepared for transplantation.
– Recipient site creation and placement: design tailored to goals and existing hair characteristics.
Your clinician/surgeon will explain the recommended approach and expected trade‑offs during consultation.
Anesthesia
Typically performed under local anaesthesia with sedation options depending on the case.
You will receive individual instructions. Common requirements may include:
– Medical history and medication review.
– Avoid blood‑thinning medicines/supplements where advised.
– Plan time off work and transport if sedation is used.
Return to Work: often a few days to 2 weeks depending on visibility and comfort.
Return to Exercise: restricted for a period as advised to protect donor closure and grafts.
Assessing outcome: commonly assessed over 6–12+ months.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
