Hair Transplant Techniques Explained: FUE Versus FUT

06 Mar 2024

Understanding FUE (Follicular Unit Excision)

“FUE (Follicular Unit Excision) is a surgical procedure where individual hair follicle grafts are removed from the back and sides of your scalp and then transplanted into the area where you want to see hair growth. The sides and back of your scalp aren’t generally affected by the androgen hormone called DHT. This hormone is a major cause of genetic hair loss, and this is why follicles from this area are used during the transplant process. Follicles are carefully selected from the donor areas and then transplanted through tiny incisions into the balding area of the scalp.”

Key Features of FUE:

Ideal for shorter hairstyles (No.1 or No.2 cut) or easily visible scalps.
Very subtle scars scattered over a large area, and almost invisible to the untrained eye
Local anaesthesia numbs the surgical areas to prevent discomfort during the procedure.
Quick recovery with no stitches or invasive cutting.
Clean procedure with no bandages or dressings post-treatment.

Understanding Strip FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

FUT, on the other hand, involves taking a strip of hair-bearing skin from the back or side of the scalp. This strip is then dissected into individual grafts and transplanted one at a time into the desired area. Suited for patients with advanced hair loss requiring significant restoration whilst having a narrow donor area remaining, FUT is particularly advantageous for those wanting to wear their hair longer, such as women and male-to-female transgender patients.

Key Features of FUT:

Suitable for extensive hair restoration and high graft numbers.
Linear scar shaped like a line, better concealed with longer hairstyles.
Mild sedative and local anaesthesia for patient comfort.
Slightly longer recovery time in terms of sensation (10-12 days) compared to FUE.
Minimal scarring easily concealed with surrounding hair.

FUE vs FUT: How to make the right choice

One of the main differentiators between the two procedures lies in scarring. While FUT results in a potentially more noticeable linear scar, FUE's precise extraction technique minimises scarring. Both techniques offer long-term and natural-looking results, but with FUE you generally get a higher number of average hairs per graft, and therefore more density when the graft numbers are the same.

“I would say that more than 90% of our hair transplant cases are now FUE. For those contemplating the decision, I would emphasise the importance of a personalised approach. A thorough consultation with one of our surgeons allows for an in-depth discussion of goals, expectations and desired results, ensuring the most suitable procedure is selected for the patient.”

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Thanks to the author

Many thanks to the author of this blog Dr Bessam Farjo who is the founding director of the renowned Farjo Hair Institute in Manchester and London.

Dr Farjo has been delivering top-quality hair restoration for hundreds of patients.

He is considered one of the UK's leading hair loss experts and hair transplant surgeons.