Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): the strip technique, suited to a large number of grafts in one session.
About the procedure
What this procedure involves
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), sometimes called the strip technique, relocates hair follicles by taking a narrow strip of scalp from the donor area and dissecting it into individual follicular units. Dr Jassim Daood performs both FUT and FUE hair transplantation at the Bankstown clinic, and which technique is appropriate depends on your pattern of hair loss, your donor hair and the number of grafts planned. This is assessed at a consultation.
Recovery
Many people return to everyday activities within about a week, though this varies. The scalp may be tender, tight or swollen for a short period, and specific aftercare instructions are provided while the donor area heals. 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.
Suitability for FUT depends on the pattern and stability of your hair loss, the laxity and density of your donor scalp (usually at the back of the head) and your general health. It is sometimes preferred where a larger number of grafts is planned in a single session.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate, and for some people FUE or non-surgical measures are more appropriate. Dr Daood discusses both techniques and recommends an approach after examining your scalp at a consultation.
In Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), sometimes called the strip technique, a narrow strip of scalp is taken from the donor area at the back of the head and the edges are closed with fine sutures. The strip is then dissected under magnification into individual follicular units, which are placed into the areas of thinning. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic as a day procedure.
Because the follicular units are prepared from a single strip, FUT can allow a larger number of grafts to be transplanted in one session. The number of grafts depends on the area being treated and your degree of hair loss, and an indicative plan is discussed once your scalp has been examined, with the final cost confirmed in writing after your consultation.
After the procedure the scalp may be tender, tight or swollen for a short period, and specific aftercare instructions are provided to protect the grafts and the donor area while the sutures heal.
Many people return to everyday activities within about a week, though this varies. Transplanted hair commonly sheds in the first few weeks before new growth begins.
New growth develops gradually over the months following the procedure, with continued improvement in density as the transplanted follicles establish. Final results take time and vary between individuals.
Existing, non-transplanted hair may continue to change over time, and realistic expectations are discussed at your consultation.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
FUT, sometimes called the strip technique, is a hair transplant method where a narrow strip of scalp is taken from the donor area and dissected into individual follicular units, which are then placed into areas of thinning. Whether it suits you depends on your pattern of hair loss, which is assessed at your consultation.
In FUE, follicular units are taken one at a time, leaving small dot-like marks. In FUT, a single strip is taken and dissected into units, leaving a fine linear scar that is usually concealed by surrounding hair. FUT can allow a larger number of grafts in one session. Dr Daood performs both and recommends an approach after examining your scalp.
Suitability depends on the pattern and stability of your hair loss, the laxity and density of your donor scalp and your general health. This is assessed individually at a consultation, and not everyone is a suitable candidate.
The cost depends on your individual plan, including the number of grafts. Dr Daood discusses an indicative plan at your consultation, and the final cost is provided in writing, reflecting the total cost, including the procedure, facility and aftercare.
FUT leaves a fine linear scar at the donor area, which is usually concealed by the surrounding hair but may be visible if the hair is worn very short. Scarring varies between individuals and is discussed as part of the risks at your consultation.
Transplanted hair usually sheds in the first weeks, with new growth developing gradually over the following months. Changes take time and vary between individuals.
