Quick Facts
- • Best for large graft counts (4,000-5,000+)
- • Lower cost per graft than FUE
- • Leaves linear scar (hidden by hair)
- • $4-8 per graft (US average)
What is FUT?
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), also known as the strip method, involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area (back of the head). This strip is then dissected under microscopes to isolate individual follicular units, which are transplanted to balding areas.
While FUE has become more popular, FUT remains valuable for patients needing maximum graft counts or those on a tighter budget.
The FUT Procedure
Step-by-step breakdown
Donor Strip Removal
- • Local anesthesia is administered
- • A strip of scalp (typically 1cm x 20-25cm) is removed
- • The wound is closed with sutures or staples
- • Results in a thin linear scar
Strip Dissection
- • Highly trained technicians work under stereomicroscopes
- • Strip is divided into slivers, then individual grafts
- • Follicular units are preserved intact
- • Maximizes viable grafts from the donor tissue
Recipient Site Creation
- • Surgeon makes tiny incisions in recipient area
- • Angle, depth, and direction match natural growth
- • Careful planning ensures natural density
Graft Placement
- • Grafts carefully inserted into recipient sites
- • Positioned for natural appearance
- • Can place 4,000-5,000+ grafts in one session
FUT Pros and Cons
What to consider
Advantages
- Maximum grafts: Can harvest more in one session than FUE
- Lower cost: More affordable per graft
- High yield: Nearly 100% of donor strip utilized
- No shaving: Donor area doesn't need to be trimmed
- Quality grafts: Less risk of transection
Disadvantages
- Linear scar: Can be visible with very short hair
- Longer recovery: Sutures need time to heal
- More discomfort: Donor area may feel tight initially
- Limited repeats: Scar tissue limits future procedures
FUT Cost Breakdown
Pricing by location (3,000 grafts)
| Location | Per Graft | 3,000 Grafts |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4 - $8 | $12,000 - $24,000 |
| United Kingdom | £3 - £6 | £9,000 - £18,000 |
| Turkey | $0.80 - $1.50 | $2,400 - $4,500 |
| Mexico | $1.50 - $3 | $4,500 - $9,000 |
FUT Recovery Timeline
What to expect at each stage
Donor site may feel tight. Some swelling. Pain medication helps.
Sutures/staples removed. Can return to most activities.
Scabs fall off recipient area. Donor site continues healing.
New hair growth begins. Scar fades and matures.
Full results visible. Scar is thin and hidden by hair.
Is FUT Right for You?
Guidelines to help you decide
FUT is ideal if you:
- • Need a large number of grafts (3,500+)
- • Want to maximize grafts in one session
- • Plan to keep hair at least 1 inch long
- • Are working with a limited budget
- • Have advanced hair loss requiring significant coverage
Consider FUE instead if you:
- • Want to wear your hair very short
- • Are concerned about scarring
- • Have a smaller area to cover
- • Prefer faster recovery
Ready to Learn More?
Consult with a qualified surgeon to see if FUT is the right technique for you.