FUE vs FUT Hair Transplant: Strip Method vs Individual Extraction
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) represent two fundamentally different approaches to harvesting donor hair. FUE extracts individual follicles with micro-punches. FUT removes a strip of scalp and dissects it into grafts.
Both deliver permanent results. The choice comes down to scarring, recovery time, cost, and personal priorities.
FUT (Strip Method): How It Works
Process:
- Surgeon removes a strip of scalp (typically 1cm x 15-25cm) from the donor zone
- Wound is closed with sutures (creates a linear scar)
- Strip is dissected under microscope into individual follicular units
- Grafts are implanted into recipient area
Scar: Linear scar across back of head (1-2mm wide if done well, hidden by hair above it)
Recovery: 10-14 days for suture removal, 2-3 weeks for full healing
Graft Survival: 95-98% (highest of any method—grafts spend minimal time outside body)
Cost: $8,000-15,000 in US, rarely offered in Turkey/Mexico (FUE dominates)
FUE: How It Works
Process:
- Surgeon uses micro-punch (0.6-1.0mm) to extract individual follicles
- Each follicle leaves a tiny circular wound that heals without sutures
- Grafts are implanted into recipient area
Scar: Hundreds of tiny dot scars (less visible than linear FUT scar, but covering larger area)
Recovery: 7-10 days, no sutures needed
Graft Survival: 85-95% (grafts spend more time outside body during extraction)
Cost: $2,500-20,000 depending on location and technique (Sapphire, DHI, robotic, etc.)
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | FUT (Strip) | FUE (Extraction) |
|---|---|---|
| Scar Type | Linear across back | Dot scars spread out |
| Scar Visibility (shaved head) | Very visible | Less visible |
| Scar Visibility (long hair) | Hidden | Hidden |
| Graft Survival | 95-98% | 85-95% |
| Recovery Time | 2-3 weeks | 7-10 days |
| Max Grafts Per Session | 3,000-4,000 | 2,000-5,000 (varies by skill) |
| Pain Level | Moderate (tight scalp for weeks) | Mild (minimal discomfort) |
| Cost | $8,000-15,000 | $2,500-20,000 |
Who Should Choose FUT
- You wear hair long (scar will be hidden)
- You want maximum graft survival (95%+ vs 85-95%)
- You're getting a mega-session (4,000+ grafts in one procedure)
- You don't plan to shave your head ever
Who Should Choose FUE
- You wear hair short or shaved
- You want faster recovery (7-10 days vs 2-3 weeks)
- You want to avoid linear scar
- You're doing medical tourism (FUE dominates internationally)
Post-Op Protocol
FUT or FUE, transplanted hair is permanent. Existing hair isn't. Finasteride protects your investment by stopping continued thinning.
Find Post-Op FinasterideThe Bottom Line
FUT offers slightly higher graft survival but leaves a linear scar. FUE offers faster recovery and less visible scarring but slightly lower graft survival. For most patients in 2025, FUE (especially Sapphire or DHI variants) is the better choice—unless you're doing a mega-session and never plan to shave your head.