FUT Recovery & Aftercare: What to Expect Day by Day
FUT recovery involves donor and recipient car
Hair Transplant
•
4 mins
•
Dec 2025
FUT Recovery & Aftercare: What to Expect Day by Day
FUT recovery involves donor and recipient car
Key Points
• FUT recovery involves both the top and back of the head.
• The back of the head healing takes longer than FUE – Our stitches are disolvable and can be removed after 14 days if required.
• Proper FUT post-op care protects grafts and reduces scar visibility – Avoid stretching, picking, or scratching.
• Hair regrowth follows a predictable timeline – Early growth starts around month 3, with full results around 12 months.
• Patience is essential for optimal results – Following aftercare instructions ensures smoother recovery and better cosmetic outcomes.
Key Points
• FUT recovery involves both the top and back of the head.
• The back of the head healing takes longer than FUE – Our stitches are disolvable and can be removed after 14 days if required.
• Proper FUT post-op care protects grafts and reduces scar visibility – Avoid stretching, picking, or scratching.
• Hair regrowth follows a predictable timeline – Early growth starts around month 3, with full results around 12 months.
• Patience is essential for optimal results – Following aftercare instructions ensures smoother recovery and better cosmetic outcomes.
Why FUT Recovery Requires Care
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) is a reliable hair transplant method that delivers high graft yield, and involves taking a strip of skin from the back of the head. This leaves a linear scar that usually heals well and is covered by your hair.
Recovery is gradual. Understanding what to expect in FUT day by day helps you protect your donor area, support graft survival, and minimise FUT scarring. This guide walks you through the FUT recovery timeline, donor area healing, and aftercare tips.
Why FUT Recovery Requires Care
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) is a reliable hair transplant method that delivers high graft yield, and involves taking a strip of skin from the back of the head. This leaves a linear scar that usually heals well and is covered by your hair.
Recovery is gradual. Understanding what to expect in FUT day by day helps you protect your donor area, support graft survival, and minimise FUT scarring. This guide walks you through the FUT recovery timeline, donor area healing, and aftercare tips.
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What to Expect Immediately After FUT Surgery (Days 1–3)
Normal sensations
Tightness and soreness at the back of the head
Mild pain or tenderness
Redness or small scabs around grafts
Slight swelling around the scalp or forehead
FUT hair transplant post-op care
Sleep with body slightly elevated to reduce swelling
Avoid touching or scratching the new grafts
Take prescribed medications as directed
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and strenuous activity
Days 4–10: Early Healing and Stitches
During this phase, the back of the head begins stabilising, and stitches or staples remain in place.
What happens
Swelling and pain decrease
Tightness persists when moving the scalp
Scabs form on the top of the head
Aftercare tips
Follow washing instructions carefully
Avoid direct water pressure and scratching
Limit strenuous activity and sun exposure
Days 10–14: Stitch Removal
This is a key milestone in FUT donor area recovery.
What to expect
Stitches can be removed if preferred
What to Expect Immediately After FUT Surgery (Days 1–3)
Normal sensations
Tightness and soreness at the back of the head
Mild pain or tenderness
Redness or small scabs around grafts
Slight swelling around the scalp or forehead
FUT hair transplant post-op care
Sleep with body slightly elevated to reduce swelling
Avoid touching or scratching the new grafts
Take prescribed medications as directed
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and strenuous activity
Days 4–10: Early Healing and Stitches
During this phase, the back of the head begins stabilising, and stitches or staples remain in place.
What happens
Swelling and pain decrease
Tightness persists when moving the scalp
Scabs form on the top of the head
Aftercare tips
Follow washing instructions carefully
Avoid direct water pressure and scratching
Limit strenuous activity and sun exposure
Days 10–14: Stitch Removal
This is a key milestone in FUT donor area recovery.
What to expect
Stitches can be removed if preferred
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Weeks 2–6: Donor Area Healing and Scar Formation
The back of the head scaring begins to stabilise.
FUT donor area healing time
Redness gradually fades
Mild numbness or tightness may persist
Scaring improves
Care tips
Protect head from sun exposure
Avoid tight hats, helmets, or hairstyles that stretch the scar
Skip swimming or contact sports
Months 1–2: Shedding Phase
Transplanted hairs shed during this period, similar to FUE.
What’s normal
Hair shafts fall out, but root remains underneath the skin
Scalp may appear patchy temporarily
Aftercare
Gentle washing and avoiding scratching
Follow all clinic instructions to support grafts
Months 4–6: Early Regrowth
New hairs start emerging from transplanted follicles.
What to expect
Fine, soft hairs appearing in treated areas
Growth may be uneven at first
Donor scar continues maturing
Months 12 - 18: Hair Thickening and Scar Maturation
Final results become more visible during this stage.
What improves
Hair thickens and blends naturally
Donor scar becomes less noticeable
Full FUT recovery is typically achieved around 12 months
FUT Hair Transplant Aftercare Tips
Avoid picking, scratching, or stretching the donor scar
Wash hair only as instructed by your surgeon
Protect the scar from sun exposure
Skip strenuous activity and swimming until cleared
Attend follow-up appointments for optimal monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions About FUT Recovery
How long does FUT donor area recovery take?
Initial healing occurs within 2 weeks; full scar maturation may take 6–12 months.
Is tightness normal after FUT?
Yes. Mild tightness and tenderness are common during the first 2–3 weeks.
Can I exercise during FUT recovery?
Light activity is usually allowed, but intense workouts should be avoided for 2-3 months.
Will my FUT scar be visible?
Most scars are hidden under the hair, though very short hairstyles may reveal it.
When will I see new hair growth?
Transplanted hair typically starts regrowing around month 3, with noticeable improvement by month 6.
Weeks 2–6: Donor Area Healing and Scar Formation
The back of the head scaring begins to stabilise.
FUT donor area healing time
Redness gradually fades
Mild numbness or tightness may persist
Scaring improves
Care tips
Protect head from sun exposure
Avoid tight hats, helmets, or hairstyles that stretch the scar
Skip swimming or contact sports
Months 1–2: Shedding Phase
Transplanted hairs shed during this period, similar to FUE.
What’s normal
Hair shafts fall out, but root remains underneath the skin
Scalp may appear patchy temporarily
Aftercare
Gentle washing and avoiding scratching
Follow all clinic instructions to support grafts
Months 4–6: Early Regrowth
New hairs start emerging from transplanted follicles.
What to expect
Fine, soft hairs appearing in treated areas
Growth may be uneven at first
Donor scar continues maturing
Months 12 - 18: Hair Thickening and Scar Maturation
Final results become more visible during this stage.
What improves
Hair thickens and blends naturally
Donor scar becomes less noticeable
Full FUT recovery is typically achieved around 12 months
FUT Hair Transplant Aftercare Tips
Avoid picking, scratching, or stretching the donor scar
Wash hair only as instructed by your surgeon
Protect the scar from sun exposure
Skip strenuous activity and swimming until cleared
Attend follow-up appointments for optimal monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions About FUT Recovery
How long does FUT donor area recovery take?
Initial healing occurs within 2 weeks; full scar maturation may take 6–12 months.
Is tightness normal after FUT?
Yes. Mild tightness and tenderness are common during the first 2–3 weeks.
Can I exercise during FUT recovery?
Light activity is usually allowed, but intense workouts should be avoided for 2-3 months.
Will my FUT scar be visible?
Most scars are hidden under the hair, though very short hairstyles may reveal it.
When will I see new hair growth?
Transplanted hair typically starts regrowing around month 3, with noticeable improvement by month 6.
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Final Thoughts
FUT recovery requires patience and careful post-op care, especially around the donor area. By following instructions and understanding the healing timeline, patients can support graft survival, minimise scar visibility, and achieve natural, long-lasting results.
If you have concerns during recovery, always contact your hair transplant surgeon. Proper guidance ensures smooth healing and peace of mind throughout your FUT hair transplant journey.
Final Thoughts
FUT recovery requires patience and careful post-op care, especially around the donor area. By following instructions and understanding the healing timeline, patients can support graft survival, minimise scar visibility, and achieve natural, long-lasting results.
If you have concerns during recovery, always contact your hair transplant surgeon. Proper guidance ensures smooth healing and peace of mind throughout your FUT hair transplant journey.
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The Growth Clinic
1 Orchard Street
London
W1H 6HJ
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Monday - Sunday
8am - 9pm
The Growth Clinic
1 Orchard Street
London
W1H 6HJ
map
Monday - Sunday
8am - 9pm
The Growth Clinic
1 Orchard Street
London
W1H 6HJ
map
Monday - Sunday
8am - 9pm
The Growth Clinic
1 Orchard Street
London
W1H 6HJ
map
Monday - Sunday
8am - 9pm
The Growth Clinic
1 Orchard Street
London
W1H 6HJ
map
Monday - Sunday
8am - 9pm