Hair Transplant Options: A Beginner’s Guide to FUT and How It Works
Key points:
• FUT provides high graft yield in a single session – Ideal for patients who need significant coverage or want dense results.
• The technique uses a donor strip for precise graft preparation – This allows technicians to extract follicular units with excellent survival rates.
• FUT leaves a linear scar, but it is hidden when hair is kept at medium length – Most patients can conceal the scar without issue.
• Recovery includes stitches and slightly longer downtime compared to FUE – Many patients still choose FUT for its strong coverage and long-term reliability.
• FUT remains a trusted method worldwide for advanced hair loss cases – It is widely used by surgeons for patients who need maximum grafts or long-lasting density.
Choosing a Hair Transplant When You Don’t Know Where to Start
When you first begin researching hair transplants, it can feel overwhelming. Many people know they want to fix their thinning hair, but they aren’t yet familiar with the different techniques. One method you may come across during your search is FUT, a long-established and reliable procedure trusted by clinics around the world.
This guide breaks down exactly what FUT is, how it works, what recovery looks like, who it’s best for, and how it compares to other options. If you're exploring hair restoration for the first time, this article will help you understand whether FUT might be the right starting point.
What Is a FUT Hair Transplant?
FUT stands for Follicular Unit Transplantation, sometimes called “strip surgery.” It works by removing a thin strip of skin from the back of your scalp, where hair is naturally thicker and more resistant to balding. This strip is then divided into tiny follicular units under a microscope, and those grafts are implanted into the thinning or balding areas.
Even with the rise of FUE, many surgeons continue to perform FUT because:
It provides a high number of grafts in one sitting
It preserves the donor area for possible future procedures
It delivers strong graft survival rates thanks to precise microscopic dissection
For people with more advanced hair loss, FUT can offer coverage that FUE alone may not achieve.
Who Is FUT Ideal For?
FUT is especially suited for:
People with moderate to advanced hair loss
If you need significant coverage in the crown, mid-scalp, or hairline, FUT can provide thousands of grafts in a single session.
Patients with good scalp laxity
The technique requires the donor area to stretch enough to remove a strip comfortably.
Those who prefer to avoid shaving the donor area
FUT only requires a thin section of hair at the back to be trimmed, not your whole scalp.
Anyone who keeps their hair at medium length
Because FUT leaves a linear scar, it’s best for patients who don’t regularly shave the back of their head to a very short length.
If you are unsure which technique suits you, a consultation is often the best way to assess your hair loss pattern, donor strength, and goals.
How FUT Surgery Works: Step by Step
FUT is performed under local anaesthetic, and the procedure is usually calm and straightforward. Here’s what happens:
1. Planning and hairline design
Your surgeon examines your hair loss, discusses the coverage you want, and designs a natural-looking hairline or density plan.
2. Donor strip removal
A thin strip of scalp is taken from the back of the head, an area where hair typically remains permanent. The wound is then carefully closed using stitches.
3. Microscopic graft preparation
Technicians divide the donor strip into individual follicular units using microscopes. This ensures minimal damage to follicles and high survival rates.
4. Implantation
Each graft is placed into tiny incisions in the thinning or balding areas. This part of the process determines how natural the final results look.
5. Duration
Most FUT procedures last 6 to 8 hours depending on the number of grafts. Many patients pass the time by watching videos or resting comfortably.
FUT Recovery and What to Expect
Recovery for FUT is slightly different from FUE because of the stitches at the back of the scalp.
First few days
Mild swelling or tightness in the donor area
Redness around the implanted grafts
Bandaging may be used immediately after surgery
Stitch removal
Stitches are typically removed after 10 to 14 days.
Returning to work
Most patients working from home can resume work within 2 to 3 days. Office work is usually fine after 7 to 10 days, once swelling and redness reduce.
Hair regrowth timeline
3 months: early new growth
6 months: clear cosmetic improvement
12 months: full results
18 months: crown area thickening continues for some patients
As with any hair transplant, following aftercare instructions closely helps ensure the best outcome.
FUT vs FUE: Which One Should You Choose?
Both techniques restore hair effectively, but they serve different needs.
FUT advantages:
Higher graft yield per session
Excellent graft survival due to microscopic preparation
Useful for advanced hair loss cases
Saves donor area for future procedures
FUT limitations:
Leaves a linear scar
Slightly longer recovery time
FUE advantages:
No linear scar
Faster healing
Ideal for patients who want short hairstyles
Choosing the right method
If your goal is maximum density, FUT is often recommended.
If your priority is minimal scarring and shorter downtime, FUE may suit you better.
Many clinics also offer combined FUT + FUE strategies for patients who want the best of both techniques.
Enhancing FUT Results With Additional Treatments
FUT works well as a standalone procedure, but many patients combine it with:
PRP therapy – boosts follicle healing and growth
Finasteride – helps reduce further loss
Minoxidil – supports density and long-term maintenance
Lifestyle improvements – scalp care, stress reduction, and proper nutrition
These supporting treatments help protect both transplanted and existing hair.
Costs and Planning Your FUT Procedure
The cost of FUT varies based on graft count, coverage area, and surgeon expertise. In London, most FUT procedures range from £5,000 to £8,000, though larger sessions may cost more.
Your exact quote depends on:
The number of grafts required
Whether the hairline, crown, or both areas need coverage
The complexity of your case
The clinic’s experience and standards
A consultation helps determine both the cost and whether FUT is the right method for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About FUT
Does FUT hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic. You may feel tightness in the donor area during initial recovery.
Will I have a visible scar?
There is a thin linear scar at the back of the scalp. It is usually hidden when hair is kept at a medium length.
How long before results appear?
Initial growth begins around 3 months, with full results at 12 months.
Can FUT be repeated?
Yes. Many patients undergo multiple FUT sessions or combine future treatments with FUE.
Is FUT still used today?
Absolutely. FUT remains a standard technique worldwide, especially for patients needing high-density coverage.
Choosing the Right Clinic for FUT
A skilled surgeon and a trusted clinic make the biggest difference in your results. Look for:
Experience specifically with FUT procedures
Natural hairline design skills
Transparent before-and-after photos
Clear communication about expectations and recovery
At The Growth Clinic, our surgeons provide FUT and other advanced hair restoration options tailored to your needs. Our team focuses on natural results, long-term planning, and patient comfort throughout the process.
Conclusion
If you’re exploring hair transplant solutions for the first time, FUT is a proven and effective method that can deliver strong coverage, lasting results, and natural-looking density. Whether you’re dealing with early thinning or advanced hair loss, the right approach begins with a personalised assessment.
Book your consultation online or visit The Growth Clinic to explore FUT and other hair transplant options.
