FUT is the acronym for follicular unit transplantation. This is the process of harvesting individual follicles from the scalp and transplanting them into areas of thinning or balding scalp. There are 2 methods of harvesting follicles for the transplant.

The most widely used method is strip harvesting and this is most often referred to as FUT. Even though both methods are technically FUT, FUE refers to follicular unit excision and this generally involves extracting individual follicular units using small round punch excision. Either method can be used to harvest the follicular units used for transplantation, and both methods cause scarring in the donor area.

The strip harvest method removes a thin line of full thickness skin and hair from the donor area. The strip is then divided under microscope into the individual follicular units. The wound is closed using stitches and usually when fully healed, will leave a thin linear scar which is easily covered up with the remaining hair.

The FUE method requires hundreds of tiny punch biopsies removed from a larger area on the back of the scalp. This leaves hundreds of small round scars which can be hidden by the remaining hair.

There is a role for both FUT and FUE in hair transplantation. Matching you with the best procedure and what you are most comfortable with is the job of your experienced hair transplantation surgeon.