FUT

Both FUT and FUE are proven hair transplant techniques that move healthy follicles from the donor area to areas of thinning, and both produce natural, permanent results. The difference is in how the donor hair is harvested: FUT (the “strip method”) removes a thin strip of skin from the back of the scalp, from which individual follicular units are prepared, while FUE extracts follicles one at a time. FUT can be an efficient way to achieve a large number of grafts in a single session and is often combined with FUE, whereas FUE avoids a linear scar. The best option depends on your hair, your goals, and your lifestyle — which Dr. Nel will advise on at consultation.

FUT is often well suited to patients who need a larger number of grafts in one session, when combining FUT with FUE, for example those with more advanced hair loss, as it can maximise the yield from the donor area. It’s also a good option for patients who keep their hair a little longer, as the donor area is easily covered. Dr. Nel will assess your donor hair and discuss whether FUT, FUE, or a combination is the most appropriate approach for you.

FUT leaves a single fine linear scar in the donor area at the back of the head. In practice this is designed to be discreet: it sits within the hair and is generally well concealed once the surrounding hair grows, particularly if you keep your hair at a medium length or longer. Dr. Nel uses subcutaneous and cutaneous closure techniques and never takes a strip wider than 1cm in width, and often does FUE above and below the FUT strip which further reduces wound tension on the FUT ensuring the scar forms a thin line when healed. Dr Nel will talk you through what to expect based on your hair.

FUT can yield a substantial number of grafts in a single session (especially when combined with FUE harvesting), which is one of its key advantages for patients with more extensive hair loss. The exact number achievable depends on the size and density of your donor area and the length and width of the FUT strip, which Dr. Nel will assess in person. This is discussed and planned individually as part of your consultation.

Recovery after FUT is generally straightforward, though the donor area may feel tight for the first several days as it heals. Any sutures are typically removed after ten to fourteen days, and most patients return to non-strenuous work within a few days. We provide full aftercare instructions and ask you to avoid heavy exercise and anything that stretches the donor area for a short period to support healing. All patients follow up with Dr Nel between 10 and 14 days post-op for review.