Method · Follicular Unit Transplantation

Maximum yield.
One session.

The FUT or strip method takes follicular units from a narrow band of skin at the back of the head, dissected under the microscope, in unusually high numbers, and with excellent graft vitality.

Trichophytic Closure
The wound edges are closed with an overlapping, angled suture. Hair grows up through the suture line, so the scar becomes threaded with your own hair and stays narrow and inconspicuous.
1One session for high graft numbers
>90 %Survival rate in the literature
1A narrow linear scar
10–14Days until sutures are removed
Introduction

The FUT
Technique

Follicular Unit Transplantation, better known as the strip method, is a long-established approach. A strip of scalp is removed surgically, usually from the lower back of the head, chosen because the follicles there are typically resistant to hormone-driven hair loss.

The follicular units, clusters of one to four hairs, are then dissected out of that strip under a microscope. This microscopic work is what really defines FUT: it yields the highest possible number of intact grafts from the donor tissue available.

While the follicles are being prepared, fine micro-incisions are made in the recipient area. Each unit is then placed individually, following natural growth direction, density and distribution, for maximum fullness and a natural look.

How it works

Three steps, that decide the result

HARVESTING

A strip from the stable zone

The donor area at the lower back of the head supplies follicles that are genetically insensitive to DHT, which is why they keep growing for life.

PREPARATION

Under the microscope

The follicles go straight into a controlled environment, which reduces mechanical trauma and drying and protects graft vitality.

CLOSURE

Trichophytic Closure

An overlapping, angled closure: hair grows up through the skin layers and threads through the scar, keeping it as narrow and discreet as possible.

Procedure

Outpatient, in a single day

01

Planning & anaesthesia

The hairline and graft requirement are agreed, then local anaesthetic is given. No general anaesthetic risk.

02

Strip harvesting

A narrow strip of skin is taken from the permanent donor zone.

03

Closure

Closure using the trichophytic technique. Sutures come out after about 10–14 days.

04

Processing & placement

In parallel, the units are dissected under the microscope and placed one by one into the recipient channels.

Who it suits

Wenn Menge and density decide

Advanced hair loss

When large areas need filling and a high graft count is required in one session.

Limited donor area

Strip harvesting makes especially efficient use of the permanent zone when donor hair is limited.

Longer hairstyle

As long as you do not wear the back of your hair very short, the linear scar stays completely hidden day to day.

Combined with FUE

The two techniques combine well, making donor reserves last across several sessions.

Side by side

FUT and FUE compared side by side

FUT
FUE
Harvesting
A strip of skin from the back of the head
Individual units, 0.7–0.8 mm punch
Processing
Microscopic, protected immediately
Immediately after single-unit harvesting
Scar
A narrow linear scar, grown through with hair
Tiny dots, barely visible
Grafts per session
Especially high
High, scales well
Kurze Frisur
Longer hair recommended
No restrictions
Donor area healing
Sutures out after about 10–14 days
A few days, no sutures

Choosing between FUE and FUT comes down to several things: donor density, how extensive the hair loss is, the hairstyle you want and how the loss is likely to progress. Each has real advantages and real trade-offs. We work out which suits you best together, in person.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Trichophytic closure keeps the scar as narrow as it can be, and hair grows through the closed line so that longer hair generally hides it. That said, FUT cannot be done entirely without a scar.

FUT yields a very high number of grafts in a single sitting, which makes it the natural choice when a large area needs covering. In many cases, combining both techniques makes good sense.

Yes. It combines very well with PRP, mesotherapy, Regenera Activa or Seffihair® to further support graft survival and hair quality. We agree the right combination with you at the consultation.

The procedure is done as an outpatient under local anaesthetic. The donor area can feel tight for the first few days, which ordinary painkillers control well.

The transplanted hairs shed after a few weeks, a normal part of the hair cycle. New growth usually begins at three to four months, with the final result at around twelve.

Consultation

Your method
we decide together.

FUT is a proven and effective option, whether it is the right one for you is something we establish in person. Your needs lead the conversation.

Arrange an appointment
Dr Sussan Rosenthal, MD · Hair Transplantation · derma utoquai
Utoquai 39 · 8008 Zurich · +41 44 268 22 50