Follicular Unit Extraction or Strip for Hair Transplant?

For over 10 years, follicular unit grafting (FUG) which is the strip procedure has been the gold standard. Over the past 3 years, follicular unit extraction (FUE) has grown in popularity, and it now constitutes around 20% of the hair procedures I perform. FUE has one main advantage- the absence of any linear donor site scar, thus permitting the patient to shave his head if desired. The downsides of the FUE procedure are several: typically a lower percentage of hair regrowth (for most... more

Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages.  Below are the pros and cons of each: Follicular Unit Extraction pros no linear scar on the back of the head almost limitless donor especially if body hair can be used cons time intensive sometimes requiring several days to complete  a large case lower individual graft survival rate (75% vs 90%) cost usually 50% higher per graft Follicular Unit Grafting pros more... more

It totally depends on the type and quality of donor hair. The most important event of a hair transplant is not how the donor hair is harvested. It is really the judgement and artistry of the doctor in inserting and designing a natural hairline. I think too much has been made about how donor hair is harvested . If a strip donor site is properly closed a scar can be minimal. If a FUE procedure is done with too many donor grafts too close together one can... more

Both procedures produce excellent results. It basically comes down to personal preference.  The strip method has been around longer and is the most common method of hair transplantation. The benefits are you can move more hair per procedure at a lower cost and the outcome is remarkable. The only negative I see is you are left with a linear scar in the donor site, which is typically not recognizable unless you shave your head. Benefits of FUE's would be in the donor... more

Hi there- There is a great new technique available in a few areas of the country (including our Orlando Plastic Surgery, Skin Care, and Hair Restoration Center) called the Neograft, that allows Follicular Unit Extraction WITHOUT a linear scar on the back of your head. We are incredibly impressed with the procedure, the easier recovery, and the outcomes. Our patients are incredibly happy. Find a qualified doctor near you skilled in the Neograft technique. You'll be glad... more

If you anticipate the need to keep an overall shorter hair style, then you want to avoid the linear scar that would necesarily result from Follicular Unit Strip Surgery ( FUSS ). It would make sense to do Follicular Unit Extraction ( FUE ) instead. If you already have a strip scar from prior surgery or never anticipate keeping a short hair cut, then FUSS could be considered. I am of the opinion that FUSS is perhaps too too invasive a method for procedures involving less than 500 grafts. more

It depends on the bald area that needs coverage. It also depends on the surgeon. Concerning the area, small areas (i.e. patches) may only need a few hundred grafts and obtaining the hair by FUE may be a very reasonable method. If there is a large area of bald scalp that needs coverage then I am of the opinion that obtaining a strip is a better method and yields more grafts. In my hands I can get more viable grafts with a strip method than the FUE method. Hope this was helpful.... more

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) is a process where a thin strip of hair is taken from a donor site on the scalp and the donor site is surgically closed. Hair from above the incision covers the area so that the scar is not visible. The donor strip is then placed under a microscope and dissected into individual follicular units of one to four hairs. Recipient sites are created with a small instrument and individual follicular units are placed into these tiny openings.This process... more

Follicular unit extraction and strip harvesting are both legitimate methods of harvesting hair for follicular unit grafting. The best method will depend on your needs, your budget, and your ability to deal with scars vs. thinning. FUE will necessarily thin the area that is harvested, require longer sessions to obtain large numbers of grafts, and have a significantly higher cost. Strip harvesting will leave a scar but this is easily covered by the hair in the back of the scalp, is currently... more

The most efficient way to harvest from the donor area is to take a strip of hair-bearing scalp and cut this into individual follicular units. Many years ago some surgeons would take a strip of scalp and move this intact piece to the bald area, but the results were inconsistent. I don't know any surgeons who use this technique today.

 The doctor takes a strip of scalp and cuts if into tiny follicular units of 1-3 hairs and plants these in tiny cuts made in the bald scalp.

FUE Requires experienced surgeon More expensive No incision Strip Larger procedures Traditional technique Incision ( and stitches)