FUE (follicular unit extraction) and FUT (follicular unit transplantation, the strip method) both move DHT-resistant follicles from the back and sides, but they harvest differently. FUE extracts follicles one by one, leaving no linear scar (tiny dot scars), with faster recovery and usually a shaved donor area. Its per-graft price tends to be higher.
FUT removes a strip of scalp and dissects the follicles, so it leaves a linear scar, but it can yield more grafts in one session and often costs less per graft. If you wear your hair short, FUE’s scarring is less visible; if you can cover a scar with your hair, FUT’s cost and graft efficiency can be appealing.
Either way, a transplant is not a cure — the moved hair is permanent, but your native hair keeps thinning, so most people still take medication. Always confirm who actually performs the surgery (a surgeon vs unsupervised technicians) and the plan for preserving the donor area.
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FAQ
Is FUE really scar-free?
FUE leaves tiny dot scars instead of a linear one, so it shows less even with short hair. FUT leaves a linear scar at the back that is usually covered by hair. It is more accurate to say the scar type differs than to call FUE "scarless."
Which is better if I need many grafts?
When many grafts are needed in one session, FUT can be efficient and often costs less per graft. But scarring, recovery and your donor area all matter, so decide with your surgeon.
Can I stop medication after a transplant?
No. The transplanted hair persists, but the native hair you did not transplant keeps thinning. To keep a natural result, most people continue medication such as minoxidil or finasteride.
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⚠️ When to see a doctor — don’t self-treat
- Sudden patchy or circular bald spots
- Redness, scaling, pus, pain or itch (possible scarring alopecia — treat urgently)
- Broken hairs or rapid loss
- Loss with body-wide signs (weight loss, fatigue, cycle changes, acne, extra hair)
- Loss right after a new medication
- Any hair loss in a child