Follicular Unit Transplantation in Edinburgh
FUT hair transplantation removes a narrow strip of donor scalp, which is carefully divided into individual follicular-unit grafts before transplantation into the planned recipient area.
FUT can be considered for selected patients where donor characteristics, scalp laxity, graft requirements, hairstyle and acceptance of a permanent linear donor scar make it appropriate.
Understanding strip surgery
Follicular Unit Transplantation is a hair-transplant technique where a strip of hair-bearing scalp is surgically removed from the donor area. The strip is then divided into individual grafts for implantation.
The planned donor strip is removed from a suitable area, normally at the back of the scalp. The donor wound is closed, producing a linear scar.
The donor tissue is carefully dissected into follicular units, which are then implanted into recipient sites according to the treatment design.
Surgeon-led consultation
Tell us which area you would like to improve. The Edinburgh clinic team will contact you about arranging an individual assessment.
Individual donor assessment
FUT suitability depends on donor density, scalp laxity, scar-healing history, treatment requirements, hairstyle preferences, medical history and acceptance of a permanent linear scar.
Donor and scar planning
The movement and flexibility of the donor scalp influence whether a strip can be removed and closed appropriately.
Follicular-unit density and hair characteristics affect the amount of usable tissue and visual coverage.
Previous wound healing, raised scars and existing FUT scars should be reviewed before treatment.
Donor planning should consider possible future hair loss and whether additional surgery may later be required.
Surgeon-led planning
Dr Kalra assesses the hair-loss pattern, donor density, scalp laxity, existing scars, hair characteristics, medical history and proposed treatment area.
Consultation should compare FUT with FUE, DHI and appropriate non-surgical options rather than assuming strip surgery is suitable for every patient.
The written treatment plan should explain the intended donor-strip position, closure method, expected scar, graft estimate, treatment design, risks, recovery and total cost.
Treatment stages
The precise procedure depends on the donor area, scalp laxity, graft requirement, treatment area, medical history and individual surgical plan.
Hair loss, donor density, scalp laxity, scars and treatment goals are reviewed.
The hairline, frontal area, temples, crown or combined areas are planned.
The planned donor and recipient areas are numbed for the procedure.
A narrow section of hair-bearing donor scalp is surgically removed.
The donor wound is closed using an appropriate suturing or stapling method.
Prepared follicular-unit grafts are implanted into the planned recipient sites.
Compare techniques
The appropriate technique depends on donor supply, scalp characteristics, graft requirements, preferred hairstyle, scarring preferences and long-term treatment planning.
A strip of donor scalp is removed and divided into individual follicular-unit grafts.
Individual follicular units are extracted directly from the donor area using small punches.
DHI generally uses FUE-style extraction with graft placement through an implanter device.
Donor-scar considerations
FUT leaves a permanent linear scar where the donor strip was removed.
Scar width, colour, texture and visibility differ between patients.
Sufficient hair length is usually required to conceal the donor scar.
Further strip surgery can alter or widen an existing donor scar.
Donor-wound healing and growth
FUT recovery includes healing of both the implanted recipient area and the linear donor wound. Individual recovery and growth vary.
Tightness, tenderness, swelling, redness and recipient-area scabs may occur.
The donor wound and closure should be reviewed according to the clinic’s instructions.
Some implanted hairs may shed before later growth becomes visible.
Hair thickness and visual density continue developing over later months.
Personalised quotation
FUT cost should be confirmed after an assessment of the donor area, scalp laxity, treatment area, graft requirement and complexity of the individual surgical plan.
Patient feedback
Read patient feedback about consultation, communication, treatment-day organisation, recovery support and aftercare.
Edinburgh city-centre clinic
Common patient questions
FUT stands for Follicular Unit Transplantation. A strip of donor scalp is removed and divided into individual follicular-unit grafts.
Yes. FUT creates a permanent linear scar in the donor area. Its width, colour, texture and visibility vary between patients.
The strip is normally taken from a suitable area at the back of the scalp after donor density and scalp laxity have been assessed.
The donor wound requires surgical closure. The exact closure method depends on the surgeon’s treatment plan and the individual patient.
Neither technique is automatically better. Suitability depends on donor characteristics, graft requirements, scars, hairstyle and long-term planning.
Selected patients may be suitable, but existing scars, donor supply, scalp laxity and previous graft extraction must be assessed.
Some transplanted hairs may shed before gradual new growth develops. Timing, density and maturation vary between patients.
Cost depends on the treatment area, estimated graft requirement, donor characteristics, surgical complexity and aftercare.
No. Graft survival, growth, density, wound healing, scarring and final appearance vary between patients.
Related information
Start with an assessment
Discuss your donor density, scalp laxity, existing scars, treatment area, graft requirements, linear-scarring implications, costs, recovery and realistic expectations before deciding whether FUT is suitable.
