If you’re researching hair restoration options in La Mesa, chances are you’ve come across the term FUT, or Follicular Unit Transplantation. As the clinic manager here at La Mesa Medical Hair Restoration, I speak with patients every day who are trying to understand the difference between FUT and FUE procedures and which might be right for them.
Here’s what you need to know before scheduling your consultation.
What Is FUT?
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is one of the most established and effective surgical methods for restoring hair. Unlike FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), which removes individual hair follicles, FUT involves removing a small strip of tissue from the back of the scalp. From that strip, our team extracts follicular units under a microscope and implants them into thinning or bald areas of the scalp.
This method is also known as the “strip method” and continues to be a top choice for patients who:
- Need a larger number of grafts in one session
- Want natural-looking density
- Don’t mind a small linear scar that will be hidden by existing hair
Who Is a Good Candidate for FUT?
FUT is ideal for patients who:
- Are in the early to mid-stages of hair loss
- Have a stable donor area at the back of the head
- Prefer maximum graft yield in one session
- Plan to wear their hair longer in the back, which helps conceal the scar
While FUE is often chosen for its lack of visible scarring, FUT is still preferred by many for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, especially for moderate to advanced hair loss.
What’s the Recovery Like?
Recovery from FUT is typically very manageable. Most patients can return to work within a few days, although we recommend avoiding strenuous activity for at least a week.
You may experience:
- Mild soreness or tightness at the donor site
- Swelling or redness in the treated area
- Stitches that are removed after about 10–14 days
We provide detailed post-op instructions and are available every step of the way to monitor healing and answer questions.
What About Scarring?
Yes, FUT leaves a linear scar where the donor strip is removed, but when performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Brandon Ross, the scar is thin and easily covered by surrounding hair. If you’re planning to keep your hair short in the future, we’ll discuss whether FUE or ARTAS® robotic FUE might be a better fit for your goals.
Final Thoughts
Both FUT and FUE have their place in modern hair restoration. The best procedure for you depends on your hair type, goals, budget, and timeline. That’s why we always start with a free, no-pressure consultation. Dr. Ross personally evaluates every patient to recommend the approach that will deliver long-lasting, natural results.
If you’re considering a FUT hair transplant in La Mesa, we’d be happy to walk you through your options and show you real results from patients just like you.
