FUT vs. FUE: Why FUE Is the Preferred Hair Restoration Method

FUT vs. FUE: Why FUE Is the Preferred Hair Restoration Method

When deciding between Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), patients consistently choose FUE for its modern advantages and superior outcomes.

What is FUE?

What is FUE?

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) removes individual hair follicles one by one, avoiding a linear incision. That means no visible strip scar, ideal for men and women who want to wear short hairstyles. In contrast, FUT requires cutting a strip of scalp, leaving a permanent linear scar .

Faster Recovery, Less Discomfort

  • FUE involves minimal trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in less postoperative pain, quicker healing, and a smoother recovery experience.

  • Because FUE is less invasive, most patients are back to normal activities sooner than with FUT.

Natural-Looking Results

  • With FUE, each follicle can be placed precisely—in natural angles and densities—yielding seamless, natural hairlines and soft transitions.

  • It’s easier to blend results with surrounding hair and avoid any “pluggy” appearance.

No Linear Scar Means More Flexibility

  • Unlike FUT, FUE avoids the large donor strip scar, making it ideal for short hairstyles or body hair harvesting when scalp donor tissue is limited.

Accessibility to Multiple Donor Zones

  • FUE can harvest follicles from wider areas—including nape of the neck, beard, chest—allowing more flexibility in planning extraction without relying solely on scalp donor tissue.

Technological Integration & Standard of Care

  • FUE performs over 75% of hair transplants today per the ISHRS, benefiting from robotic and device-assisted precision (e.g. ARTAS).

  • It has evolved into a gold-standard approach supported by modern practices and advanced instrumentation (used in techniques like Microprecision Follicular Grafting®).

Comparable Cost with Greater Benefit

  • While FUE used to be more costly, pricing has tended to equalize with FUT. Today there’s virtually no longer a cost disadvantage to choosing FUE .

  • Considering faster recovery, fewer limitations, and better aesthetics, FUE offers a higher value overall.

What is FUT?

What is FUT?

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), also known as the strip method, involves removing a small strip of scalp from the back or sides of the head. 

  • Single-session bulk grafting: FUT can yield more grafts per session, which might benefit patients needing high volume and with less concern for scarring.

  • Tight scalps or limited donor zones: In rare cases where other donor areas are inadequate, FUT may still be an option.

  • Existing preferences: FUT may be relevant for patients who have had successful FUT procedures before and wish to continue.

That said, FUT comes with drawbacks such as a linear scar requiring longer-wearing hair to conceal and longer, more painful recovery due to the strip excision.

Why We Specialize in FUE?

Which Procedure is Right for You?

At our clinic, FUE is our go‑to technique—we’ve refined it into Microprecision Follicular Grafting®, delivering

  • Tiny dot scars, virtually invisible even with very short haircuts.

  • Maximized graft survival, thanks to precision extraction and high-yield handling.

  • Tailored artistry, with each follicle placed for the most natural hairline and hair density.

Our board-certified surgeons, including Dr. Sharon Keene, are global experts in FUE-based restoration, offering unmatched consistency and aesthetic precision .

Bottom Line

FUE is the modern, minimally invasive, flexible choice that delivers natural results, faster healing, and greater stylistic freedom. Given today’s advancements in technique and extraction technology—even cost parity—it’s the method of choice for most patients and experts alike.