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Understanding the Harvesting Techniques in Hair Transplant
Last Updated: 6 Nov 2025
FUT stands for Follicular Unit Transplant. The technique was first described in 1984, when individual hair follicles resistant to the thinning effect of DHT (Dihydrotesterone) are transferred from one area (Donor Site) to another (Recipient Site).
The Recipient Areas can be any part of the body, usually the balding scalp, eyebrow, beard, chest, or even pubic areas. FUT is also known as:
As it involves the surgical removal of a narrow strip of hair-bearing skin tissue from the back and sides of the scalp. This piece of tissue is then dissected under microscopes into smaller grafts. The grafts are then meticulously planted into skin pockets ( the slits ).
Some centers called it Follicular Unit Strip Excision ( FUSE ) but this name is not popular.
In 2008 we had one year apprenticeship with Dr Damkerng Pathomvanich, learning his personal FUT technique known as “Open Technique”. While working as a Plastic Surgeon in America, he learned FUT from Dr Stough ( Little Rock, USA ). After returning to Thailand he modified the technique to cater for the Asians hair. He was the authors of 2 textbooks that focus on Hair Transplant in Asians. He received two Gold Follicle Awards from both ISHRS and AAHRS for his achievement.
“Megasession and Gigasession” are first described by Dr Jerry Wong of Canada. More than 5,000 grafts can be transplanted in one single session to achieve a large area coverage for patients with advanced hair loss.
“Mixed Follicular Unit Transplant” was first described by Dr Vinc Elliot of Canada. He combined both single follicular units ( SFU ) and double follicular units ( DFU ) – SFU-grafts are used exclusively to create the hairline while DFU-grafts are placed in key areas for density.
We have been providing hair transplannt for doctors, lawyers, CEO, professors, or even judge of the High Court. FUT is the best option to cater for their special requirements:
Scar formation is unpredictable. Invisible scar cannot be guaranteed in all cases. Over the years hair transplant surgeons have tried many methods to achieve the “invisible” scar in the donor area. The followings are the 3 techniques we use to minimize donor scar:
Transection is the accidental damage to the hair follicle by sharp blade during harvesting and graft cutting. To survive, the mid-portion (contains stem cells) must be intact. To compensate for wasted graft a wider strip must be excised. The increase of few minimeter can make a big difference to the wound closing tension. Smaller strip means lesser scar, so we reduce strip size by:
FUE-HD is one of such technique variations to overcome the drawbacks of traditional FUE. “HD” stands for High Density. We combined and modified the European and USA FUE techniques to accommodate for high density implantation. The incisons are smaller with less bleeding and trauma to the recipient site. This markedly reduces the downtime, and patients can resume normal activities just after a few days. Our system also combines the latest bio-technology.
This technique create mechanical creep for tension free closure, and allows close approximation of wound edges. It has been used in abdominal surgery for decades. Dr Pathomvanich (Thailand) adopted the technique into donor wound closure.
Satisfactory results have been observed in more than 1,000 cases. Stitches can be removed as early as day 5. No unsightly stitch marks were left in most cases. Even tight wound can be closed without tension. This technique leaves no buried stitches so there is less tissue reaction and better scar formation.
Sutures should be kept long enough for proper healing. Forceful or jerky movement of the neck should be avoided for the first 4 weeks. Topical Silicone, Vitamin C preparation and steroid have all been advocated.
The FUE + FUT Combo technique combines Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) in a single or staged procedure. It is a strategic approach used when maximum graft yield is required while preserving donor area integrity.
Instead of relying on one method alone, this combination leverages the strengths of both techniques to achieve better coverage, density, and long-term flexibility.
The FUE + FUT Combo is an advanced surgical plan best performed by an experienced team. At our clinic, we tailor this approach for suitable patients to ensure maximum graft survival, natural results, and future flexibility.
FUT (Strip) First : A strip of scalp is removed from the back of the head, and grafts are dissected under a microscope. This leaves a fine linear scar.
FUE Harvesting Next : Additional grafts are extracted from around the strip zone using a small punch. The distribution is carefully planned to avoid overharvesting.
Graft Placement : All grafts are placed in the recipient area using the same method, regardless of how they were harvested.
This should be done in one day to minimize surgical risks and patients’ discomfort.
This technique is best suited for:
conditions of use
Information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be interpreted as promotional material or as claims of superiority over other techniques or providers.
Individual results may vary, and no outcome can be guaranteed. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about medical treatment.
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Our practice adheres to guidelines established by leading international organizations in Hair Restoration.
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is the leading global medical association that establishes international practice standards and patient safety protocols.
The American Board of Hair restoration Surgery represents the highest standard. To maintain rigorous certification requirements the physician must demonstrate surgical expertise.
Worls FUE InstituteI serves as the premier educational body focused exclusively on Follicular Unit Extraction methodology. The institute ensures consistent application of safe FUE.
