Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) via Strip Excision

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) via Strip Excision is a more traditional method. Like FIT, it is a highly effective in relocating scalp hair from the donor area to the balding and thinning areas. With FUT/Strip, Dr. Mwamba uses a single-bladed scalpel to remove a long and narrow ellipse of hair bearing tissue from the donor area. The wound is closed with a double layer, and surrounding hair can be combed over the incision immediately after the surgery.

The removed tissue is silvered and dissected into individual follicular unit grafts. As with FIT grafts, strip grafts are placed snuggly into small incisions over balding and thinning areas. The advantage of FUT/Strip over FIT is that upwards of 3,000 grafts can be harvesting in a single day. The disadvantage of Strip is that is leaves a narrow scar in the donor zone. The scarring is easily camouflaged with surrounding hair, but this may be a deterrent for patients who desire a buzzed look in the back.