Strip Hair Transplant Method

Whether discussing the Strip Method or FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method of hair transplantation, the key difference lies in the technique used to harvest hair from the donor area—not in how the grafts are placed in the recipient area, such as the hairline, upper scalp, eyebrows, or beard. Both methods aim to achieve the same result, but the critical distinction is in how the grafts are harvested.

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Strip Hair Transplant Procedures

The Strip Hair Transplant Method can be used interchangeably with the term Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). AZ Hair Restoration provides both FUT and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) techniques. FUT and FUE have individual strengths and weaknesses that are very important to become familiar with BEFORE proceeding with hair transplantation. FUT involves harvesting hair and underlying tissue from a donor site, usually located on the back or sides of the scalp, creating FU grafts, and then transplanting them to areas where hair loss has occurred.

Dr. Arthur Zacco has refined the traditional FUT method by also creating Linear Multiple Follicular Unit (MFU) grafts to produce improved hair density behind the hairline. If the hair transplant involves the hairline, beard, mustache, or eyebrows, standard Follicular Unit (FU) grafts are used to produce a feathered natural appearance. The FUT method has much less transection of follicles compared to FUE: about 1/10 the transaction rate as the FUE technique. This makes the strip method more efficient and effective for a hair transplantation that requires the most follicles.

Examples where FUT would be more effective are: thinning in the crown/back which usually continues to enlarge as men age, hair thinning simultaneously in the front and back usually requires multiple hair transplants. In these examples, the FUE would run out of donor area BEFORE the hair restoration goal is achieved. If hair in the crown/back continue to thin after a hair transplantation, one is left with a tuft of hair in the crown surrounded by balding area which appears unusual. The FUT can ultimately move about 3-4 times more follicles than the FUE tech.

The Strip method is much more efficient than the FUE method. Only the FUT or Strip method should be utilized when large areas or the crown is transplanted. The Crown should not be transplanted using the FUE method as this will result in running out of donor hair, referred to as Over-Harvesting. The FUT technique is much better than the FUE technique at moving a lot of hair and/or transplanting the crown. It is rare to run out of donor area or produce over-harvesting when using the FUT technique. Over harvesting and the running out of donor tissue is much more common with the FUE technique.

MFU grafts that are good at producing density can only be obtained using the Strip technique. It is important to note that using the Strip/ FUT method or the FUE method, the scar will not be seen if the hair is worn long enough. This would be clippers set at 2 or 3 for Strip / FUT and 1 or 2 with FUE.

The Process of Strip Hair Transplant

The strip method begins with surgically removing a thin strip of hair and its tiny supportive structures (sebaceous glands, sudoriferous glands, and follicles) from the donor area. This strip usually measures between 1 and 1.5 centimeters in width and can vary in length depending on the laxity of the skin and the number of grafts needed.

The donor area is then sutured closed, and the scalp strip is then slivered and cut into individual follicular units and multiple follicular unit grafts using binocular/stereo microscopes. Each follicular unit (FU) typically contains one to four hair follicles; each multiple follicular unit (MFU) graft includes two to four follicular units.

Dr. Zacco’s technique of using linear MFU grafts involves cutting grafts the same width as a standard FU graft but with two to three times the length. Gone are the days of large plugs with this more innovative approach, which more efficiently utilizes donor tissue. By grouping multiple follicular units closely together, Dr. Zacco maximizes hair density while maintaining your hair’s natural growth pattern.

This method allows for the transplantation of more hair follicles in a single session, making it ideal for patients with extensive balding or who desire more hair density. By carefully placing FU grafts in the hairline for a natural, feathered appearance and positioning MFU grafts behind the hairline to increase hair density, Dr. Zacco ensures a natural-looking hairline with enhanced density in the areas behind it. This achieves an optimal appearance throughout the recipient area.

Scarring and Concealment

One of the common concerns of laypeople with the strip method is the linear scar left in the donor area. Both FUE and Strip Hair Transplantation (HT) produce scars. The FUE method produces more scar tissue than Strip or FUT HTs, but shorter hair can hide the scarring. However, since the FUE method produces more scar tissue, it is usually limited to only one large HT or two medium hair transplants.

The Strip HT method can have up to 5 hair transplants before the scar becomes problematic. The previous scar can be removed with every hair transplant if done by an expert hair restoration physician. With the FUE scar, it is there for life and can never be removed. The scar tissue is additive with every FUE procedure, making it problematic after the 2nd FUE HT. That is why the FUE HT should be avoided when there is even minimal hair loss currently or anticipated in both the front and the crown (large surface area).

However, Dr. Zacco’s expertise ensures this scar is minimal and strategically placed so the surrounding hair can easily conceal it. Strip and FUT scarring can be hidden for most patients, with hair worn at a #3 or #4 clipper setting length. FUE scars can usually be hidden for most patients, with hair worn at a #2 clipper setting length. Additionally, the sutures or staples used to close the incision of the strip can also be concealed for most patients immediately after the procedure. The sutures or staples are typically removed eight days after the procedure.

FUE does not require sutures or staples, making it a suitable option for individuals with minimal hair loss both now and in the future, particularly those who prefer to wear their hair very short. However, for most patients, the Strip Hair Transplant (FUT) tends to be the better choice. Notably, the scars from both methods CAN BE EFFECTIVELY CONCEALED!

Ideal Candidates for the Strip Hair Transplants

The Strip method is particularly beneficial for individuals with significant hair loss currently and those who anticipate future hair loss. This is why the FUT/strip method is the procedure of choice for those 20-40 years old, because future hair loss is difficult, if not impossible, to predict.

Significantly more hair follicles can be moved with the FUT/Strip procedure than with the FUE procedure. This is true per hair transplantation, and the total follicles moved during one’s lifetime. The Strip method (FUT) can transfer about 2.5 to 3 times more follicular units per hair transplantation than the FUE procedure.

Furthermore, about 2.5 to 3 times more follicular units can be moved throughout one’s lifetime using the Strip method compared to the FUE method. Those who don’t wish to wear their hair very short, clippers set #0-#2, are also ideal candidates for the Strip method (FUT).

It is also a preferred choice for those who are not suitable candidates for Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) due to insufficient donor hair or other medical conditions. Patients willing to have a linear scar and can tolerate a slightly extended recovery period also find this method the most advantageous compared to any other hair restoration method.

Advantages of Linear MFU Grafts

By utilizing Linear Multiple Follicular Unit (MFU) grafts, Dr. Arthur Zacco can transplant a higher volume of hair, providing more density in each session. By doing this, Dr. Zacco reduces the number of sessions needed to achieve full coverage and enhances the density and natural appearance of the transplanted hair.

The ability to move more hair per session enables patients to achieve their desired results more quickly and with fewer surgical interventions. Follicular Unit grafts produce a light feathered appearance, while Linear MFU grafts provide an appearance of greater hair density.

Consultation and Personalized Treatment Plans

By utilizing Linear Multiple Follicular Unit (MFU) grafts, Dr. Arthur Zacco can transplant a higher volume of hair, providing more density in each session. By doing this, Dr. Zacco reduces the number of sessions needed to achieve full coverage and enhances the density and natural appearance of the transplanted hair.

The ability to move more hair per session enables patients to achieve their desired results more quickly and with fewer surgical interventions. Follicular Unit grafts produce a light feathered appearance, while Linear MFU grafts provide an appearance of greater hair density.

Aftercare and Recovery

Proper post-surgery care is crucial for the success of the strip hair transplant. Dr. Arthur Zacco will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage the recovery process. Instructions include:

Guidelines on how to care for the donor and recipient areas.
Medications to manage pain and prevent infection.
Tips for promoting optimal healing and hair growth.

Most patients can return to normal activities within a week, although strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks to allow proper healing.

Long-term Results

The results of the strip hair transplant typically last a lifetime. Once the transplanted hair starts to grow, it will continue to grow naturally for a lifetime. Patients can expect new hair growth within three to four months post-surgery, with full results appearing after about a year. The transplanted hair will integrate seamlessly with the existing hair, providing a natural and youthful appearance.

FUE vs Strip Hair Transplant Method

Both the Strip Hair Transplant Method (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) are effective techniques for hair restoration, but they differ in several key aspects:

Harvesting Technique:
- Strip Method (FUT): This method involves removing a strip of tissue from the donor area, which is then dissected under a microscope into follicular and multiple follicular unit grafts. It allows for the harvesting of a large number of grafts in a single session. This technique better preserves the donor tissue and allows for about 2-3 times more transplantable follicles than the FUE technique. This is important when there is a large area of hair transplantation or future hair loss is anticipated, which has to be considered in people in their 20s and 30s.
- FUE: Involves extracting individual follicular units directly from the donor region employing a specialized punch tool. Unfortunately, with the FUE harvesting technique, MFU grafts are not obtainable.
Scarring:
- Strip Method (FUT): This method leaves a linear scar that can be concealed by surrounding hair. A haircut with clippers set at #3 clipper length can hide a linear scar. The scar can be removed during consecutive procedures. Thus, the patient is left with only one linear scar, even after undergoing a second and third strip hair transplantation.
- FUE: Produces hundreds to thousands of round 0.9mm diameter scars that can be hidden by a haircut with clippers set at #1 or #2. Unlike the strip method, the FUE scars can not be removed with repeated hair transplants. Thus, the number of scars is compounded in every procedure, limiting the number of hair transplants the donor area can tolerate.
Recovery Time:
- Strip Method (FUT): This method typically involves a slightly longer recovery period due to the linear incision. Sutures or staples are removed after 8-12 days.
- FUE: Generally offers a quicker recovery time and does not require sutures or staples.
Ideal Candidates:
- Strip Method (FUT): This method is best suited for patients with significant hair loss who need a large number of grafts. It’s also preferred for those with insufficient donor hair for FUE.
- FUE is ideal for patients who require fewer grafts and have adequate donor area density. It is also suitable for those who wish to avoid a linear scar.
Procedure Duration:
- Strip Method (FUT): Can transplant a large number of grafts in a single session, making it efficient for extensive hair restoration.
- FUE: Multiple sessions may be required to achieve the same number of grafts as a single FUT session, especially for large areas of hair loss. However, FUE does have a risk of donor depletion after too many sessions.

FUE	FUT	STRIP
Least best method to produce transplanted hair density	Good method for producing transplanted hair density	Best method to produce transplanted hair density
The scarring is less noticeable once healed, and the hair can be worn shorter but no shorter than #2 clippers. There is no lineal scar. However, with a shaved scalp, the scar will look more unusual than the linear scar.	Linear scar. Hair needs to be worn longer in the sides and back to conceal the scar. No shorter than a #3 clippers in the back and sides	Same as FUT
No suture is required	Sutures or staples are required for the donor area only	Same as FUT
Optimal if relatively small number of grafts are required	Optimal if a large number of grafts are required.	Optimal of large number of grafts are required and much density is desired and donor tissue preservation is required. Best for density.
This is one of the latest additions to the field of hair transplantation since the early 2000’s	This is a tried and proven technique in hair transplantation since the 1990’s	Same as FUT
Patients with very curly hair are usually not a good candidate for FUE	Can accommodate any hair type.	Same as FUT
Overall, FUE is about twice the cost	Overall, about ½ the cost of FUE	Same as FUT
More transected follicles than Strip Method	Less transected follicles transplanted compared to FUE method	Least transected of all methods which means more hair growth per cm2 of tissue harvested.

Strip Hair Transplant Method Comparison

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Contact us today at (919) 830-3778 to learn more about the strip hair transplant method and how it can help you regain your hair and confidence. Dr. Zacco and our team are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you take the first step toward a fuller head of hair.

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