Treatment Overview
The FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) or Strip Harvest Method is a traditional yet highly effective hair restoration technique that involves removing a thin strip of scalp from the donor area, typically from the back of the head, where hair is genetically resistant to balding.
The strip is then divided into individual follicular units and transplanted into thinning or balding areas.
In Korea, surgeons perform FUT using refined microsurgical tools and microscope-assisted graft preparation, ensuring minimal scarring, high graft survival, and dense, natural coverage.
Purpose & Benefits
The FUT method is designed to restore large areas of hair loss in a single session while maintaining graft integrity.
Key benefits include:
- High graft yield and density per session
- Long-lasting, natural hair growth
- Cost-effective compared to FUE for extensive baldness
- Shorter surgery time for large coverage
- Permanent results using your natural hair
Ideal Candidates
FUT (Strip Harvest) is ideal for:
- Men with advanced hair loss (Norwood Type IV–VII)
- Individuals requiring high graft counts (2000–4000 grafts) in one procedure
- Those with good scalp laxity (flexible donor area)
- Patients less concerned about a small linear scar at the back of the head
- Individuals seeking maximum density and full coverage in one session
Possible Risks & Complications
Although FUT is safe and widely practiced, some minor side effects may occur:
- Linear donor scar (usually well hidden under existing hair)
- Mild swelling or tightness in the donor area for a few days
- Temporary numbness or tenderness
- Minor scabbing in recipient area during healing
Korean clinics use trichophytic closure techniques to minimize scarring, and most scars heal as thin, faint lines invisible under short hair.
Techniques & Technology Used
Korean surgeons have refined FUT to combine traditional strip harvesting with modern micro-surgical precision.
Technologies include:
- Microscope-assisted graft dissection to preserve follicle health
- Trichophytic closure for near-invisible donor scars
- Stereomicroscopic graft preparation for high survival rate
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy to enhance healing and regrowth
- 3D hairline design systems for natural distribution and direction
These innovations ensure Korea’s FUT results rival — and often exceed — international standards.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Consultation & Planning:
Comprehensive scalp analysis and density mapping to plan graft distribution.
Step 2 – Donor Strip Extraction:
A narrow strip of scalp (usually 1–1.5 cm wide) is removed from the donor zone under local anesthesia.
Step 3 – Graft Preparation:
The donor strip is dissected into individual follicular units under a microscope.
Step 4 – Recipient Site Creation:
Tiny incisions are made following natural hair angles and direction.
Step 5 – Implantation:
Follicular units are delicately placed into the recipient area for natural density.
Step 6 – Closure & Post-Care:
The donor area is closed with fine sutures using trichophytic technique, and PRP may be applied to promote healing.
The procedure typically lasts 5–7 hours, depending on graft count.
Recovery & After-Care
Recovery after FUT takes slightly longer than FUE but remains straightforward and comfortable.
Typical recovery timeline:
- Day 1–3: Mild swelling or tightness around donor area
- Day 5–7: Scabs start to flake off naturally
- Day 10–14: Sutures removed, redness fades
- Month 3–4: Visible new hair growth begins
After-care guidelines:
- Avoid washing hair for 48 hours
- Use only prescribed shampoo after 3 days
- Avoid bending or heavy lifting for 1 week
- Protect scalp from sun exposure for 2 weeks
Results & Longevity
Visible regrowth begins around 3–4 months, with full results achieved by 10–12 months.
The transplanted hair behaves like natural hair — it can be cut, styled, and colored.
Results are permanent, as transplanted follicles retain their genetic resistance to hair loss.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea combines medical expertise, artistic design, and advanced surgical tools to deliver exceptional FUT results.
Why international patients choose Korea:
- Highly skilled surgeons with years of FUT experience
- Advanced trichophytic closure for minimal scars
- High-density results with superior graft survival
- Competitive pricing with luxury clinical environments
- Comprehensive medical tourism support (translation, transportation, post-care)
Cost Range
The cost of FUT Hair Transplant (Strip Harvest) in Korea typically ranges from USD 1,800 – 4,000, depending on:
- Number of grafts (usually 2000–4000)
- Surgeon’s expertise
- Clinic reputation and added therapies (like PRP or laser healing)
Popular Clinics in Korea
- ID Hospital – Renowned for large-scale FUT and natural hairline reconstruction
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic – Specializes in high-density FUT with PRP support
- Forhair Korea – Uses microscope-assisted strip dissection for superior graft quality
- Moohan Clinic – Offers women-focused FUT and scar-minimizing trichophytic closures
