Hellenicaesthetics

FUT Strip Scars Restoration

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), also known as the Strip technique, is now considered an outdated method of hair restoration. Its primary disadvantage lies in the permanent linear scar it leaves in the donor area at the back of the scalp. As a result, the FUT technique has seen a significant decline in use in recent years, particularly with the rise of the more advanced FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method. FUE is less invasive, does not involve stitches, and leaves no visible scarring, making it the preferred choice among both patients and surgeons.

It is estimated that 35–40% of patients who currently seek hair transplantation from plastic surgeons or dermatologists have previously undergone one or more FUT (Strip) procedures. Of these individuals, nearly half opt to undergo corrective procedures specifically aimed at improving or concealing the scarring left behind by the original Strip method.

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Strip technique

Patients who underwent FUT

  • 20% have malformed scars after surgery and
  • 40% resort to FUE Hair Transplantation
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Methods for FUT (Strip) Scar Restoration

Restoring the scars left behind by FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) procedures is a highly specialized and technically demanding process. It should only be performed by a skilled and experienced Plastic Surgeon, such as Dr. Anastasios Vekris. There are three primary methods for the correction of FUT scars:

  • Surgical Excision and W-Plasty Closure:

    This involves removing the existing scar tissue and carefully closing the wound using advanced suturing techniques like W-plasty, which helps minimize scar visibility by breaking up the linear appearance of the original scar.

  • FUE Hair Follicle Implantation:

    Hair follicles are harvested from other parts of the scalp or body using the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique and implanted directly into the scar tissue to camouflage the area.

  • Medical Micropigmentation (Scalp Tattoo):

    A specialized medical tattooing procedure that creates the illusion of hair growth by matching the natural scalp color and simulating hair follicles in scarred areas.

FUE Technique for FUT Scar Restoration

Among the available options, the FUE technique stands out as one of the most effective methods for FUT scar repair. It involves extracting healthy hair follicles—typically from the scalp, chest, back, or beard—and implanting them into the scarred region. Because of its minimally invasive nature, FUE offers numerous benefits, including minimal discomfort, rapid recovery, and a swift return to daily activities.

The results are both natural-looking and long-lasting, with visible improvement typically seen between 10 to 12 months after the procedure. In cases where body hair is used, new hair growth may continue to emerge up to 18 months post-treatment.

FUE is not only effective for FUT scar restoration but is also widely used to treat various other types of scarring on the scalp—whether post-surgical, post-traumatic, or due to burns. Its versatility allows for successful restoration in more delicate or cosmetically significant areas as well, such as:

  • Eyebrows
  • Sideburns
  • Beard and moustache
  • Chest and other body areas

At Advanced Hair Clinics, the FUE technique is routinely and successfully applied for scar revision and aesthetic enhancement, providing life-changing results even in cases previously considered untreatable.

Restoration Techniques for Medium to Large FUT Strip Scars

For medium to large FUT/Strip scars, W-plasty combined with trichophytic closure is the recommended restoration technique—provided the surrounding skin has sufficient elasticity. In this method, the existing linear scar is excised in a zig-zag or "W" shape. This approach breaks up the straight scar line, making the final result less visible.

Once the scar is excised, the wound is meticulously sutured layer by layer, starting from the deeper subcutaneous tissues and moving outward to the skin surface. The uppermost layer is closed using the trichophytic closure technique, which allows hair to grow through the scar tissue, thereby camouflaging the final result.

This technique can reduce scar width by up to 80%, resulting in a mark that is nearly imperceptible. The final aesthetic outcome typically becomes apparent 8 to 12 months post-surgery. In select cases, W-plasty may be combined with a hair transplant session to further enhance cosmetic results.

Alternative Option When W-Plasty or FUE Is Not Feasible: Medical Micropigmentation

If W-plasty or FUE is not advisable—due to insufficient skin elasticity, extensive scarring, or patient-specific contraindications—medical micropigmentation (also known as a scalp tattoo) can be used as a non-surgical alternative for improving the aesthetic appearance of the scar.

Micropigmentation involves the application of tiny pigment dots or fine lines that replicate the look of closely cropped hair, effectively camouflaging the scar. This technique does not restore the scar, but it can significantly improve its visual appearance.

  • Key Considerations:

    The procedure should only be performed by certified and experienced medical professionals under sterile conditions.

  • It is conducted under local anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort.
  • Proper pigment selection is essential to avoid allergic reactions or unnatural coloration.
  • Tools must be fully sterilized to prevent infection or cross-contamination.
Limitations and Risks:
  • Micropigmentation requires multiple sessions for optimal results; a single session is rarely sufficient.
  • Over time, pigments may fade or discolor, sometimes turning shades of green or blue, particularly in areas with low hair density or due to sun exposure.
  • The scalp's high blood flow may accelerate pigment breakdown, contributing to inconsistent color over time.
  • Reapplication is often necessary to maintain a natural look.

Despite these limitations, micropigmentation remains a valuable aesthetic option when surgical correction is not possible, offering a non-invasive method to help patients regain confidence.