Two of the most common methods to perform a hair transplant are known as FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). Both techniques will leave some level of scarring on the scalp.
FUT for a majority of hair restoration clinics is considered to be the older of the two methods and some clinics consider FUT to be obsolete. FUT also known as “Strip Method” is performed when a Surgeon cuts a strip of skin from the back and sides of your head (Donor Area) and extracts the follicles individually from the strip of skin. After the strip of skin is taken from the donor area, the strip is then sutured closed leaving a surgical strip scar.
FUT is not the favored method today as you will be left with a noticeable scar if you were to ever shave your head later in life. This method may be suggested by a surgeon if a maximum number of grafts are needed to obtain the best coverage in the balding area or if FUE grafts have been exhausted.
SMP on Strip Scar – FUT
(Work performed by Dermimatch Hair Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona).
FUE is considered the “Gold Standard” and the preferred method of performing hair restoration surgery. Unlike FUT, this method does not extract a strip of skin from the donor area thus; it does not leave a strip scar. Some clinics have referred to this method as “Scar-less” which is misleading to say the least. FUT utilizes a small extraction punch to extract individual hair follicles from the back and sides of the head (Donor Area). These punches leave small dot scars across the donor area. If done in a strategic pattern over a broad portion of the donor area, these scars are much less notable and the hair can be kept shorter or oftentimes even buzzed.
SMP on FUE
(Work performed by Dermimatch Hair Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona).
SMP is an excellent solution to help conceal these scars. Unfortunately SMP is not a miracle solution and it does not address the scar texture differences of healthy tissue. This means if your scar is raised or indented you will need to seek other solutions in addition to SMP for the best results. Some of these solutions are scar revisions (Your transplant Doctor will usually do this at no cost), laser skin resurfacing Laser Skin Resurfacing Types, Conditions It Treats, Complications, and More (webmd.com) , micro-needling Microneedling: Benefits, side effects, and risks (medicalnewstoday.com) , fillers and steroid injections (See your local Dermatologist).