FUE and FUT are the two ways grafts are taken from the back of the head, and most clinic pages push one and ignore the other. A fair comparison has to include what FUT does better, because for some patients it is the right choice. Here is how the two methods differ according to the NHS and the ISHRS, and which one our packages use.
Quick summary: In FUT a strip of skin is removed from the back of the head and divided into grafts, which leaves a linear scar; in FUE, grafts are removed one by one. The ISHRS lists real advantages of FUT, including no shaving and the ability to move a very large number of grafts, and notes that many patients report less post-operative pain after FUE. Our packages are FUE Sapphire (€1,990 without flights) and DHI (€2,175), and Dr. Merdan Çelik, MD personally performs the incisions, the extraction and the implantation.
What Is the Difference Between FUE and FUT?
The NHS describes the two methods. In FUT, also called the strip method, a thin strip of skin with hair is removed from the back of the head and divided into pieces, each containing one to four hairs, and the site is closed with stitches. In FUE, the back of the head is shaved and individual hairs are removed one by one. In both, the grafts are then placed into tiny cuts in the scalp.
What Are the Advantages of FUT?
The ISHRS says FUT may be advantageous for certain patients in certain situations, and lists several advantages:
- No shaving is needed, which matters for people who wear their hair long.
- It can move a very large number of grafts.
- Surgery time is faster than FUE.
- It avoids the over-harvesting concern that applies to FUE, where grafts are taken one by one from a wider area.
- It is cheaper than FUE in most cases.
We think a patient should hear these before choosing a clinic that only offers one method.
What Are the Trade-Offs?
The NHS notes that FUT leaves a scar on the back of the head, which should not be visible unless the hair is cut very short. FUE avoids that linear scar, but the back of the head is shaved. The ISHRS also notes that many patients have reported less post-operative pain following FUE compared with FUT. The right choice depends on how short you plan to wear your hair, how many grafts you need, your donor density and your priorities. A clinic that asks about these before recommending a method is a good sign.
Which Method Does Global Health Hair Use?
Our packages are FUE Sapphire at €1,990 and DHI at €2,175, both without flights and fixed whatever the number of grafts. If you are weighing FUT against FUE, we can explain how our methods compare for your case, and you can compare our price with what a FUT clinic quotes. For the difference between our two techniques, see FUE vs DHI.
Who Performs the Surgery?
Whichever method you choose, who does the work matters more than the label. Dr. Merdan Çelik, MD personally performs the incisions, the extraction and the implantation, working with a team of four specialists, and treats a maximum of three patients a day. He graduated from Trakya University Faculty of Medicine in 1997 and has treated over 20,000 patients. See doctor vs technician.
Which Questions Should You Ask Any Clinic?
- Which method do you recommend for me, and why?
- If FUE: how will you avoid over-harvesting my donor area?
- If FUT: where will the scar be, and how will it look with my planned haircut?
- Who makes the incisions, who extracts or dissects the grafts and who implants them?
- Does the price change with the number of grafts, and what does it include?
- Can I see 12-month photographs of patients treated with the same method?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FUE and FUT?
In FUT a strip of skin is removed from the back of the head and divided into grafts, leaving a linear scar. In FUE, the back of the head is shaved and grafts are removed one by one. Both place the grafts into tiny cuts in the scalp.
Is FUT cheaper than FUE?
The ISHRS says FUT is cheaper than FUE in most cases. Compare the total price, including what is covered, rather than the method alone.
Does FUT leave a scar?
Yes. The NHS notes that FUT leaves a scar on the back of the head, which should not be visible unless you have very short hair.
Is FUE less painful than FUT?
The ISHRS notes that many patients have reported less post-operative pain after FUE compared with FUT. Experiences vary.
Which method does Global Health Hair use?
Our packages are FUE Sapphire at €1,990 and DHI at €2,175, fixed whatever the number of grafts, with Dr. Merdan Çelik, MD personally performing the incisions, the extraction and the implantation.
How can I start without committing?
Send photographs of your hairline and donor area on WhatsApp. Dr. Çelik assesses them and you receive a graft estimate and a fixed all-inclusive price, with no obligation.
Related reading: FUE vs DHI · FUE Sapphire · Doctor vs technician · Cost breakdown · Get your free assessment