FUT Hair Transplant in Seomyeon, Busan

What is an FUT hair transplant?

FUT, also called the strip method (절개법), was the standard technique before FUE became widespread and remains valuable today. A narrow ellipse of scalp is removed from the permanent donor zone at the back of the head, and the wound is closed, often with a trichophytic technique that lets hair grow through the scar. Technicians then divide the strip into individual follicular units under magnification, which are implanted into the recipient area, often using implanter pens in Korean clinics.

Who is it for?

People needing a large number of grafts in one session
Those who do not want to shave the head
People with good scalp laxity and donor density
Patients who usually keep their hair long enough at the back to cover a fine scar

It is less suitable for those who prefer very short or buzzed hairstyles, have tight scalps, or tend to form wide scars.

What happens at the clinic

Consultation: diagnosis, scalp laxity and donor density assessment, hairline design and graft estimate.
Strip harvest: under local anesthesia, a thin strip is removed and the donor area closed.
Graft dissection: the team separates follicular units under microscopes.
Implantation: grafts are placed into recipient sites, matching angle and direction.
Dressing: the donor wound is dressed; you receive care and washing instructions.

Recovery and aftercare

The donor area feels tight and sore for several days; avoid bending the neck sharply and heavy exercise for 2–3 weeks to prevent scar stretching. Recipient scabs shed in about 1–2 weeks. Stitches are removed at about 10–14 days. Growth follows the same timeline as other transplants: shedding in the first weeks, regrowth from around 3–4 months, and most results at 9–12 months.

Risks and side effects

Linear donor scar, which can widen in some people
Tightness, numbness or nerve pain in the donor area for weeks or months
Swelling, infection, folliculitis
Shock loss near recipient or donor sites
Unnatural results if grafts are poorly placed

Choosing a clinic for FUT in Seomyeon

Ask whether they use a trichophytic closure to make the scar less visible.
Ask about scalp laxity testing and how wide the strip will be.
Ask whether microscopic dissection is done by experienced technicians.
Ask whether FUE could be combined in future sessions if more grafts are needed.
Ask to see healed donor scars from previous patients.

Trip timing

Ideally stay in Busan around 10–14 days for stitch removal, or arrange removal at home. Seomyeon's clinics are an easy ride on Line 1 from Busan Station.

FUT or FUE: which is better?

Neither is universally better. FUT can harvest many grafts without shaving but leaves a linear scar. FUE avoids a linear scar and suits short hairstyles but usually requires shaving. Your donor area and hairstyle preferences guide the choice.

How visible is the FUT scar?

When well closed, the scar is usually a fine line hidden by hair of moderate length. It may be visible with very short haircuts. Some people develop a wider scar due to tension or healing tendencies.

Is FUT more painful than FUE?

The donor area after FUT usually feels tighter and sorer for the first week or two compared with FUE. Pain is generally controlled with medication. Numbness near the scar can last weeks or months.

When are FUT stitches removed?

Stitches or staples are typically removed about 10–14 days after surgery. If you are travelling, your clinic may use dissolvable stitches or advise removal by a doctor at home.

Can I have FUT after a previous FUE?

Often yes, provided scalp laxity and donor density allow it. Combining methods over time can maximise the total number of grafts available. Your surgeon will assess the donor area carefully.

Seomyeon.Clinic