FUT Reinvented to FUET: Leveraging Surgical Skill in Modern Hair Restoration

Correspondence: Brajesh Pathak (E-mail: [e-mail])

Abstract

Background There are two primary techniques for follicular unit (FU) extraction in hair transplantation: strip harvesting, follicular unit transplantation (FUT), and follicular unit excision (FUE). In recent years, FUT has declined in popularity due to the perception that the extraction process—specifically slivering and cutting—is predominantly performed by technicians.

Aims The aim of this innovation is to place the extraction of follicular units entirely under the control of the plastic surgeon, thereby minimizing the role of technicians in the FUT process.

Methodology Following medical clearance and informed consent for the FUT technique, this innovative approach involved using the FUE method to extract follicles from a marked FUT strip. All procedures were conducted in the same clinic, by the same plastic surgeon, with a consistent surgical team.

Conclusion When using the FUE method, trained plastic surgeons are able to extract follicular units with greater precision compared to the traditional FUT method, where slivering and cutting are performed by technicians. This innovation significantly reduces the role of technicians in the extraction process, potentially leading to improved outcomes and more effective donor area utilization.

Keywords: FUET technique, surgeon-led extraction, FUT–FUE hybrid, donor optimization, reduced technician role

Publication History

Article published online:
10 November 2025