How to Harvest Maximum out of Minimum in the FUT Method of Hair Restoration

Correspondence: Vikram Singh Rathore (E-mail: [e-mail])

Abstract

Introduction Sequential strip harvest: A technique to yield maximum grafts in the follicular unit transplantation method.

Background Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is an established method of hair transplantation. As compared to follicular unit extraction (FUE), FUT offers several advantages, like preservation of the donor area, maintenance of donor area appearance and density, and high-yield harvest in a single session. But our concern was to have maximum harvest out of minimum in FUT.

Methodology A total of 258 cases with Grade IV-VII androgenetic alopecia underwent sequential strip harvest during the FUT method at Kaayakalp Clinic, Kolkata (2014–2025). In order to have maximum harvest, we followed on table massage technique and obtained a maximum of three strips (7366 grafts).

Results There was a significant improvement in the appearance of the recipient area, with barely visible donor area scar because of the trichophytic closure technique. The adverse effects were very minimal.

Conclusion Sequential strip harvest technique is a method to harvest maximum grafts from the real permanent zone in a single session, as compared to the standard FUT method. Moreover, the yield which is obtained by sequential strip harvest is even more superior than the one that utilizes both FUT and FUE methods in combination in a single session.

Keywords: follicular unit transplantation, sequential strip harvest, trichophytic closure, donor preservation, high graft yield

Publication History

Article published online:
10 November 2025