FUE and FUT produce comparable final density, but their recovery patterns are distinctly different. FUE heals through thousands of tiny dot wounds while FUT heals through a single linear incision. Tracking each technique requires a specific protocol that captures these different healing signatures.
Recovery Timeline Comparison at a Glance
Before diving into tracking protocols, here is how the two techniques differ across every recovery metric.
| Recovery Metric | FUE | FUT |
|---|---|---|
| Return to work | 5 to 7 days | 10 to 14 days |
| Donor healing complete | 7 to 10 days | 10 to 14 days (suture removal) |
| Recipient scabs resolved | 7 to 10 days | 7 to 10 days |
| Exercise restriction | 14 to 21 days | 21 to 28 days |
| Scar type | Small dots (0.7 to 1.0mm) | Linear (1 to 2mm width at maturity) |
| Shock shedding | Weeks 2 to 4 | Weeks 2 to 4 |
| New growth onset | Month 3 to 4 | Month 3 to 4 |
| Final density | Month 12 to 18 | Month 12 to 18 |
| Graft survival rate | 90 to 95% | 90 to 95% |
The key difference is donor area healing. FUE leaves diffuse dot scars across the donor band. FUT leaves a single linear scar that requires suture or staple removal at 10 to 14 days.
Setting Up Your Technique-Specific Tracking Protocol
FUE Tracking Setup
FUE donor tracking requires documentation of the entire extraction zone, typically a band across the back and sides of the head.
Donor area protocol:
- Photograph the full donor band from ear to ear
- Take close-up shots of representative extraction areas (3 to 5 spots)
- Note the extraction punch size used (0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, or 1.0mm)
- Record total extraction count and distribution pattern
Recipient area protocol:
- Standardized photos from 5 angles: top-down, frontal, left profile, right profile, and 45-degree angle
- Close-up shots of the hairline zone
- Both wet and dry hair documentation
FUT Tracking Setup
FUT donor tracking focuses specifically on the linear scar.
Donor scar protocol:
- Photograph the full scar length with a ruler for scale
- Take 3 to 5 close-up shots at measured intervals along the scar
- Note suture type (staples vs dissolvable sutures vs non-dissolvable)
- Record scar length and initial width
Recipient area protocol: Same as FUE. The recipient area tracking is identical because graft placement is the same for both techniques.
Week-by-Week Donor Area Tracking
The first 4 weeks reveal the most significant differences between FUE and FUT recovery.
FUE Donor Recovery
| Week | FUE Donor Observations |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Tiny scabs on extraction sites, mild redness, slight tenderness |
| Week 2 | Scabs falling off, redness fading, extraction sites closing |
| Week 3 | Most extraction sites healed, minimal visible evidence |
| Week 4 | Near-complete healing, dots barely visible with short hair |
FUE donor area tracking should verify that extraction sites are healing uniformly. Look for any extraction sites that remain open or inflamed beyond week 2. Isolated slow-healing sites are normal, but clusters of problematic sites may indicate infection.
FUT Donor Recovery
| Week | FUT Donor Observations |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Linear incision with sutures/staples, moderate tension, restricted neck movement |
| Week 2 | Sutures/staples removed (days 10 to 14), initial scar visible |
| Week 3 | Scar begins narrowing, redness decreasing, tension improving |
| Week 4 | Scar continues maturing, most patients resume normal activity |
FUT donor tracking measures scar width at multiple points along its length. Mark 3 to 5 measurement points and track width at each point monthly. A healthy FUT scar narrows from its initial width (3 to 5mm at suture removal) to 1 to 2mm at full maturity (6 to 12 months).
Month-by-Month Density Comparison
While donor healing differs, recipient area density follows nearly identical timelines for both techniques.
| Month | Recipient Density (Both Techniques) | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baseline (post-shedding) | Transplanted hair falls out, dormant phase begins |
| 2 | No visible growth | Grafts establishing blood supply underground |
| 3 | 5 to 15% of final density | First fine sprouts emerge |
| 4 | 15 to 25% | Growth accelerating, hairs still thin |
| 5 | 25 to 40% | Visible improvement, hair caliber increasing |
| 6 | 40 to 55% | Significant density gain, noticeable change |
| 8 | 55 to 70% | Continued thickening and new growth |
| 10 | 70 to 85% | Approaching final density |
| 12 | 80 to 95% | Near-final or final results |
| 18 | 90 to 100% | Complete maturation |
Track these density milestones monthly using myhairline.ai. The platform generates a density curve that shows your recovery trajectory compared to expected benchmarks for your technique.
Tracking the Donor Area Long-Term
FUE Donor Preservation
The long-term concern with FUE is cumulative donor depletion. Each session extracts grafts from the donor band, and repeated sessions can cause visible thinning. Track your donor density at 6, 12, and 24 months post-procedure.
The safe extraction limit is approximately 45% of available donor follicles across your lifetime. If you plan multiple sessions, calculate your remaining donor capacity after each procedure.
Healthy donor recovery shows uniform density across the extraction zone. Red flags include visible patchy thinning (moth-eaten appearance) or a noticeable density gap between extracted and non-extracted areas.
FUT Scar Maturation
FUT scars continue maturing for 12 to 18 months. Track scar width, color, and texture monthly.
Scar maturation timeline:
- Month 1 to 3: Scar is red or pink, slightly raised, 3 to 4mm wide
- Month 3 to 6: Color fading toward skin tone, width narrowing to 2 to 3mm
- Month 6 to 12: Scar is pale, flat, 1 to 2mm wide, easily hidden by surrounding hair
- Month 12+: Final maturation, scar is a thin pale line
Trichophytic closure technique, where the surgeon overlaps wound edges so hair grows through the scar, can reduce final scar visibility by 40 to 60%. Track whether hairs are emerging through the scar line starting at month 4 to 6.
Cost Comparison and Value Assessment
Your tracking data helps calculate the cost-effectiveness of each technique.
| Region | FUE Cost per Graft | FUT Cost per Graft | FUE (2,500 grafts) | FUT (2,500 grafts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $4 to $6 | $3 to $5 | $10,000 to $15,000 | $7,500 to $12,500 |
| Turkey | $1 to $2 | $0.80 to $1.50 | $2,500 to $5,000 | $2,000 to $3,750 |
| UK | $3 to $5 | $2.50 to $4 | $7,500 to $12,500 | $6,250 to $10,000 |
| Europe | $2.50 to $4.50 | $2 to $3.50 | $6,250 to $11,250 | $5,000 to $8,750 |
FUT typically costs 20 to 30% less than FUE. The cost savings are most significant at higher graft counts.
Which Technique Tracks Better?
FUE produces cleaner tracking data in the donor area because there is no linear scar complicating the documentation. The diffuse extraction pattern is easier to photograph and measure for density changes.
FUT produces cleaner tracking data in terms of surgical outcome assessment because the strip method provides a precise graft count from the dissected strip. FUE graft counts are estimates based on the number of extraction attempts.
For recipient area tracking, both techniques produce equally useful data. The transplanted grafts are placed identically regardless of extraction method.
Making the Choice Based on Your Tracking Goals
Choose FUE if:
- You want minimal visible recovery evidence by day 10
- You prefer to wear short hairstyles (no linear scar)
- You may need multiple future sessions
- You are at Norwood 2 to 5
Choose FUT if:
- You need maximum grafts in a single session
- You are at Norwood 5 to 7 with extensive coverage needs
- You always wear your hair at medium or longer length
- Budget is a primary consideration
Both techniques deliver equivalent density results when performed by experienced surgeons. Your tracking data at 12 months will confirm whether your specific procedure met the 90 to 95% graft survival benchmark.
FAQ
What is the density recovery timeline difference between FUE and FUT?
FUE patients typically return to normal activities at 7 to 10 days. FUT patients need 10 to 14 days due to the linear incision and suture removal. Both techniques show new growth starting at month 3 to 4 and reach final density at 12 to 18 months. The recipient area density timeline is nearly identical for both methods.
Which technique produces better final density results based on tracking data?
Both FUE and FUT achieve 90 to 95% graft survival rates. FUT can place more grafts per session (up to 4,000) compared to standard FUE sessions (up to 5,000 in megasessions). For maximum single-session coverage in Norwood 6 to 7 cases, FUT may deliver higher total density because the strip method extracts more grafts efficiently.
How do I track donor area healing differently for FUE vs FUT?
FUE donor tracking focuses on extraction site healing and overall donor density preservation. Photograph the entire donor band to check for visible thinning. FUT donor tracking focuses on the linear scar: measure width at multiple points monthly to document scar maturation. A well-healed FUT scar narrows to 1 to 2mm within 6 months.
Compare your FUE or FUT recovery against proven benchmarks. Start tracking at myhairline.ai/analyze.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before making treatment decisions.