Scarring is one of the most frequently asked-about aspects of hair transplant surgery, particularly among patients who wear their hair short. Understanding what scars to expect — and how to minimise their visibility — is an important part of pre-surgical planning.
FUE leaves tiny circular dot scars at each extraction site in the donor area. With a skilled surgeon using an appropriately sized punch — typically 0.8 to 0.9mm — these scars are extremely small and become difficult to see once the surrounding donor hair grows back. They can typically be hidden by a hair length of grade 2 (6mm) or more. Very close shaving — grade 0 or 1 — may reveal the dots, which is why patients who want to shave very close should discuss this with their surgeon before choosing a procedure.
The recipient area in FUE leaves no visible scarring. The tiny channels created for graft implantation heal without any significant scar tissue, as they are below the surface of the skin.
FUT leaves a linear scar at the donor site — typically a fine white line across the back of the scalp that requires at least a grade 4 (12mm) hair length to conceal effectively. For patients who prefer longer hair, this is generally not an issue. For those who want the option of a short or shaved back and sides, FUE is the appropriate choice.
Certain scalp types — particularly those prone to keloid or hypertrophic scarring — may experience more visible scarring regardless of technique. This should be discussed at consultation, especially if you have a history of scarring elsewhere on the body.
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