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FUT Hair Transplant

UK FUT Specialist Since 1975

  • 1 DAY PROCEDURE
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FUT Hair Transplant Clinic of the Year 2024

An FUT hair transplant is a 1-day hair restoration procedure. Your FUT hair transplant will take place in one of surgical locations, where our qualified, experienced consultants and surgeons will restore your hair, giving you newfound confidence in your look.

We’re grateful to all our patients who voted us Hair Transplant Clinic of the Year 2021, 2022, 2023 and for a fourth time in 2024. Our team, led by principal surgeon Dr. Michael May, has made a significant contribution to developing the then-revolutionary FUT transplant technique and making hair transplants more accessible for everyone.

Our patients are at the centre of everything we do. That’s why we’re so highly rated on both Google and TrustPilot. Read on to find out more about getting an FUT hair transplant at the longest UK serving clinic. 

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic
Awarded Hair Transplant Clinic
FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic
FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic

Hair Transplant Before and After

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic
Thomas

“At 52 I had accepted the state of my hair loss but after seeing my friends incredible results with Wimpole I decided to do something about it, and I am glad I did, couldn’t be more satisfied!

What struck me was how close the team members were – it was like a family and they made me feel really welcome and part of it for my short 6 hours there!”

Treatment:

FUT

Grafts:

3,000

Results after:

18 mo.

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic
James W.

“Had my hair transplant (FUT) at the Wimpole Clinic and what an incredible experience from start to finish. James, my patient advisor was excellent and I opted against going overseas – so glad I did!

They even squeezed me in before I went on holiday – Wimpole is truly an awesome and down to earth team!”

Treatment:

FUT

Grafts:

2,500

Results after:

18 mo.

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic
L. B

“I consulted with 6 clinics within London and 3 outside and what was astonishing is the lack of transparency and commercialised approach to such an intimate and nerve wracking decision. With many offering inadequate advice and telling me I’d need more than one procedure. I knew this was untrue because of the level of detail I initially obtained from the Wimpole Clinic.”

Treatment:

FUT

Grafts:

2,000

Results after:

12 mo.

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic
Samantha

“My FUT hair transplant has transformed my life. Marie, my advisor held my hand throughout the experience while Dr. Ismail and Dr. May both consulted me and I really respected their honesty. They said I would require at least 2 hair transplants to get the required results in the most optimal way and I felt they had my interest at heart. I can’t thank the Wimpole team enough.”

Treatment:

FUT

Grafts:

4,500

Results after:

18 mo.

About FUT Hair Transplant

What is an FUT hair transplant?

FUT, or Follicular Unit Transplantation, is a common hair transplant method. It’s also known as strip harvesting or FUSS (Follicular Unit Strip Surgery). In FUT, the surgeon removes a strip of skin containing active hair follicles from the back or side of your head. They then dissect it into tiny follicle clusters known as grafts, which can contain single or multiple hairs. Each graft is then reimplanted into the bald or thinning areas.

Although the recovery period is longer and there’s more risk of scarring, with FUT more grafts can be extracted from a smaller area. And just like FUE transplants, FUT creates a natural-looking hairline that blends in effortlessly with the rest of your hair — restoring your confidence as well as your hairline.

How does an FUT hair transplant work?

Before your FUT procedure begins, you’ll be given a local anaesthetic to numb your scalp, and a mild sedative to help you relax. These make the procedure as comfortable and painless as possible.

The surgeon uses a scalpel to remove a thin strip of skin from your donor site. This strip is usually 5-20cm long and 0.5-2cm wide, depending on the number of grafts required. The strip is cut up into tiny follicular units, each one typically containing 1-4 follicles. 

Then the surgical team create a series of small cuts in the thinning areas around your temple and/or crown. They implant the hair grafts to create a natural-looking finish, aiming to achieve the same density as your natural remaining hair. After the procedure, the wound in your donor area will be stitched up, leaving you with a thin linear scar.

Why choose an FUT hair transplant?

  • FUT offers the same fantastic results as FUE
  • FUT is ideal for those who wear their hair longer, due to the slight scarring at the back of the head
  • FUT works well for Afro hair transplants, for those with curly and coily hair types
  • Your hair will look thick and natural in 6-18 months
  • Most procedures are completed in under 1 day
  • The Wimpole Clinic’s FUT success rate is 97%

What does FUT work for?

FUT works for every hair type. It’s usually more suitable for those with tightly curled hair and those who wear their hair long.

General FUT FAQs

FUT is usually recommended for patients with tightly curled or Afro hair. That’s because the FUE harvesting method is more likely to damage the follicles in people with these hair types.

FUT is also popular with women and people who prefer to wear their hair long, since longer hair hides the strip scar.

FUT is typically slightly more expensive than FUE, as it’s a little more invasive and requires a larger surgical team. You can also expect slightly longer downtime, slower recovery, and a higher risk of scarring. So it’s best for those who don’t need to be back at work within a couple of days. 

Most patients tell us that hair transplant surgery isn’t as painful as they thought it would be. We use anaesthetic to numb your scalp, so at most you’ll feel mild discomfort during the procedure. Medication can reduce pain, swelling, and tingling after the anaesthetic wears off.

The outline of your new hairline will be visible immediately after surgery. Around 4 to 6 months later, your hair will be visibly thicker in the transplanted areas. Final results are usually visible 12 to 18 months from the procedure. Learn more the hair transplant timeline

Yes. FUT hair transplants give you permanent results that will last a lifetime. Hair loss solutions like minoxidil can help you manage any ongoing hair loss, preserving your thick, full look.

The number of grafts required will largely depend on the extent of your hair loss and your desired outcome. We usually refer to the Norwood Scale for men and the Ludwig Scale for women to provide an estimation of the number of grafts. This is all covered extensively during your free consultation.

Yes — unlike FUE, FUT leaves a scar in your donor site. If you grow your hair, the scar won’t be noticeable to others. Scalp micropigmentation can also cover the scar tissue if you’re worried about scar visibility.

How much does FUT cost?

Wimpole FUT prices start at £3,499. Find out more about Wimpole Clinic’s prices.

The cost of your hair transplant depends on how many grafts you require, and your surgeon’s experience and ability. Cut-rate hair transplants can mean the clinic is cutting corners, which could compromise the success of your hair transplant, or even your safety.

Learn how cost reflects quality in our UK hair transplant cost analysis.

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic
FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic

James’ Hair Transplant Journey

Treatment:

FUE

Grafts:

1,800

Results after:

12 mo.

Since having the hair transplant it’s made such a positive impact on my life. I am much more confident in how I look, how I feel, being a dad, being a husband – it’s just made a really positive impact!

“I’ve always been a confident person but there was something that did concern me and that was my hair. During my 20s I could start to see my hair receding and it just got worse and worse. I didn’t realise how much of an impact it was making on my life.”

How James’ Hair Transplant Changed His Life

“Since having the hair transplant it’s completely changed how I feel and I’m proud of the hair that I have – it doesn’t embarrass me. Being able to go down to the beach and swim, play with my daughter and go on nice holidays, it’s made my life so much better!

Having gone through the surgery myself I know how straightforward the procedure is and it has very minimal time to recover, so if you are thinking of having a hair transplant I recommend taking 2 weeks off work.

Since having the hair transplant it’s made such a positive impact on my life. Those insecurities that just used to creep into every day life. You don’t realise, the eating out, the wind blowing, the hair getting wet, the hair dressers, the things we have to do. I am much more confident in how I look, how I feel, being a dad, being a husband, it’s just made a really positive impact!”

The FUT Procedure

Our skilled surgeons have decades of experience performing FUT hair transplants. Learn more about the FUT procedure below.

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic

FUT Procedure FAQs

The length of your procedure depends on the number of grafts you need, but in almost all cases, the surgery takes less than a day. You’ll be in the chair for 4-6 hours. FUT usually takes less time than FUE, though the recovery period is longer.

Strip surgery wounds take some time to heal, so the FUT recovery period is usually longer than FUE. Allowing your strip wound to heal fully can prevent infection and other complications. Most FUT patients can resume normal activities 7-14 days after the procedure. Learn more about hair transplant recovery.

Yes. We recommend that you take a minimum of 1 week off work after FUT surgery. Taking time to recover gives your hair transplant the best chance of success, and reduces the risk of dislodging your new grafts or reopening the strip wound. Learn more about going back to work after a hair transplant.

Two-thirds of hair transplant patients worldwide achieve their ideal results after just one procedure. But some need a second or third hair transplant to get the look they want, especially if they don’t use solutions to manage continuing hair loss.

Your surgery will be carried out by one of our skilled, registered surgeons. Our hair transplant technicians will also assist them with the procedure.

Side effects of FUT include mild swelling, numbness, soreness, and an itchy scalp, especially in the graft area. These side effects usually disappear after a few days. In the meantime, we’ll give you some medication to help you manage these symptoms.

Not completely. A small section of hair will be shaved so the surgeon can remove the strip of skin. But this will soon grow back, and can usually be disguised with your hair or a hat in the meantime.

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic

Benjamin S's FUT Hair Transplant Review

I had my hair transplant (FUT) at the Wimpole Clinic. I had an absolutely fantastic experience throughout. I had a complimentary consultation with James Walton who was very helpful and kindly managed to book me in for a transplant just a few days after, so I could have it done before going overseas.

James was there to greet me on the morning of the surgery and made the whole experience seem very relaxed and smooth.

I then met Dr May, who I had requested for the surgery based on his great reviews and many years of experience. He was very friendly and professional and did a fantastic job – the whole procedure was completely pain free and I even managed to get some sleep! 

Following the surgery James kindly provided me with a lunch as he ran through everything I needed to know post-treatment. I was home by midday and felt completely fine all afternoon and back at work already!

What Results Can I Expect From FUT?

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FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic

John’s FUE Hair Transplant Journey

Treatment:

FUE

Grafts:

2,000

Results after:

11 mo.

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic

I am delighted with my results to date and am repeatedly complimented on how natural my hairline looks. I have recommended the clinic to several close friends, a number of whom have also now had the procedure and again experienced exceptional results. 5 stars!!”

“I am a 47 year old UK expat living in Hong Kong and I wanted to travel to have an FUE hair transplant in London before travelling back to Hong Kong one week later.

The clinic’s customer advisor explained the procedure itself and arranged a video conference with Dr May. They advised me the following day of the lump-sum quote for 2000 grafts.

I cannot recommend Wimpole Clinic highly enough. Both the doctor and his entire support team were exceptional. The clinical assistants were very helpful in explaining what was happening and also advising on their progress.”

John’s Experience On The Day

The day before my procedure I met with the clinic’s customer advisor and Dr May who again explained the procedure and also designed my new hairline to show me what the finished result would look like. They took their time and explained the pros and cons of each alternative hairline, until we collectively settled on an age-appropriate result.

The following morning, I went to their Harley Street clinic at 7:30 am to receive some mild sedatives and commence the procedure. The procedure itself took 8 hours in total and was painless. We had a one break for lunch and a quick toilet stop.

Both the doctor and his entire support team were exceptional. The clinical assistants were very helpful in explaining what was happening and also advising on their progress.

The clinic organised a taxi to take me back to the hotel and gave me some mild painkillers to help me sleep that night.

The clinic had organised a number of follow-up consultations to ensure my head was healing properly before my scheduled long haul flight back to Hong Kong. They were able to remove the vast majority of the scabs before my flight. I simply kept a hat on during the flight and felt no discomfort.”

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic

Persica's FUT Hair Transplant Review

In my experience, retired Sales Director, everything flows from the top so I needed the facts. Dr Michael May, Principal, outstanding leader in this field for over three decades runs a Centre of Excellence, a benchmark of achievement.

First, I visited Ron in Bristol and Warren in London, both also with decades of experience for the detailed facts, I got them. This was about my personal appearance so trust and confidence was needed before I could take that first step. Warren accompanied me for a Dr May assessment at the Wimpole Clinic which was entirely customer focussed. Only then was I ready to commit to a date.

In the event, I have completed my third procedure, in total 5.6k follicles with FUT and, this one FUE. Dr May presides while Billie and her team, on this occasion Eva and Sonia, complete the procedure. I never feel like the patient but part of the team in a room full of care, kindness and compassion, totally customer focussed.

Due to their expertise every procedure has been a complete success. I am hoping for a final procedure if this is deemed possible but, due to their integrity, they will only take what is safe to do so, it is all about the customer. Accordingly, I have no hesitation in highly recommending the Wimpole Clinic for your first step.

FUT Hair Transplant Aftercare

We offer the best possible patient care, including an unparalleled aftercare service. Your consultant will check in with you after the FUT procedure to see how you’re healing and answer any questions you have. We’re here throughout your hair transplant journey to ensure your FUT procedure is successful.

We’ll also give you an aftercare pack, which gives you everything you need to care for your hair transplant.

We also include:
  • 24 hour surgical hot line for aftercare
  • Post-operative care notes
  • Inco sheet
  • Spray bottle for spraying head with saline solution
  • Paracetamol and anti-swelling tablets
  • Wimpole shampoo, a special mild shampoo to use post-surgery
  • A bag to carry everything home
FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic

Our Specialists

Why Choose The Wimpole Clinic?

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic

The Wimpole Clinic is one of the most experienced and enduring hair restoration clinics in the UK. We’ve been providing FUT procedures for more than 50 years. We use sophisticated strip harvesting techniques to keep scarring to a minimum, while creating a hairline you’ll love.

Our surgeons are all registered with the GMC. Led by our principal surgeon, Dr Michael May, our team has the skill and experience to perform even the most complex FUT procedures. So no matter which hair type you have, you’ll get the results you want from the Wimpole Clinic.

Patient care is our biggest priority. That’s why our patients have awarded us 4.9/5 stars on both Trustpilot and Google. With an industry-high success rate and unrivalled aftercare, the Wimpole Clinic will restore your hairline to create a confident new you.

Honest hair loss advice and expertise

Who isn’t eligible for FUT?

FUT surgery is an excellent choice for many prospective hair transplant patients, but not everyone is a suitable candidate. If any of the following apply to you, you may not be eligible for FUT:

Your hair loss is patchy or temporary

For example, if you’ve been diagnosed with alopecia areata or telogen effluvium, a hair transplant isn’t usually effective.

You have continuing hair loss and you’re not using any therapies to stabilise it

Some prospective patients are advised to use certain treatments to limit native hair loss prior to a hair transplant.

You’re concerned about scarring

FUT typically leaves a narrow linear scar in the donor region, which can be noticeable if you wear your hair short.

You’re not in good general health

While hair transplants are minimally invasive, you still need to have a good level of health to support safe recovery.
FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic

FUT risks and side effects

Some side effects are normal after FUT surgery. The most common FUT side effects include bleeding and oozing from the donor and recipient areas; facial swelling; pain and itchiness; and scabbing and crusting. While they can be uncomfortable, all of these side effects are expected, and should subside over the first week or so. Temporary hair shedding from around two to four weeks is also normal (don’t worry — it will grow back).

As with other surgeries, there’s a small risk of infection and other complications following FUT surgery. Symptoms like fever, worsening pain, wounds that aren’t healing as expected, and skin discolouration all need medical attention, so call your clinic if you have any concerns. 

There’s also a small chance that your stitches may reopen after FUT surgery. This is called wound dehiscence. If bleeding restarts when your stitches start to come away, seek advice from your clinic. You should also avoid activities that could put tension on your neck and scalp (such as lifting weights) for a few weeks after FUT to minimise the risk of scar widening.

Alternatives to FUT:
FUE Hair Transplantation

While FUT is a highly successful technique, many patients opt for FUE instead. FUE carries a lower risk of visible scarring, and recovery tends to be slightly less intense.

FUE involves harvesting your hair grafts individually using a small instrument called a micropunch. This leaves a series of small holes in your donor area, each of which heals without stitches. This leaves minimal scarring, and any scars that remain are normally covered by your hair. The graft implantation method is the same as for FUT.

FUE is a newer technique than FUT, but it’s now the most popular hair transplant method in the world. It’s often used where small to medium graft volumes are being transplanted, and where patients want to minimise the risk of scarring.

FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic
FUT Hair Transplant, Wimpole Clinic
Complementary therapies

While FUE on its own can create outstanding results, many patients use additional therapies to maintain their native hair and accelerate the growth process. Here are some of the most effective complementary therapies for FUE.

What to expect & FUT results timeline

Learn what happens after a typical FUT procedure in this week-by-week results timeline.

Week 1

The first 7 days after FUT surgery can be uncomfortable.

You’ll be provided with everything you need to make the initial recovery process as smooth as possible, including painkillers, anti-swelling tablets, and saline spray. By the end of the first week, all the scabs should have formed.
Week 2

Your stitches will normally fall out this week, or you may have arranged for suture removal at the clinic.

Safe scab removal is also important during the second week. Following special instructions from your clinic, you’ll start to wash your hair, which will help your scabs moisten and lift away from your scalp without dislodging the grafts. All scabs are usually gone by the end of week two, and you can resume your normal routine.
Week 3-4

The uncomfortable part is over, and you can get back to your day-to-day life.

But you may now start to see an increase in hair shedding. While this can be worrying, it’s a normal part of the recovery process. Transplanted grafts start to shed their hairs to make way for new growth.
Week 5-12

By now your scalp will have fully healed and hair shedding will be underway. Any side effects should have cleared up.

Bar some ongoing hair shedding, this period should be fairly uneventful. You may find that your hair starts to look much as it did before your hair transplant. Focus on eating well and looking after yourself to promote strong, healthy hair growth.
Week 12-24

Initial growth will start to become visible from around week 12 (although it can take longer).

Your new hairline will slowly take shape over the following weeks and months. With regular haircuts, you can blend this new growth into your existing hair.
Week 24-52

From six to 12 months after your FUT hair transplant, you can expect to see significant regrowth.

By the end of the year, you’ll have a good idea of your final results. We offer regular reviews over this period to reassure you that you’re on the right track to achieving optimal results.

Our Surgeons Are Registered, Members Of, Or Recommended By:

Our Clinics

2 Harley Street,
London WIG 9PA
214D Hagley Rd
Birmingham, BI6 9PH
Bowsall House, 3 King Street, Salford,
Manchester, M3 7DG
1827 Maryhill Road,
Glasgow, G20 0DF
1 West Road Ponteland,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 9SU
124 Derby Rd, Long Eaton
Nottingham, NG10 4LS
Floor 1, 79 Rykneld Road
Littleover, Derby, DE23 4DJ
88 Rodney Street
Liverpool, L1 9AR
17-19 Rutland Street
Leicester, LE1 1RB
5 Westfield Park, Redland,
Bristol, BS6 6LT
Workspace Penarth, Albert Road, Penarth, Cardiff, CF64 1FD
27 Middle St
Brighton, BN1 1AL
2 Upland Rd, Roundhay,
Leeds LS8 2SQ
13 Beaumont street
Oxford, OX1 2LP
1 Mount Ephraim Road
Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1ET
5 & 6 City Business Centre
Hyde Street, SO23 7TA
Regus, 1 Emperor Way, Exeter Business Park, Exeter, Devon, EX1 3QS
880 3rd Ave,
New York, NY 10022, USA

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