30+ Years of Combined Surgical Expertise

Trained across North America and Europe in advanced hair restoration

Clinical Mapping with 3D TRANSPLANNER®

Trichoscopy-guided digital planning for graft accuracy and density

1000+ Hair Restoration Procedures Performed

By a licensed physician trained in hair transplant surgery and plastic surgery

ISHRS Membership & Accreditation

Committed to ethical surgery, safety standards, and lifelong learning

Clinical Hair Transplant Expertise in Edmonton

Over 15 Years of Global Surgical Experience in FUT

Dr. Anil Sharma has performed FUT procedures for more than 15 years, drawing from surgical training across Canada, the UK, and Europe.

Licensed in Alberta, England, and Scotland

He holds active medical licenses in Alberta, the United Kingdom (GMC), and Scotland, meeting rigorous standards in each jurisdiction.

Personally Performs All Donor Strip Excisions

Dr. Sharma does not delegate donor strip harvesting. All excisions are performed by him under local anesthesia using precision instrumentation.

Expert in Layered Closure to Minimize Scar Width

Trained in layered suturing techniques, Dr. Sharma closes donor areas with multiple tissue levels to reduce tension and prevent scar widening.

Grafts Dissected Under Stereomicroscopes

After strip removal, all follicular units are carefully dissected under magnification to preserve follicle structure and improve graft viability.

Follicular Units Sorted by Hair Count for Targeted Placement

Grafts are grouped based on the number of hairs (e.g., singles for hairline, multiples for density) to support natural-looking distribution.

Physician-Performed Hair Transplant Cases in Edmonton

See More

All images shown represent actual procedures performed by Dr. Sharma. Results vary based on donor supply, scalp health, and aftercare adherence. Photos reflect patient outcomes between 6 and 18 months post-procedure.

See More
25-30 Year Old
Female
Number of Grafts: 2,000
Photos Taken: 12mos. apart
Type: FUT
Donna – Female
FUT Hair Transplant
Number of Grafts: 1,500
Photos Taken: 12mos. apart
Type: FUT
Female FUT
Hair Transplant
Number of Grafts: 2,000
Photos Taken: 12mos. apart
Type: FUT
25-30 Year Old
Female
Number of Grafts: 2,000
Photos Taken: 12mos. apart
Type: FUT
Donna – Female
FUT Hair Transplant
Number of Grafts: 1,500
Photos Taken: 12mos. apart
Type: FUT

What Is a Hair Transplant and How Does It Work?

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a surgical method of hair restoration where a thin, linear strip of scalp is removed from the donor zone, typically the back or sides of the head, where follicles are genetically stable. The tissue is then carefully dissected under stereomicroscopes to isolate individual follicular units. These grafts are implanted into areas of thinning or baldness, following the natural angles and direction of native hair.

 

Each graft contains hair that is genetically resistant to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for pattern hair loss. Once transplanted, these follicles retain their resistance and support long-term hair coverage in the treated area.

 

The donor strip is stored in a chilled physiologic solution while technicians isolate viable follicular units under high magnification. Special care is taken to preserve the root structure and the bulge region, which contains regenerative stem cells. Grafts are sorted by hair count; for example, single-hair units may be reserved for the hairline, while multi-hair grafts are used to build density in the mid-scalp or crown.

 

Dr. Sharma determines candidacy for FUT based on clinical criteria, including donor density, scalp laxity, and long-term restoration goals. The decision to proceed with FUT versus FUE is made in consultation with each patient, aiming to balance graft yield, scar visibility, and donor preservation over time.

Comparing Surgical and Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Options

Hair Transplant Surgery (FUT)

  • Transplants DHT-resistant follicles from the back or sides of the scalp into areas of permanent loss
  • Allows for high graft counts in a single session ideal for moderate to advanced thinning
  • Suitable for patients seeking maximum coverage and long-term restoration
  • Grafts are placed to match the natural angle, direction, and density of surrounding hair

Non-Surgical Therapies (Finasteride, Minoxidil, PRP)

  • Finasteride (oral medication) helps prevent further loss by reducing levels of DHT, the hormone linked to pattern baldness​
  • Minoxidil (topical solution or foam) promotes blood flow to hair follicles, potentially prolonging the growth phase
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to stimulate follicle activity and healing
  • These therapies do not regrow hair in bald areas, but can slow shedding and support overall maintenance
  • Often used in combination with surgery, or as a standalone option for those not ready or eligible for transplantation
  • Require consistent, long-term use for sustained benefits; results vary by individual response

Medically Supervised FUT Transplant and Surgical Planning

FUT Hair Transplant (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

Technique and Tools

A narrow strip of scalp is excised under local anesthesia from the occipital zone (back of the scalp), where hair tends to be genetically resistant to thinning.

  • The procedure is performed under local anesthesia using a combination of fast-acting and long-lasting agents.
  • Regional nerve blocks (supraorbital and temporal nerves) are included for additional comfort.
  • Strip width and length are customized based on required graft count and individual scalp laxity.
  • Layered closure is used, with absorbable sutures placed in deeper layers to minimize wound tension and reduce the risk of scar widening.
Once the strip is excised, it is immediately placed into a chilled physiologic solution to preserve graft viability.
  • Trained technicians dissect the strip under stereomicroscopes to isolate individual follicular units.
  • Dissection is performed with care to preserve the protective tissue around the follicles.
  • Grafts are sorted by hair count (ex.,singles for the hairline, doubles and multiples for mid-scalp density).
  • Each graft is examined under magnification to ensure structural integrity, including preservation of the bulge region, which contains regenerative stem cells.
  • Damaged or incomplete grafts are excluded.
  • All viable grafts are stored in HypoThermosol + ATP at 2–4°C to maintain metabolic activity and increase survival..
Dr. Sharma creates all recipient sites himself, using either custom blades or fine needles.
  • Test incisions are performed to determine the appropriate blade size and depth for the individual’s scalp.
  • A solution containing epinephrine may be used to minimize bleeding and firm the tissue for more precise graft insertion.
  • Recipient sites are angled and oriented to match native hair direction and growth patterns.
  • Priority zones such as the frontal third and mid-scalp are addressed first to optimize cosmetic outcomes.
  • Grafts are hand-placed using magnification.
  • A “first out, first in” system may be used to reduce the amount of time grafts remain outside the body, improving viability.
Because FUT involves removing a linear strip of tissue, a scar will remain at the donor site.
  • The scar is usually place low on the back of the scalp, where it can be easily concealed under longer hair.
  • Layered suturing and precise closure techniques are used to reduce tension and limit scar expansion over time.
  • Suture removal is typically performed between post-op days 10–14.
  • Patients may experience mild tightness or numbness in the donor area during the initial healing phase, which usually improves gradually.
  • Head elevation and avoidance of strenuous activity are recommended in the first few days to minimize swelling and discomfort.

Facial Hair Restoration for Men

Beard Transplants

  • FUT is not used for beard transplantation at the Canadian Hair Transplant Centre.
  • Facial hair restoration requires high-precision harvesting and control over angulation, which is best achieved through Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
  • FUE allows individual graft selection and minimizes trauma to facial skin; critical for areas with distinct growth direction and cosmetic visibility.
  • Strip harvesting (FUT) does not permit this level of precision and would leave a linear scar, which is unnecessary for localized facial work.
  • Eyebrow restoration demands meticulous angle matching and the use of fine single-hair grafts.
  • FUT is not typically used for this procedure due to its bulk harvesting method.
  • At the Canadian Hair Transplant Centre, Dr. Sharma exclusively uses FUE for eyebrow transplantation, allowing for careful selection and placement of micrografts under high magnification.
  • This approach supports natural growth patterns and optimal density in small, highly visible areas.

Who Might Be Eligible for FUT?

Some patients may be better suited to FUT than FUE, depending on clinical and personal factors.
Best Candidates:
  • Require a large number of grafts in a single session.
  • Prefer not to shave the donor area (FUT allows for this).
  • Have good scalp laxity, making strip removal and closure more straightforward.
  • Are willing to conceal a linear scar with longer hairstyles.
Not Ideal Candidates:
  • Have tight scalp tissue that may not support optimal strip harvesting.
  • Prefer very short hairstyles where a linear scar may be visible.
  • Want to avoid sutures or longer recovery from donor healing.

Schedule a Physician-Led FUT Transplant Consultation

FUT eligibility must be assessed by a licensed physician. During your consultation, Dr. Sharma will examine your donor area, scalp health, and goals for restoration. This process ensures the plan is safe, realistic, and based on clinical evidence.

Your Consultation Includes:

  • Review of medical history and medications
  • Scalp examination, including trichoscopy
  • Measurement of scalp laxity and donor density
  • Hair loss mapping and surface area estimation
  • Discussion of FUT vs. FUE suitability based on your case
Book Your Consultation

FAQs

What is FUT, and when is it recommended?

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) is a surgical method where a linear strip of scalp tissue is removed from the donor area, dissected under magnification, and the individual follicular units are transplanted to areas of hair loss. At the Canadian Hair Transplant Centre, FUT is recommended for patients who require a higher graft count in a single session, especially for advanced hair loss patterns. It may also be appropriate for those preferring not to shave the donor zone or who need to preserve donor density for future procedures.
FUT produces a linear scar at the donor site. However, Dr. Sharma uses trichophytic closure and layered suturing techniques to ensure the scar heals as a fine line that is typically concealed by surrounding hair. Patients must understand that all surgical procedures carry the risk of visible scarring, and scar healing varies based on individual biology.
No. Patients with tight scalps, diffuse unpatterned alopecia, or unrealistic expectations may not be ideal candidates. A full clinical assessment, including scalp laxity measurement and trichoscopic mapping, is required to determine eligibility. FUT is a surgical procedure that should only be performed by a licensed physician.
Not necessarily. FUT allows for a non-shaven donor area, which makes it suitable for patients who want to maintain their existing hairstyle. However, short hair in the recipient area may still be recommended for precision placement. Your options will be discussed during consultation.

The information provided in this FAQ is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of outcome. All treatments described are performed exclusively by a licensed physician and are subject to clinical evaluation, eligibility screening, and individual response. Hair restoration procedures are aesthetic in nature and not medically necessary. Results vary and no claims are made regarding permanence without in-person consultation. This content adheres to the standards set by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and Health Canada.