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FUSS Technique: Strip Hair Transplant for Maximum Graft Yield

We combine advanced technology with surgical expertise to deliver the most natural and refined results.

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    What Is the FUSS Technique?

    The FUSS (Follicular Unit Strip Surgery) technique, commonly known as the strip method, involves the precise removal of a narrow strip of scalp, typically measuring between 15 and 25 cm in length and 1 to 2.5 cm in width, using a traditional surgical scalpel.

    Once the strip has been removed, the incision is carefully closed using either conventional sutures or a trichophytic closure technique. This specialized method allows hair to grow through the scar, making it minimal and, in many cases, virtually imperceptible. Scar visibility ultimately depends on each patient’s individual healing characteristics.

    The FUSS Technique at Clínica Ximena Vila

    Preparación previa
    Independientemente de la técnica por la que se haya optado se solicita acudir con el pelo no más corto de un 3-4 de máquina para estimar la capacidad de cobertura que su pelo nativo brinda y no cometer fallos de diseño al establecer el área a tratar.
    Llegada a la clínica
    El día de la intervención el paciente es citado a primera hora de la mañana. Se le proporciona un pijama quirúrgico y se procede a su preparación para la intervención.
    Documentación DEL PACIENTE
    Se realizan fotografías de toda la zona superior de la cabeza desde todos los ángulos necesarios con pelo seco y mojado, se delimita el área a trasplantar y se miden los cm2 de la misma. De la misma manera se realizan fotografías del área donante y se procede a su delimitación distinguiendo entre zona donante segura y áreas de transición (no seguras), midiendo las áreas en cm2 y realizando un estudio más detallado para estimar con la mayor precisión posible la capacidad donante del paciente.
    Preparación
    Se procede al rasurado del paciente (0,5mm) en caso de que se haya optado por técnica FUE rasurado. En los casos en que se fuera a realizar la intervención por rasurado militar, Flap o Long hair se produce a la preparación correspondiente de cada caso.

    IN THE PROCEDURE ROOM:

    Extracción
    Esta parte del proceso se realiza con el paciente tumbado y bajo anestesia local. Según indicación del profesional a cargo de la intervención y para garantizar la mejor calidad de unidades se opta por técnica FUE manual o motorizada según el caso.
    Descanso

    Después de la extracción se realiza un pequeño descanso para que el paciente tome y coma algo y pueda hacer alguna llamada a sus familiares si así lo desea.

    Implantación
    Previo a la implantación de las unidades foliculares extraídas se realiza el diseño de la línea frontal o del área que se deba trabajar. Una vez realizado según las pautas ya comentadas con el paciente el día de la consulta se enseña al paciente el dibujo y ya con conformidad del mismo se procede a anestesiar el área y colocar las unidades.

    Transparency & Patient Care

    PRICING AND FINANCING

    At our clinic, we believe access to high-quality hair restoration should never be limited by financial circumstances. That is why we offer flexible financing options tailored to your individual needs, allowing you to focus on your treatment and well-being without the concern of an upfront payment.
    At our clinic, we believe access to high-quality hair restoration should never be limited by financial circumstances. That is why we offer flexible financing options tailored to your individual needs, allowing you to focus on your treatment and well-being without the concern of an upfront payment.

    QUESTIONS?

    Frequently Asked Questions about the FUSS technique (FAQs)

    Is a hair transplant permanent?
    Yes. Transplanted hair is taken from areas that are genetically resistant to hair loss. Once implanted, it continues to grow with the same characteristics as the donor area. Over time, however, it may undergo gradual thinning, just like the hair from which it was originally extracted.
    When will I start to see results?
    Initial results typically become noticeable from the fourth to fifth month after the procedure. The final outcome is usually achieved between 12 and 18 months, as the transplanted hair completes its full growth cycle.
    Is the FUSS procedure painful?

    No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring that patients remain comfortable throughout the surgery. The only discomfort is usually associated with the administration of the anaesthetic itself. During the first few days after the procedure, it is normal to experience a mild feeling of tightness in the donor area. This is typically well controlled with the pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by our medical team, allowing for a comfortable recovery.

    Can I return to normal activities after the transplant?
    Yes. Most patients can resume their normal daily routine while following the post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon. We generally recommend avoiding strenuous physical exercise for 10 days, washing the hair according to the prescribed protocol, and wearing a loose-fitting cap if needed for sun protection or cosmetic purposes.
    How many grafts can be harvested in a single FUSS session?

    FUSS is considered the gold standard for what is known in hair restoration surgery as mega sessions. Depending on the density of the donor area and the elasticity of the scalp, a single procedure can typically yield between 3,000 and more than 4,000 follicular units, equivalent to approximately 7,000–9,000 individual hairs.
    This ability to harvest a large number of grafts in a single session makes FUSS an excellent option for patients requiring coverage of extensive areas of hair loss.

    Will the strip scar be noticeable if I wear my hair short?

    Thanks to the trichophytic closure performed by Dr. Vila, the resulting scar is usually extremely discreet. This advanced microsurgical closure technique allows hair to grow through the incision line, helping to camouflage the scar naturally.
    To ensure optimal concealment, we generally recommend keeping the hair in the donor area at a minimum length equivalent to a No. 2 or No. 3 clipper guard (approximately 6–9 mm).

    Can the FUSS and FUE techniques be combined?

    Yes. In fact, combining FUSS and FUE is one of the most effective strategies for treating advanced hair loss. Dr. Ximena Vila regularly performs combined procedures when clinically indicated. By combining the high graft yield of the FUSS strip technique with additional follicular units harvested using FUE, it is possible to maximise the available donor hair in a single procedure while preserving the long-term integrity of the donor area. This approach allows us to achieve exceptional coverage and density in carefully selected patients with advanced alopecia.

    TESTIMONIES

    What Our Patients Say

    Delighted with the care, professionalism, and attention from the entire team. I’ve been undergoing treatment for 6 months and my scalp has improved significantly. I’m truly happy with the results. Thank you!

    Antonio SJM

    Excellent, warm, and attentive care from everyone at the clinic. The procedure and post-operative period went perfectly, with no discomfort at all. 100% recommended

    Alfredo Badolato

    One year after my first hair transplant with Ximena, the change has been absolutely remarkable. Where I once had deep receding areas and fine, weak hair, I now have thick, healthy-looking hair. It truly feels like magic—thanks to this outstanding professional and her excellent team.

    Martín

    I only have positive words for Dr. Ximena’s professionalism. She has shown that she is truly driven by the results of her work and the satisfaction of her patients.

    Rubén Lasheras

    The Secret to a Highly Discreet Scar

    Trichophytic Closure

    At Dr. Ximena Vila’s Clinic, we enhance the FUSS technique with trichophytic closure, an advanced microsurgical method designed to minimise the visibility of the donor scar.

    Unlike conventional closure techniques, trichophytic closure is specifically designed to allow hair to grow through the scar, helping it blend naturally with the surrounding hair. The technique consists of three key steps:

    1. Precise Beveling: A microscopic angled incision is created so that hair follicles are positioned directly beneath the wound edges.
    2. Meticulous Tissue Closure: The scalp is carefully approximated with millimetre precision, allowing the hair shafts to continue their natural direction of growth.
    3. Hair Growth Through the Scar: As healing progresses, hair grows directly through the scar line, helping to camouflage it and minimise the appearance of a visible linear scar.

    The Result: When performed by an experienced surgeon and combined with appropriate healing, trichophytic closure can produce an extremely fine scar—often around 1 mm in width—that is typically very difficult to detect, even when the hair is worn relatively short (approximately 1–2 cm in length).

    The FUSS technique should not be associated with an obvious scar. Our goal is to achieve maximum graft yield while delivering the natural, discreet aesthetic result our patients expect.” — Dr. Ximena Vila.

    Ready to Restore Your Hair?

    Get in touch with our team and receive a complimentary consultation to assess your hair loss and determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific case.

    FUE vs FUSS: Technique Comparison

    Clinical Criteria FUSS Technique (Strip Method) FUE Technique (Follicular Unit Extraction)
    Ideal Candidate Patients with extensive or advanced hair loss Patients with mild to moderate hair loss or localized areas
    Type of Scarring Linear, very fine scar (virtually imperceptible with trichophytic closure) Small circular micro-scars, typically imperceptible
    Follicular Yield Maximum graft yield in mega-session procedures Limited by donor area density
    Shaving Requirement No shaving required in the recipient area Partial or full shaving may be required depending on the case
    Recovery Time 10–14 days for suture removal Faster recovery, typically 3–5 days to resume normal activity