The “Punching-Out” Technique to Reduce the FUT Scar

Abstract

Abstract A widened scar from a previous strip-removal procedure (follicular unit transplant) is a commonly encountered complaint from patients coming in for a second hair restoration surgery. Options for addressing widened scars have included surgical scar revision, transplanting the scar with follicular units, and scalp micropigmentation. The authors present a new approach, where the scar may be thinned with a punching-out technique followed by resuturing the area. Advantages of the technique include that the time spent on this procedure is usually less than 10-15 minutes, it utilizes skills and equipment that most hair restoration surgeons already have, and it also does not use additional precious follicular units. Our experience using this technique in 58 patients showed improved appearance of the scar.