FUT (Strip) Hair Transplant in McLean, VA
Medically reviewed by Dr. William H. Lindsey, MD, FACS | Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon | IAHRS Member
Dr. Lindsey performs every FUT procedure personally at Lindsey Medical Hair Transplant Center in McLean, VA. Learn more about Dr. Lindsey’s credentials and background.
FUT Hair Transplant at Lindsey Medical Hair Transplant Center in McLean, VA
FUT, also called the strip method, is a hair transplant technique that removes a narrow strip of scalp from the donor area, from which individual follicular units are dissected and transplanted to the recipient zone. Dr. William H. Lindsey, MD, FACS performs FUT at his McLean, VA clinic using a two-layer trichophytic closure that minimizes scar visibility and allows hair to grow through the closure line – a technique that distinguishes his approach from standard single-layer strip closures used at many other practices.
Patients from Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland choose FUT at Lindsey Medical for its high graft-count capacity, the precision of Dr. Lindsey’s closure, and the personal attention of a single-surgeon, single-procedure-per-day model.
The Two-Layer Trichophytic Closure Technique
A standard FUT closure uses a single layer of sutures to close the donor site after the strip is removed. Dr. Lindsey uses a two-layer trichophytic closure, a technique involving two sequential suture layers placed so that hair follicles at the edge of the incision grow through the scar line as the tissue heals. The result is a donor-site scar that is significantly less visible than a conventional single-layer strip closure, particularly at shorter hair lengths. The technique also reduces tension on the outer suture layer, which improves the final appearance of the healed scar.
Dr. Lindsey removes sutures himself at a follow-up visit on day 6 or 7 after surgery. Earlier removal is part of the trichophytic closure protocol and contributes to better scar outcomes compared to the 10 to 14 day removal timelines common at other practices.
For patients who have had a previous strip procedure at another practice and are concerned about an existing scar, a consultation with Dr. Lindsey can determine whether the scar is a candidate for revision.
Am I a Candidate for FUT Hair Transplant in McLean, VA?
FUT is generally the preferred technique when:
- A high graft count is needed in a single session. FUT allows for larger sessions than FUE in most cases because the strip can yield more grafts per procedure day.
- The patient does not regularly wear the back of the scalp very short. A fine linear scar is present at the donor site after surgery, and FUT is typically a better match for patients whose hair length covers it.
- The patient wants to preserve FUE donor supply for a future procedure. Because FUT harvests from a strip rather than individual follicles, it leaves the diffuse donor area available for a subsequent FUE session if needed.
- Scalp laxity makes strip harvesting more efficient than individual extraction for the graft count required.
FUT may not be the best option for patients who want to wear their hair very short at the back or whose scalp laxity does not support a strip of the required size. Dr. Lindsey evaluates every case personally during the free consultation and recommends the technique that best serves the patient’s long-term goals.
Patient Results
Before & After Gallery
Repair Case
Young Male Case
Older Male Case
FUT Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery in McLean, VA
FUT patients typically return to desk work within 7 to 10 days of surgery. The donor site is closed with sutures that Dr. Lindsey removes at a follow-up visit on day 6 or 7. Some patients experience temporary tightness or numbness in the donor area during the first weeks of healing, which resolves as the tissue settles.
Transplanted hairs enter a shedding phase between weeks 2 and 8. This is a normal part of the growth cycle, not a sign of a problem. New growth typically becomes visible around month 3 to 4, with density continuing to develop through months 12 to 18. Dr. Lindsey’s team provides complete pre and post-operative care instructions before your procedure date and is available for follow-up questions throughout your recovery.
FUT vs. FUE: Which Hair Transplant Is Right for You?
FUT and FUE are both performed by Dr. Lindsey at his McLean, VA clinic, and both can produce natural-looking, long-lasting results. The primary difference is how donor hair is harvested and what the donor site looks like after surgery.
FUT removes a strip of scalp from the donor area, which is closed with Dr. Lindsey’s two-layer trichophytic closure. It typically allows for a higher graft count per session and leaves a fine linear scar at the donor site. FUE removes individual follicles without a linear incision and leaves no linear scar, but generally yields a smaller graft count per session. Dr. Lindsey recommends the right approach for your case at the free consultation.
Read the full FUT vs. FUE comparison guide, or see FUE hair transplant in McLean, VA.
Serving FUT Patients from McLean, VA and the Washington DC Metro Area
Lindsey Medical Hair Transplant Center is located at 1401 Chain Bridge Rd, Suite 303, McLean, VA 22101, approximately 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Washington DC. Dr. Lindsey performs FUT procedures for patients from across Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Fairfax, Tysons Corner, Vienna, and Falls Church, as well as patients traveling from Maryland and the broader DC metro area.
Patients who travel nationally and internationally also come to McLean for FUT surgery with Dr. Lindsey. The free consultation can begin by phone or email for patients traveling from outside the immediate area.
McLean Office
1401 Chain Bridge Rd, Suite 303, McLean VA 22101
703.356.3260
Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm
Explore More at Lindsey Medical, McLean, VA
You can also review beard restoration in McLean, VA, our hair transplant cost guide, pre- and post-operative care instructions and our McLean hair transplant clinic page.
FUE Hair Transplant in McLean, VA
FUT vs. FUE Comparison Guide
Hair Transplant Repair
Dr. Lindsey performs corrective and repair procedures for patients with poor prior results, pluggy hairlines, or visible scarring from previous surgeries.
FUT Hair Transplant in McLean, VA: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Dr. William H. Lindsey, MD, FACS performs FUT hair transplant surgery at Lindsey Medical Hair Transplant Center, located at 1401 Chain Bridge Rd, Suite 303, McLean, VA 22101. FUT is one of the primary procedures Dr. Lindsey performs personally at this location.
The two-layer trichophytic closure is a donor-site closure technique Dr. Lindsey uses after every FUT procedure. Unlike a standard single-layer strip closure, it places a second suture layer that allows hair follicles at the edge of the incision to grow through the scar line as healing progresses. The result is a donor-site scar that is significantly less visible than a conventional strip closure, particularly at shorter hair lengths. Dr. Lindsey removes sutures himself at a follow-up visit on day 6 or 7 after surgery.
FUT produces a fine linear scar at the donor site on the back of the scalp. With Dr. Lindsey's two-layer trichophytic closure technique, the scar is typically fine and becomes covered by surrounding hair as it grows back. Patients who wear their hair at a number 3 guard length or longer generally find the scar is not visible under normal circumstances. Patients who shave the donor area very short may see a fine line. Scar visibility depends on individual healing, hair characteristics, and how short the hair is worn. Dr. Lindsey discusses realistic expectations with every patient during the consultation.
FUT sessions at Lindsey Medical range from under 800 grafts to over 4,000 grafts in a single procedure. The graft count is determined by scalp laxity, the donor strip width, and the density of the donor area. Larger sessions are possible with FUT because a high number of grafts can be harvested efficiently from a single strip, which is one reason FUT is the preferred technique for patients who need significant coverage in one procedure. Dr. Lindsey provides a personalized graft estimate at the free consultation.
FUT at Lindsey Medical is priced on a tiered session basis. Sessions range from $7,500 for procedures under 800 grafts to $18,000 for sessions up to 4,000 grafts. The cost reflects the all-inclusive price of the procedure, performed personally by Dr. Lindsey. A personalized cost estimate is provided at the free consultation.
Consultations with Dr. Lindsey are free and conducted personally by Dr. Lindsey. He evaluates the scalp, donor area, and hair characteristics, and provides a graft estimate and procedure recommendation. To schedule, call (703) 356-3260 or submit the contact form on this page. His team is available Monday through Friday.
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Schedule a Free FUT Consultation in McLean, VA
Consultations are free and conducted personally by Dr. Lindsey, with no sales staff or automated assessment. He evaluates your scalp, donor area and hair characteristics, and gives you a graft estimate and procedure recommendation at the appointment. You leave with a clear picture of your options, the expected graft count and the total cost before making any commitment.
McLean Office
1401 Chain Bridge Rd, Suite 303, McLean VA 22101
Richmond Office
9900 Independence Park Dr #110, Richmond VA 23233
703.356.3260
Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm
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