• Post published:January 24, 2025

All You Need to Know About Hair Transplant Scars 

A middle-aged man examines his thinning hair in a bathroom mirror, showing concern about hair loss. He has a short beard and is wearing a long-sleeve white shirt. The bathroom features light-colored tiles and a patterned shower curtain. The image captures a moment of self-reflection, highlighting common concerns about aging and personal appearance. This visual can be relevant for discussions on hair restoration, self-care, and men's grooming routines.

A hair transplant can produce life-changing results for people suffering from hair loss. However, patients often ask: Do hair transplants leave scars? Will people notice it? The short answer is yes, a hair transplant will leave scars, but how visible or noticeable those scars are depends on the technique used and the expertise of your surgeon. 

To avoid bad hair transplants, Dr. Ziering recommends consulting with a board-certified surgeon with a reputation for producing hair transplants with no visible scars. Here, we discuss why hair transplants produce scars, what they might look like, and ways to minimize their appearance. 

MDEE Hair Transplant Scars 

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT), also known as the Microscopically Dissected Elliptical Excision (MDEE) method, involves shaving the hair short across the designated donor strip, and then removing a thin strip of skin tissue from the safe donor area, on the back and sides of the head. This strip contains follicular units, which are dissected under a special microscope and implanted into the thinning or balding areas. 

The strip typically measures about 0.5 to 1.5 cm wide (5 to 15 mm) and about 5 to 30 cm in length, depending on the number of grafts needed. Because MDEE requires removing a strip of skin, it leaves a linear scar in the donor area. 

Close-up image of a comb with fine, closely spaced teeth, showcasing a mix of dark and light bristles. The background features soft, abstract patterns in muted colors, enhancing the focus on the comb. This image highlights the texture and detail of the comb, making it ideal for discussions about grooming tools or hair care products. The composition emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, providing a visually appealing representation of everyday items.

MDEE/FUT Strip Tissue 

Once the tissue strip is removed and sutured close,  the hair above the suture line is gently combed downward to cover the donor area. This effectively conceals the sutures and any visible signs of the MDEE incision immediately post-surgery. 

As the incision wound heals over several weeks, the suture line becomes a very fine scar that is often hard to detect even with close inspection. During this period, the hair continues to provide coverage, allowing the individual to maintain their normal appearance without revealing signs of surgery.

An experienced surgeon will plan a safe MDEE donor harvest, checking for scalp laxity which determines how easily the strip or tissue can be removed and sutured. If your scalp is tight, your surgeon will most likely recommend scalp exercises prior to surgery.  

MDEE or FUT scars are usually very thin—about the thickness of a pencil line. Patients who need a large number of grafts in a single session often consider the MDEE procedure, and the trade-off of a pencil-thin scar is often worth the results.  

Additionally, Ziering surgeons use trichophytic closure to minimize MDEE or FUT scarring and encourage hair growth through the scar. This is done by slightly overlapping the edges so hair can grow through the scar, making it harder to see even with shorter hairstyles. 

It’s a small but important step that experienced surgeons like the Ziering Medical Team use to achieve the most dramatic aesthetic change with one surgery session while also delivering natural-looking results.

A close-up image showing a medical professional performing a skin treatment on a patient's scalp. The professional is wearing a latex glove and using a small tool to extract a sample of skin or debris. Moisture is visible on the skin surface, indicating a clinical procedure. The image highlights the precision and care involved in dermatological treatments, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and safety in medical practices.

A Ziering Technician placing individual follicular units into the recipient sites during an MDEE/FUT procedure 

Will I Notice Scars After an MDEE Hair Transplant? 

If you keep your hair at a medium length or longer and follow the post-op instructions carefully, you’ll barely notice any scars which allows you to return to their daily routines with confidence while the donor area heals.  People won’t even know you’ve had a hair transplant. Post-operatively, refraining from lifting heavy objects and weights or doing strenuous workouts for at least 10 – 14 days is key.  A good indicator that you are doing too much is that you feel tension along the donor site where the strip of tissue was removed. Doing too much, too soon, may cause the linear scar to stretch. 

MDEE is not typically recommended for those patients who prefer very short hairstyles, because the linear scar may be visible. However, options like scar revision treatments or scalp micropigmentation (SMP) are some of the best ways to hide hair transplant scar​s.

FUE Hair Transplant Scars

Unlike the strip MDEE method, an FUE or follicular unit excision and extraction surgery does not involve removing a thin strip of scalp from the donor area. Instead, it involves shaving the entire back and sides of the back of the head, removing individual follicular units directly from the donor area using a small punch tool, and implanting them into the thinning or balding areas according to the hair transplant designed by your surgeon. 

The punch tool used in FUE typically ranges from 0.7 to 1 millimeter in diameter, meaning the scars are so small they’re often undetectable to the naked eye, even with short hairstyles. These micro-scars heal as tiny, pinpoint white dots scattered throughout the donor area.

Because FUE doesn’t involve removing a strip of skin, it avoids the linear scar associated with MDEE procedures. This makes it the preferred option for patients who wear their hair very short or shaved and want to avoid the longer recovery time required with MDEE.

FUE Hair Graft Extraction. This video shows a patient who had 1,087 grafts transplanted to the crown via FUE. As with most patients, the pain is minimal and with proper care, very little swelling.

Are FUE Hair Transplant Scars Visible?

FUE scars appear as tiny, circular dots in the donor area, and they’re barely visible with short hairstyles or even a buzz cut. These pinpoint scars are also spaced out across the scalp, nearly impossible to detect without close inspection. 

Is FUE Scarless? 

Some clinics have dubbed FUE as a “scarless” procedure. However, this is not true. To harvest the donor hair, the scalp skin must be punctured or broken, which does cause scarring.  While FUE doesn’t leave a single linear scar like MDEE, it still creates tiny circular scars at each extraction site. These scars are typically small and scattered, making them less noticeable, especially if you keep your hair short. 

Why Do Some Hair Transplants Create Visible Scars?

Hair transplants can create visible scars mainly because of two things: 1) the technique used and 2) the surgeon’s skill. 

MDEE leaves a linear scar that may widen over time if the closure technique isn’t done properly or if the scalp skin is too tight, which can cause the scar to widen over time. FUE creates tiny circular scars, but they can stand out if too many follicles are extracted too closely together or from one area or outside the safe zone, causing noticeable thinning or patchiness.

Skin tone and healing also play a role. For example, scars may appear lighter than surrounding skin on darker tones or raised scars like keloids can form in those prone to them. The best way to avoid visible scars is by choosing a skilled surgeon, knowing and sharing your health history with keloids,  and following proper post-surgical care.

FUE Hair Transplant Scars After 1 Day Close-Up Photos

Immediately after an FUE procedure, the donor area will show tiny red dots where the hair follicles were removed. These spots might look slightly inflamed at first but heal quickly. Within a few days, small scabs form and naturally fall off in about 7-10 days. Most patients feel ready to return to regular activities, including work, within 5-7 days. 

Image depicting the healing progression after a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant. The collage features three rows of images showing the back of a patient's head at different stages: Row 1 shows the immediate post-operative results, Row 2 displays the next day after the procedure, and Row 3 illustrates the condition of the scalp on Day 4 post-operation. Each image highlights the gradual healing process, including redness and scabbing, providing a visual guide for potential patients considering FUE hair

FUE scarring showing immediate, next day, and day 4 post-op progression

Before and after images of scalp micropigmentation treatment showcasing various angles of a client's scalp. The images highlight the natural-looking results of the procedure, designed to create the appearance of fuller hair. The top left shows the scalp immediately after treatment, with visible pigmentation dots. The top right captures a close-up view, while the bottom images display the overall look from different perspectives. This effective solution is ideal for individuals experiencing hair loss or thinning, offering a realistic and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional hair restoration methods.

Next-Day FUE Hair Transplant Before and After Photos 

FUE Scars After 1 Year Close-Up Photos

A year after FUE, the donor area heals with tiny scars that are barely visible, so you can cut, style, or treat it however you like. Unless your hair is shaved very close, they are almost impossible to detect.

Before and after images of a male patient showcasing hair restoration results. The top image displays significant hair thinning and a prominent forehead, while the bottom image illustrates a fuller head of hair with improved volume and coverage. This visual comparison highlights the effectiveness of the hair restoration treatment, emphasizing enhanced hair density and a more youthful appearance. Ideal for individuals considering hair restoration options, these images serve as a testament to the transformative potential of the procedure.

2031 Follicular Units, 1 FUE Hair Transplant, Showing Pre-Op and 12 Months Post-Op

Before and after images of a hair restoration procedure showing significant improvement in hair density and hairline. The top image depicts thinning hair with visible scalp, while the bottom image showcases fuller hair with a natural-looking hairline. This visual comparison highlights the effectiveness of hair restoration techniques for individuals experiencing hair loss, emphasizing the transformation over time.

2050 Follicular Units, 1 FUE Hair Transplant, Showing Pre-Op and 12 Months Post-Op

MDEE, Formerly Known as FUT,  Hair Transplant Scar After 1 Day 

A few days after a MDEE hair transplant, the donor area will have a linear incision with sutures in place. The area may feel tight and tender, with some mild swelling or redness. The incision is typically hidden under the surrounding hair, so the scar won’t be visible to others.

Image showing two views of a scalp during a hair restoration consultation. The left side displays the scalp's appearance when hair is pulled up, revealing thinning areas. The right side illustrates how the hair conceals these areas when styled normally. This visual comparison highlights the effectiveness of hair restoration techniques offered by Ziering Medical.

Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within 7 – 10 days, depending on how they feel. The sutures are usually removed 8 -10 days after the procedure. Regular physical activities, including exercise, should be avoided for at least two weeks or until your surgeon clears you. 

Watch Dr. Ziering remove MDEE sutures post-surgery. You can see the MDEE scar healing well. 

MDEE Hair Transplant Scars After 1 Year Close-Up Photo

After 1 year, the MDEE scar is fully healed. For most patients, it’s well hidden by surrounding hair, even with shorter hairstyles. The appearance depends on your skin type, healing, and the surgeon’s skill, but a qualified surgeon can make the scar minimal and discreet.

Before and after image showcasing a hair restoration treatment. The top section displays thinning hair with noticeable bald spots, while the bottom section presents a fuller, healthier hairstyle. This visual comparison highlights the effectiveness of the treatment in enhancing hair volume and appearance. Ideal for individuals considering hair restoration solutions, this image emphasizes the transformation possible through modern hair care techniques.

3,200 Follicular Units, 1 MDEE/FUT Hair Transplant, Showing Pre-Op Photos and 12 Months Post-Op

Before and after images showcasing hair restoration results. The top image displays a close-up of a balding scalp, highlighting significant hair loss. The bottom image features the same individual after treatment, showing a full head of hair with natural texture and color. This visual comparison emphasizes the effectiveness of hair restoration solutions, appealing to those considering similar treatments. Ideal for individuals seeking information on hair loss solutions and hair restoration options.

4250 Follicular Units, 2 MDEE/FUT Hair Transplants, Showing Pre-Op and 12 Months Post-Op After 2nd Surgery

MDEE Scar After 1 Year Close-Up Video

In this video, Dr. Kinler lifts the hair in the donor area of a patient one year after his MDEE procedure. Can you find the scar? Impossible to tell, isn’t it? The MDEE/FUT scar is virtually undetectable to the untrained eye. Results like these are only possible with the expertise of a highly skilled and experienced surgeon like the Ziering surgeons.

 Top Hair Transplant Doctors in Beverly Hills and NYC

For over 20 years, Ziering Medical has been the #1 choice for hair transplant surgery in Beverly Hills, CA, with additional clinics in New York City, NY, and Greenwich, CT.

Led by celebrity surgeon Dr. Craig Ziering, the Ziering hair transplant doctors bring 75+ years of combined surgical experience and have successfully transplanted over 100 million hair grafts. Choosing Ziering Medical means choosing world-class hair restoration and unmatched patient care you won’t find elsewhere.

Call us or visit a Ziering Medical clinic near you to book a consultation. We serve patients all over the greater Tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as the greater Southern California area from Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to Newport Beach and San Diego.