Follicular unit transplantation with Dr. Steven Paul Holt, MD, Michigan’s only ABHRS board-certified hair restoration surgeon. Natural, permanent results, large sessions, and no need to shave your head.
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT), also called the strip method, is one of the most established hair transplant techniques, and Dr. Holt performs FUT hair transplants at our Grand Rapids clinic. It remains popular because it produces natural-looking, permanent results.
A thin strip of scalp is removed from the back of the head, the donor area, where hair is naturally resistant to balding. The area is closed in a way that lets hair grow through the scar, leaving a fine linear scar that is normally not visible when hair is kept about ¾ of an inch or longer.
The strip is then divided under high-power stereo microscopes into individual follicular units, the natural groups of one to four hairs, and Dr. Holt places them in the thinning or bald areas. FUT and ARTAS robotic FUE produce similar new hair growth. The difference is how the donor hair is collected. Read our full guide to the strip hair transplant.
From your first visit to your final result, here is what to expect at Holt Hair Restoration Center.
Dr. Holt examines your scalp, donor hair and goals, explains whether FUT or ARTAS fits you better, and designs a hairline that suits your face.
On procedure day the donor area is numbed and a thin strip of scalp is removed from the back of the head, then carefully closed.
Our team divides the strip under high-power stereo microscopes into individual follicular units, ready for placement.
Dr. Holt places each graft at a natural angle. Most patients are back to normal activities in about two weeks, with full results at about a year.
FUT is a proven, outpatient procedure that can move a large number of grafts in one session, without shaving your head. It is a strong choice if you wear your hair at least ¾ of an inch long.
| FUT strip method | ARTAS robotic FUE | |
|---|---|---|
| How grafts are taken | A strip of scalp, divided under microscopes | One follicle at a time, by robot |
| Donor area afterward | One fine linear scar, hidden by hair ¾ inch or longer | Tiny dot-like marks that blend into short hair |
| Stitches | Yes, removed after 10 to 14 days | None |
| Shaving | Not needed | Donor area is trimmed short |
| Back to normal activities | Usually about two weeks | Usually within a few days |
Dr. Holt performs both, and will recommend the one that fits your hair loss and goals. Learn more about ARTAS robotic hair transplants.
Real patients of Dr. Holt in Grand Rapids. Every hairline is designed around the person wearing it.
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AfterA strip hair transplant can help men and women with pattern hair loss, a receding hairline or thinning areas, and patients who want to add density to their existing hair. It suits people who keep their hair a little longer and want a large session. If FUT is not the best fit, Dr. Holt will explain other options such as ARTAS robotic FUE or PRP.
“I had a great experience at this office! The team of Lindsey, Mary, & Dr. Holt were professional throughout the experience and provided excellent care.”
“Dr. Holt was incredibly kind, patient, and genuine. … They don’t just restore hair, they help restore how you feel about yourself.”
“Dr. Holt did my hair restoration over 20 years ago. … 20 years later I can honestly state this was one of the best investments I have ever made in my life.”
“Every hair he placed was meticulously angled to match what had been there. I consider him an artist as he worked wonders replicating my cow lick.”
“I chose Dr. Holt to perform my procedure for three primary reasons: training, experience and patient care.”
“Dr Holt is a real straight shooter he really took the time to teach me why I’m losing my hair and came up with a plan to help me start to get it back.”
“I had a great experience at this office! The team of Lindsey, Mary, & Dr. Holt were professional throughout the experience and provided excellent care.”
“Dr. Holt was incredibly kind, patient, and genuine. … They don’t just restore hair, they help restore how you feel about yourself.”
“Dr. Holt did my hair restoration over 20 years ago. … 20 years later I can honestly state this was one of the best investments I have ever made in my life.”
“Every hair he placed was meticulously angled to match what had been there. I consider him an artist as he worked wonders replicating my cow lick.”
“I chose Dr. Holt to perform my procedure for three primary reasons: training, experience and patient care.”
“Dr Holt is a real straight shooter he really took the time to teach me why I’m losing my hair and came up with a plan to help me start to get it back.”
“What truly sold me on Holt Hair Restoration was the honesty and the personal touch he and his staff provided.”
“This was a positive experience in every way. … Dr. Holt is an artist at hair restoration, he really knows how to get the best results for you.”
“The overall affect for me is life altering! … Dr. Holt and his team at Holt Hair Restoration are amazing, compassionate and professional.”
“The outcome of my first procedure was excellent and helped me gain back my self confidence which in turn made all areas of my life better.”
“I have my hairline back and my density is fuller. … Also the donor area looks like nothing was done to it.”
“One of my best decisions I ever made was to go to Holt Restoration Center.”
“What truly sold me on Holt Hair Restoration was the honesty and the personal touch he and his staff provided.”
“This was a positive experience in every way. … Dr. Holt is an artist at hair restoration, he really knows how to get the best results for you.”
“The overall affect for me is life altering! … Dr. Holt and his team at Holt Hair Restoration are amazing, compassionate and professional.”
“The outcome of my first procedure was excellent and helped me gain back my self confidence which in turn made all areas of my life better.”
“I have my hairline back and my density is fuller. … Also the donor area looks like nothing was done to it.”
“One of my best decisions I ever made was to go to Holt Restoration Center.”
Have a question about a strip hair transplant in Grand Rapids that isn’t answered here? Call or text the office.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so the transplant itself isn't painful, although it can be a little uncomfortable while the numbing is placed. Any discomfort afterward is temporary, and the donor area can feel tight or tender for a few days.
Transplanted hair grows in natural cycles. Most patients see new growth within three to six months, and the full result takes about twelve months.
Recovery takes about two weeks. During that time we ask you to rest and avoid strenuous activity, and the stitches are removed after 10 to 14 days. Our hair transplant recovery guide walks you through each stage.
The most common side effects are swelling and bruising around the treated areas. They are normal and usually settle within a few days.
Yes, FUT leaves one fine linear scar at the back of the head. It is normally not visible when hair is kept about ¾ of an inch or longer. If you prefer very short hair, skin micropigmentation can camouflage the scar.
FUT can help anyone with male or female pattern hair loss and enough donor hair, as well as patients who want more density and volume in their existing hair. Dr. Holt will confirm whether it's right for you at your consultation.
The cost depends on the number of grafts you need. Dr. Holt gives you a clear quote at your complimentary consultation, with no pressure to do more than you need.
Meet Dr. Holt at our Grand Rapids clinic, see real results, and get an honest plan and quote for your hair transplant.
4551 Cascade Rd SE, Suite B
Grand Rapids, MI 49546