A linear scar is a straight scar that appears after some hair transplant surgeries. Not all methods cause it, but one well-known technique—FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)—often leaves this kind of mark on the back of the scalp.
Can You Avoid a Linear Scar After Hair Transplant?
This scar happens because, during FUT, the doctor removes a thin strip of skin from the back of the head. The area is then stitched closed. Once it heals, a line-shaped scar remains.
Many men worry about this scar, especially if they like to wear their hair short. So it’s important to understand when it happens, how visible it can be, and what can be done about it.
How does a linear scar form?
The human body heals by forming scar tissue. When the doctor removes the strip of skin in FUT, your body works to close that gap. Even though the area is carefully stitched, it still heals with a scar.
The scar forms where the skin was removed. It can be wide or narrow. For some, it stays very thin and is easy to hide under hair. For others, it stretches and becomes more noticeable.
This depends on several factors:
How well the surgery was done
How your skin heals
How much tension was in the area
If you had any infection or complications
If you picked at the wound or didn’t follow aftercare
Everyone heals differently. Some men naturally form thicker or more visible scars.
How visible is the scar?
The visibility of the linear scar depends mostly on hair length. If your hair is longer than a #3 clipper guard (about 1/2 inch or 13 mm), the scar may be completely hidden.
But if you wear your hair very short—or shave it—the scar may show as a thin, pale line across the back of your head.
Some men don’t mind this, especially if they got great hair restoration results. Others feel self-conscious and wish they had chosen another method.
For this reason, many men ask their doctor upfront: “Will I have a scar? And if yes, how bad will it be?”
What makes a linear scar wider?
In some cases, the scar stretches after surgery. This can happen due to:
Tension: If the strip was too wide or the scalp was tight, the edges may have been pulled hard when stitched. Over time, this causes the scar to widen.
Poor closure technique: Skilled doctors use special methods to close the skin in layers and reduce tension.
Heavy exercise too soon: Straining or stretching the scalp during healing can lead to a wider scar.
Genetics: Some people naturally form thicker, raised, or stretched scars (known as hypertrophic scars or keloids).
Wider scars can be harder to hide and may bother men who like buzz cuts or shaved heads.
Can FUE avoid the linear scar?
Yes. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is another popular hair transplant method. Instead of removing a strip, FUE removes individual follicles one by one using a tiny punch tool.
This leaves small dot scars instead of one long line. The dots are spread out and usually hard to see, even with short hair.
However, FUE has its own limits. If too many grafts are taken too close together, it can cause a “moth-eaten” look in the donor area. Also, FUE usually takes longer and can be more expensive.
But for men who want to wear short hair or avoid a visible scar, FUE may be the better option.
How to reduce the chance of a visible scar
If you’re considering FUT and want to minimize the scar, here are some tips:
Choose an experienced surgeon
The way the doctor removes the strip and closes the wound makes a big difference. Skilled surgeons use precise techniques to reduce tension and promote smooth healing.
Don’t go too wide
Some clinics try to remove a wide strip to get more grafts in one session. But this increases tension and can stretch the scar later. A thinner strip may be safer.
Follow all aftercare instructions
Avoid exercise, heavy lifting, or bending for at least 2–3 weeks after surgery. These movements can stretch the healing skin.
Don’t pick or scratch the area
Scabbing is normal, but picking at the wound increases the chance of infection or poor healing.
Consider trichophytic closure
Some surgeons offer this special closure method, where hair is allowed to grow through the scar. It can help blend the scar more naturally with the surrounding hair.
Avoid sun exposure during healing
UV rays can make scars darker or more visible. Protect your scalp if you go outside.
What if you already have a linear scar?
If you’ve already had a FUT transplant and are unhappy with the scar, there are still options:
1. Scar revision surgery
This means the doctor removes the old scar and stitches the area again, often using a better closure method. If the first surgery had poor technique, this can help.
2. FUE into the scar
Hair grafts can be placed directly into the scar using FUE. This helps blend it with the rest of your hair. But it works best if the scar has enough blood flow to support the grafts.
3. Scalp micropigmentation (SMP)
This is a tattooing method where small dots of pigment are added to mimic hair follicles. It can make the scar look less visible, especially if your hair is short.
4. Grow your hair longer
In some cases, simply keeping your hair a little longer will hide the scar completely. This is the easiest and cheapest option.
What about keloid scars?
A keloid is a thick, raised scar that grows beyond the area of the wound. Some people are prone to this type of scarring, especially those with darker skin.
Keloids can appear red, itchy, or firm. If you have a history of keloids from cuts, piercings, or other surgeries, tell your doctor before having a hair transplant.
Keloid formation is rare, but if it happens, it can make the scar much more noticeable.
Should you avoid FUT completely?
Not always. FUT still has benefits. It usually gives more grafts in one session, which is helpful for people with advanced hair loss.
Also, FUT may preserve more donor area for future surgeries. FUE, if overused, can damage the donor area and limit your options later.
If you don’t plan to wear very short hair and choose a skilled doctor, the FUT scar may never bother you.
It’s about your goals, your lifestyle, and your comfort with possible outcomes.
Final advice before choosing a method
When deciding between FUT and FUE, think carefully. Don’t just look at graft numbers or costs. Think about the long term.
Do you plan to keep your hair short?
Are you very concerned about scars?
Do you have a history of poor scarring?
Is your donor area strong enough for FUE?
Do you need a large number of grafts?
Talk openly with your surgeon. A good doctor will not push you into one method. They will explain the pros and cons clearly.
Sometimes, a mix of both methods is used over time—FUT for the first session and FUE later to fill in or correct the scar.
Conclusion
Hair transplants can change your look, but they won’t bring back your teenage hair. Results take time. Patience is key.
Scars are a normal part of any surgery. The goal is not to remove all scars but to make them as small and hidden as possible.
With proper planning and a skilled surgeon, most men are very happy with their results—even with a linear scar.
Related topics:
- Can a Hair Transplant Really Fix Male Pattern Baldness?
- Are Hair Implants for Men Worth It Today?
- Does FUE Hair Transplant Leave Scars?
