FUE (Follicular Unit Excision) removes follicular units — the natural growth units of hair — one at a time from the back and sides of the scalp and places them in thinning areas. When planned carefully it leaves no linear scar and allows a natural hairline; it is the core method in hair restoration today.
Who is it for?
- People with male pattern hair loss (Norwood 2–6) whose loss has relatively stabilised
- Those with adequate donor density at the back of the scalp
- People who like to keep their hair short and want to avoid a linear scar
- Patients who have had a previous transplant and want to fill sparse areas
How is it done?
- Examination: donor density (FU/cm²) is measured with a dermatoscope; stage and family history are reviewed.
- Planning: the hairline is drawn to facial proportions and graft distribution is set zone by zone.
- Trimming of the donor area and local anaesthesia.
- Follicular units are extracted one by one with a 0.7–0.9 mm punch; grafts are kept in a cooled solution.
- Channels are opened in the recipient area at the planned angle, direction and density.
- Grafts are placed with forceps, single-hair grafts at the front, followed by a final check.
Recovery
- Mild swelling and redness may occur in the first 3 days; the first wash is usually done at the centre on day 2.
- Crusts shed around days 10–14.
- Between weeks 2 and 8, some transplanted hairs may shed temporarily (shock loss).
- New hair appears from months 3–4; the result largely settles by month 12 and may take up to 18 months at the crown.
Limits and risks
- Donor capacity is limited; the number of grafts that can be safely harvested over a lifetime varies.
- If loss continues, untreated areas may keep thinning; medical therapy should be discussed with your doctor.
- Risks include infection, prolonged redness, folliculitis and over-harvesting of the donor area.
- Outcomes depend on hair calibre, colour, texture and healing; the same density does not look the same on everyone.
Frequently asked
Does FUE leave scars?
It leaves no linear scar; each extraction site leaves a sub-millimetre dot. These are usually not noticeable unless the hair is shaved very short.
How many grafts will I need?
It depends on the size of the area and the target density. Our simulator gives a range; the actual plan is made by the doctor after examination.
Is the procedure painful?
You will feel a brief sting during local anaesthesia; after that the procedure is usually comfortable. Sensations vary between people.
The information on this page is general and does not replace a medical consultation. The method, graft number and timeline suitable for you can only be determined after an examination. Simulations are illustrative and are not a promise of results.
