The term “follicular unit” refers to a group of one to four healthy hairs growing from the scalp. In FUE, these units are harvested individually from the back and sides of the scalp. The purpose of the procedure is to extract these follicles and transplant them to areas of the scalp where hair loss has occurred, enabling new hair growth in these areas.

The units are harvested randomly from the back and the sides of the scalp. The hair restoration surgeon makes a small circular incision around the hairs and then extracts them from the scalp. When enough follicular units have been harvested, they are then implanted individually in the target areas.

This is a very different procedure from the Follicular Unit Transplant method (FUT). With FUE, there is no need for surgical removal of a band of tissue from the back of the scalp to harvest healthy hair follicles for transplantation as in FUT. FUT leaves a linear scar that may be visible with shorter hair styles. FUE creates tiny scars on the back of the scalp, and the procedure is especially beneficial to individuals who have had multiple FUT treatments and their donor areas have been impacted or compromised.

FUE hair transplant offers a number of benefits, including:

• Due to the fact that the incisions are very small, there is minimal scarring.
• The small extraction sites heal quickly, speeding recovery.
• You will have fewer restrictions on your activity during the recovery period .
• You will be able to wear your hair as short as you like – no worries about a linear scar on the back of the head .
• The FUE post-operative period generally has less discomfort than with the FUT method

Candidates for FUE are experiencing hair loss or premature balding and are looking at restoring their natural hairline and enhancing the hair fullness. Candidates are ideally:

• Medically safe to receive treatment
• Have enough healthy follicles in the donor area to be harvested for use in the transplant
• Are non-smokers or willing to quit for a period of time
• Have realistic expectations for the procedure

Due to the fact that each follicular unit must be carefully and correctly harvested, the procedure requires some time and patience. The harvest site will be shaved to facilitate the precise harvesting that the procedure requires. You will be seated in a specialized chair to maximize your comfort.

A local anesthetic will be injected into your scalp to help you remain comfortable. The process of collecting and placing the follicular units requires several hours. The exact length of time required will depend on your transplant design. Though this can be a long procedure, there will be time for you to take breaks so that you are comfortable throughout your treatment.

One can start to notice the results from a FUE procedure in about six months, but full results can take a year or longer. Our doctors will be easily available throughout the entire post-operative period to answer any questions which may arise. We may suggest further treatments that can help to accelerate healing and improve hair growth.

FUE is a precision surgical procedure that does not require the use of scalpels, stitches or staples. It is a minimally invasive procedure that for most can be completed comfortably in a single day. Recovery from FUE is much faster than was possible with earlier hair transplant techniques, with minimal scarring and faster healing. FUE is performed using a long-lasting local anesthetic and any minor pain or discomfort from the procedure can be managed with over the counter pain relief medication. Most patients can be back to normal activities within a few days.