Hair transplant technique
A technique in which grafts are extracted one by one from the donor area and placed into opened channels; often used for larger areas.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a method of extracting follicular units — the natural groupings of one to four hairs in which follicles grow — one at a time, usually from the back and sides of the head. The extracted grafts are then placed into channels opened in advance in the recipient area where hair has been lost. Because it does not leave a linear scar in the donor area and can be planned over larger areas, FUE hair transplant is today one of the most widely used techniques.
From consultation to month 12
The photos you sent for your online assessment are complemented by a dermatoscopic examination at the clinic. The doctor assesses donor density, hair calibre and how the hair loss is likely to progress; this examination determines whether FUE is suitable for you.
The hairline is drawn with a marker to suit your age and facial proportions, and reviewed with you. The recipient areas and estimated graft count are noted, with the long-term capacity of the donor area kept in mind.
After local anaesthesia, grafts are extracted one by one with a micromotor and fine punch tips and held in saline solution. Channels are then opened in the recipient area and the grafts are implanted with attention to direction and angle.
The check-up and first wash take place at the clinic the following day. Washing continues over the next days according to your written instructions; the scabs usually soften and come away around days 7–10. Protecting the recipient area during this period is important.
The scabs come away in the first weeks; between months 1 and 3 some of the transplanted hairs may shed temporarily. New growth generally begins after month 3–4 and becomes noticeable around month 6; for most people the final appearance is assessed at around 12 months. Timings vary from person to person.
Explore the recovery timelineFUE Hair Transplant
Comparison
In all three techniques, grafts are extracted individually from the donor area. The difference lies in how the channels are opened in the recipient area and how the grafts are implanted.
| — | FUE | Sapphire FUE | DHI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graft extraction | One by one, with a micromotor and fine punch | Same as FUE | Same as FUE |
| Channel opening | In advance, with a steel blade or needle | In advance, with a sapphire blade | No separate channels; opened and implanted with an implanter pen |
| Implantation | With forceps into pre-opened channels | With forceps into pre-opened channels | Directly with the pen, with angle and depth adjusted |
| Often preferred for | Larger areas, a high graft requirement in one session | Larger areas, closely spaced channel planning | Hairline, thinning areas, unshaven options |
| Shaving | Usually required | Usually required | Partial or unshaven where suitable |
| Procedure time | 6–8 hours, depending on graft count | 6–8 hours, depending on graft count | 7–9 hours, depending on graft count |
This table is for general information. The doctor decides which technique to use after the examination; some plans combine techniques.
FAQ
