Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a method of hair transplantation in which hair follicles are removed in small groups from an area where hair is growing normally and inserted into an area where hair is missing. The advantage of this method is that there is no need for the surgeon to make a large incision to extract hair from the donor area. The surgeon simply uses a small microneedle to make small incisions around the hair follicles.

FUE hair transplants is suitable for the treatment of both male and female pattern baldness. In cases where there is insufficient hair on the head for transplanting, hair follicles may be able to be extracted from another area of the body, such as the chest, back or beard. Before undergoing surgery, you may require a FOX test. This means checking to see whether your hair follicles are easy to extract and implant, without the risk of damage. If the results of your FOX text reveal that you are a good candidate for FUE hair transplant, your surgeon can start planning your procedure.

When planning your procedure, your surgeon will consider your future hair loss pattern and the rate of that potential hair loss. They will choose the donor and recipient sites based on an agreed hair design that may take more than one FUE session to achieve. If numerous sessions are required, these may take place months or even years apart.

Following undergoing FUE hair transplant, you may experience swelling, soreness and discomfort around your scalp but this should resolve itself without treatment. Recovery from FUE is quicker than with any other hair transplant procedure, so you can expect to make a full recovery within a week.