This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair restoration procedure where individual follicular units are harvested and transplanted to areas of thinning hair in selected patients. A consultation is required to confirm suitability, discuss donor area limits, scarring, expected timelines and risks.
FUE involves removing individual follicular units from a donor area (commonly the back/sides of the scalp) and placing them into recipient sites. It results in many small dot scars in the donor area and tiny recipient site scars; scarring is permanent and varies. Hair growth timelines vary and cannot be guaranteed.
Potential benefits depend on anatomy, skin quality and the extent of treatment. They may include:
– Redistribution of hair follicles to areas of thinning in selected patients (results vary).
– Donor area harvesting without a long linear scar (however dot scarring occurs).
– A staged plan may be discussed where hair loss pattern is progressive.
No result can be guaranteed. The likely degree of change, scar placement (if applicable) should be discussed during consultation. Transplantation does not stop ongoing hair loss in non‑transplanted areas; a long‑term plan may be discussed.
A suitable candidate is typically an adult who:
– Has hair loss pattern suitable for transplant and adequate donor density on assessment.
– Is medically fit for the procedure and aftercare.
– Understands scarring, timelines and variability.
You May Be a Good Candidate If
You may be a good candidate if you:
– You have realistic expectations about density and coverage.
– You understand that additional sessions may be needed.
– You can follow aftercare and avoid trauma to grafts.
This procedure/treatment may not be appropriate if you:
– Active scalp infection or uncontrolled inflammatory scalp disease.
– Insufficient donor hair for the desired coverage.
– Expectation of guaranteed density or “permanent” prevention of future hair loss.
Technique selection is individual and based on your anatomy, goals and safety considerations. Options may include:
– Donor assessment and planning: determines safe harvest numbers and design.
– FUE harvesting: individual follicular units extracted; dot scarring occurs.
– Recipient site creation and implantation: angle/direction planned to match existing hair where possible.
Your clinician/surgeon will explain the recommended approach and expected trade‑offs during consultation.
Anesthesia
Typically performed under local anaesthesia with sedation options depending on the case.
You will receive individual instructions. Common requirements may include:
– Medical history and medication review.
– Avoid blood‑thinning medicines/supplements where advised.
– Plan time off work and transport if sedation is used.
Return to Work: often a few days to 1–2 weeks depending on visibility and comfort.
Return to Exercise: light activity may resume early; strenuous exercise is usually restricted for a period as advised.
Assessing outcome: commonly assessed over 6–12+ months.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
