How does an FUE hair transplant work?
FUE stands for Follicular Unit Extraction. With this technique, hair roots are taken from the donor area one by one and placed where the hair has become thinner. In this article we explain how such a treatment works in practice, what you can expect on the day itself and which factors influence the result.
What exactly is FUE?
In an FUE hair transplant, individual follicular units – small groups of one to four hairs, also called grafts – are harvested separately from the scalp. This is done with a fine hollow punch. Because no strip of skin is removed, no long linear scars are left behind, only small dot-shaped marks that are barely noticeable once recovery is complete.
The harvested grafts are then placed in the area where hair loss is visible: the hairline, the temples or the crown. The direction, angle and distribution in which they are placed largely determine whether the end result looks natural.
The donor area
The donor area is usually at the back and sides of the head. In most people the hairs there are less sensitive to the influence of the hormones that cause hair loss. That is precisely why transplanted hairs generally continue to grow in their new position.
How many grafts are available differs from person to person and depends on hair density and the quality of the donor area. During the hair analysis we assess how many can responsibly be harvested without the donor area itself starting to look thinner.
Step by step: how does the treatment work?
1. Consultation and analysis
The process starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. We assess the extent of hair loss, examine the donor area and discuss your wishes. This is followed by a treatment plan explaining the technique, the number of grafts and the expected result.
2. Preparing for the day of treatment
Before the treatment you receive instructions, for example about medication, alcohol and smoking. On the day itself the hairline is drawn in and gone through with you before anything happens. The donor area is trimmed short and the area to be treated is anaesthetised locally.
3. Harvesting the grafts
Using a fine punch, the follicular units are loosened and removed one by one. The grafts are then assessed and kept in a preservation solution until they are placed. Careful work is important at this stage: grafts that are damaged or spend too long outside the body take less well.
4. Placing the grafts
Small openings are made in the recipient area, into which the grafts are placed. Here attention is paid to the growth direction of the existing hair and to a natural build-up of density. At the front hairline, single hairs are usually placed so that the transition looks soft and no hard edge appears.
5. Finishing and instructions
Afterwards the treated area is checked and you are given extensive aftercare instructions: how to sleep, when you may shower again and what to watch out for in the first weeks.
How long does an FUE treatment take?
The duration depends on the number of grafts. A treatment generally takes up a large part of the day, with breaks in between. Because local anaesthetic is used, you are conscious during the treatment and can, for example, read or listen to something.
Recovery in broad outline
In the first days redness, slight swelling and crust formation can occur. These crusts fall off by themselves after about one to two weeks. Often a phase follows in which the transplanted hairs shed temporarily. That is a normal part of the process: the hair root stays in place and starts producing hair again after a few months.
The final result becomes visible gradually and needs time. Read more about this in our article Recovery after a hair transplant: what can you expect?
What does the result depend on?
- the quality and density of the donor area;
- the extent and pattern of the hair loss;
- the placement technique and the chosen hairline;
- following the aftercare instructions;
- personal factors such as age, health and hair structure.
Results therefore differ from person to person. An honest assessment in advance matters more than a promise afterwards: during the consultation we tell you what is realistic in your situation.
FUE or DHI?
FUE is not the only option. With the DHI method the grafts are placed using an implanter, with the opening being made and the graft placed in a single action. Which technique suits you best varies from case to case. In the article FUE or DHI: which hair transplant method suits you? we set out the differences.
Want to know more?
Would you like to know whether an FUE hair transplant is a good option in your situation? Book a free, no-obligation consultation. We assess your hair situation and discuss the possibilities together.
Book a no-obligation consultation Read more about FUE hair transplants
Ask your question via WhatsApp