FUE Procedure Day: What Happens Hour by Hour

An FUE hair transplant day runs 6 to 10 hours from check-in to discharge, with most of that time spent in the extraction and implantation phases. Knowing what happens at each stage helps you prepare mentally, plan logistics, and set realistic expectations for the day.

Before You Arrive: Pre-Procedure Prep

Your preparation starts days before the actual surgery. Most clinics provide a checklist that includes:

• 7 days before: Stop blood thinners, aspirin, and vitamin E supplements
• 3 days before: Avoid alcohol, which increases bleeding during extraction
• Night before: Wash hair with antibacterial shampoo provided by the clinic
• Morning of: Eat a full breakfast with protein, wear a button-up shirt (nothing that pulls over your head)

Arrive at the clinic 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled start time.

Hour 0 to 1: Check-In and Preparation

The first hour covers administrative tasks and surgical prep. Your surgeon will:

1. Review your treatment plan and confirm graft count
2. Draw the hairline design with a surgical marker
3. Take pre-operative photographs from multiple angles
4. Administer local anesthesia to the donor area (back and sides of the scalp)

The local anesthesia injections are the most uncomfortable part of the entire day. Most patients describe it as a series of quick pinches lasting 10 to 15 minutes. After the anesthesia takes effect, you should feel pressure but no pain.

Hour 1 to 4: Donor Extraction Phase

Extraction is the longest single phase. The surgeon uses a micro-punch tool (typically 0.7mm to 1.0mm in diameter) to remove individual follicular units from the donor zone.

During extraction, you lie face down or on your side. Most clinics allow you to watch videos, listen to music, or even nap. The extracted grafts are stored in a chilled holding solution to preserve viability.

FUE supports up to 5,000 grafts per session with a graft survival rate of 90 to 95% when handled properly.

Hour 4 to 5: Break and Recipient Prep

After extraction, you get a lunch break of 30 to 60 minutes. During this time:

• The surgical team sorts and counts your grafts under magnification
• Single-hair grafts are separated from multi-hair grafts for strategic placement
• The surgeon begins creating recipient sites in the balding areas

Recipient site creation involves making tiny incisions at precise angles and depths. The angle, direction, and density of these sites determine the final natural appearance of your result. For patients at different stages on the Norwood scale classification, the distribution pattern changes significantly.

Hour 5 to 8: Implantation Phase

Implantation is where the grafts go into the recipient sites. Technicians use fine-tipped forceps to place each graft individually.

Strategic placement rules:

• Hairline: Single-hair grafts only (creates a soft, natural edge)
• Mid-scalp: Mix of single and double-hair grafts
• Crown/vertex: Multi-hair grafts for maximum density

A skilled team can implant 500 to 800 grafts per hour. For a 2,500-graft session, expect implantation to take 3 to 5 hours.

You sit upright or recline during this phase. Most patients find implantation less eventful than extraction since you are facing forward with access to entertainment.

Hour 8 to 9: Final Steps and Discharge

Once all grafts are placed, the team will:

1. Clean the transplanted area gently
2. Apply antibiotic ointment to the donor zone
3. Bandage the donor area (recipient area usually left uncovered)
4. Take post-operative photos
5. Provide written aftercare instructions and medications

Typical discharge medications include:

• Antibiotics (5 to 7 day course)
• Pain medication (usually mild, most patients only need it day one)
• Anti-swelling medication (prednisone taper for 3 to 5 days)
• Saline spray for the recipient area

What to Expect Immediately After

The first 24 to 48 hours are critical for graft survival. Key aftercare rules:

• Sleep elevated at 45 degrees for 5 to 7 nights
• No touching, rubbing, or scratching the transplanted area
• Spray saline every 30 to 60 minutes while awake for the first 48 hours
• Avoid direct sunlight, heavy exercise, and swimming for 2 weeks

Recovery from FUE typically takes 7 to 10 days for the donor area to heal. Redness in the recipient zone can persist for 2 to 4 weeks.

Know Your Starting Point Before Surgery

Understanding your current hair loss stage is the single most important factor in planning your procedure. Over 60% of men researching hair loss have misidentified their own Norwood stage, which leads to unrealistic graft count expectations and budgeting errors.

Get an objective baseline with a free AI hair loss analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze. Upload a few photos, receive your Norwood classification, and use that data to have a more informed consultation with your surgeon.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before making treatment decisions.