Follicular Unit Extraction — Minimally Invasive Hair Restoration
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique where individual hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area (usually the back and sides of the head) and transplanted to areas of thinning or baldness. Unlike FUT (strip harvesting), FUE leaves no linear scar and offers a faster recovery time.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes 4-8 hours depending on the number of grafts. FUE is the most popular hair transplant method worldwide due to its natural-looking results and minimal scarring.
The donor area (back/sides of the head) is trimmed and local anesthesia is applied to ensure a pain-free experience.
Using a micro-punch tool (0.6-1.0mm), individual follicular units are carefully extracted. Each unit contains 1-4 hairs.
Tiny incisions are made in the recipient area at precise angles and densities to ensure natural-looking growth patterns.
Extracted follicles are carefully placed into the recipient sites. The surgeon controls angle, direction, and density for optimal aesthetics.
Initial healing takes 7-10 days. Transplanted hair falls out at 2-4 weeks (shock loss), then regrows permanently over 12-18 months.
| Factor | FUE | FUT |
|---|---|---|
| Scarring | Tiny dot scars (nearly invisible) | Linear scar (can be hidden by hair) |
| Recovery | 7-10 days | 10-14 days |
| Grafts per session | 2,000-4,000 | 3,000-5,000+ |
| Cost per graft | $4-$15 | $3-$10 |
| Pain level | Minimal | Moderate |
| Short hair friendly | Yes | No (scar visible) |
FUE hair transplant costs range from $4-$15 per graft in the US ($8,000-$15,000+ for 2,000 grafts). In Turkey, the same procedure costs $1,500-$4,000 total. Costs vary by clinic, surgeon experience, and location.
FUE recovery typically takes 7-10 days for initial healing. Most patients return to work within 5-7 days. Full results are visible after 12-18 months as transplanted hair grows through natural cycles.
FUE leaves tiny dot scars (less than 1mm each) in the donor area, which are virtually invisible even with short haircuts. This is a major advantage over FUT, which leaves a linear scar.
FUE graft survival rates typically range from 90-95% when performed by an experienced surgeon. Factors affecting survival include surgeon skill, post-operative care, and the patient's healing ability.
Good FUE candidates have sufficient donor hair density (typically 80+ follicular units per cm²), are in good overall health, and have realistic expectations. FUE works best for Norwood stages 2-5. A consultation can determine your candidacy.
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