Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is an advanced hair restoration technique that individually extracts hair follicles from donor areas using a specialized handpiece rather than surgically removing a strip of scalp. Unlike the traditional FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) strip method requiring scalpels, stitches, and leaving a linear scar, FUE creates tiny puncture sites that heal rapidly with minimal visible scarring. This allows patients to wear their hair short post-procedure. FUE is less invasive, requires shorter recovery time (5-7 days versus 2-3 weeks), and causes less discomfort while providing equally permanent, natural-looking results.

An FUE hair restoration procedure typically takes 6-10 hours or more, depending on the number of follicular units being transplanted. Extensive procedures requiring thousands of grafts may require multiple sessions. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure minimal discomfort. Because individual follicles are extracted and implanted one at a time, the process is meticulous and time-intensive. Many patients find the procedure tolerable, with the ability to take breaks, watch videos, or listen to music during the extended session.

Recovery after FUE is relatively short with minimal downtime. Most patients experience 5-7 days of primary healing with possible mild swelling, tenderness, or small scabs at extraction and implantation sites. The donor area heals rapidly with minimal scarring. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within 3-5 days and resume normal activities within a week. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 2-3 weeks. Transplanted hairs may shed within 2-4 weeks (normal process), with new growth beginning around 3-4 months and continuing to mature over 12-18 months.

Ideal candidates include both men and women experiencing pattern baldness, thinning hair, receding hairlines, or hair loss due to aging, genetics, or certain medical conditions. Good candidates have adequate donor hair in the back and sides of the scalp, realistic expectations, and are in generally good health. FUE works best for individuals with sufficient donor follicles to achieve desired coverage. A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Winnard determines candidacy through scalp assessment, donor area evaluation, and discussion of restoration goals and expected outcomes.

Yes! FUE produces highly natural-looking results because the procedure uses your own hair follicles strategically placed to match natural growth patterns, angles, and density. The transplanted follicles are genetically resistant to balding and maintain their growth characteristics permanently. Results appear progressively natural as hair matures over 12-18 months. The restoration is permanent and lifelong, requiring no special maintenance beyond normal hair care. You can cut, style, and treat transplanted hair just like your original hair.

FUE produces minimal scarring compared to traditional strip methods. The extraction process creates tiny puncture sites (less than 1mm) in the donor area that heal rapidly, leaving small dot-like marks that are virtually undetectable, even with short hairstyles. This is a major advantage over the FUT strip method which leaves a linear scar across the back of the head. The minimal scarring with FUE allows for versatile hairstyle options including very short cuts, providing aesthetic flexibility that traditional methods cannot offer.

The number of sessions and grafts required depends on the extent of hair loss, desired density, available donor follicles, and restoration goals. Minor hairline restoration may require 1,000-1,500 grafts in a single session, while extensive coverage may need 3,000-5,000+ grafts across multiple sessions. Some patients achieve desired results in one procedure, while others with significant hair loss benefit from 2-3 sessions spaced 6-12 months apart to allow healing and progressive density building. Dr. Winnard provides personalized recommendations during consultation based on individual assessment.