Quick Facts
- • Most popular technique worldwide
- • No linear scarring
- • 7-10 day recovery
- • $6-10 per graft (US average)
What is FUE?
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a hair transplant technique where individual hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area using tiny circular punches (0.7-1.0mm). These follicles are then transplanted to the thinning or balding areas.
Unlike FUT (strip method), FUE doesn't leave a linear scar, making it the preferred choice for patients who want to wear their hair short.
The FUE Procedure
Step-by-step breakdown
Preparation
- • Donor area is trimmed short (usually 1-2mm)
- • Local anesthesia is administered
- • Surgeon identifies and marks the extraction zone
Extraction
- • Micro-punch tool creates circular incisions around follicles
- • Individual follicular units are carefully extracted
- • Grafts are preserved in a special solution
- • Process takes 2-4 hours for 1,500-2,500 grafts
Recipient Site Creation
- • Tiny incisions made in the balding area
- • Angle and direction match natural hair growth
- • Density and pattern carefully planned
Implantation
- • Grafts placed into recipient sites
- • Each graft positioned for natural appearance
- • Takes 1-3 hours depending on graft count
FUE Pros and Cons
What to consider
Advantages
- No linear scar: Can wear hair very short
- Faster recovery: Back to work in 3-5 days
- Less pain: Minimal discomfort post-procedure
- Body hair option: Can extract from beard/chest
- Natural results: Excellent cosmetic outcomes
Disadvantages
- Higher cost: More labor-intensive than FUT
- Longer procedure: Takes more time per graft
- Graft limits: May need multiple sessions for large areas
- Donor trimming: Usually requires short donor area
FUE Cost Breakdown
Pricing by location (2,000 grafts)
| Location | Per Graft | 2,000 Grafts |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6 - $10 | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| United Kingdom | £4 - £7 | £8,000 - £14,000 |
| Turkey | $1 - $2 | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Mexico | $2 - $4 | $4,000 - $8,000 |
FUE Recovery Timeline
What to expect at each stage
Mild swelling, some redness. Avoid touching grafts. Sleep elevated.
Scabs form around grafts. Can gently wash hair. Most return to work.
"Shock loss" may occur (temporary). Donor area heals.
New hair starts growing. Results begin to show.
Full results visible. Hair at maximum thickness.
Is FUE Right for You?
Guidelines to help you decide
FUE is ideal if you:
- • Want to wear your hair short (under 1 inch)
- • Prefer minimal scarring
- • Have a smaller to moderate area to cover
- • Are active and want faster recovery
- • Have good donor density
Consider FUT instead if you:
- • Need maximum grafts in one session
- • Are budget-conscious
- • Don't mind keeping hair longer
Ready to Learn More?
Consult with a qualified surgeon to see if FUE is the right technique for you.