What is an FUE Hair Transplant?: A Comprehensive Guide to Procedure, Recovery, and Results

Hair transplant surgery has gained popularity over the years, with more people now comfortable taking care of their self-confidence and investing in improving their hair and overall well-being.

The science of hair transplantation has evolved significantly over the years, and an increasing number of people are now opting for FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant surgery in the UK and other parts of the world. 

The FUT hair transplant method, although effective, is less popular than the FUE hair transplant technique, as people seek less downtime and want to conceal scarring as quickly as possible, particularly at shorter hair lengths.

What is Follicular Unit Excision (FUE)?

Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique that involves removing individual hair follicles from the donor area (most often from the back and sides of the scalp) and implanting them into areas with hair loss or thinning hair, such as the hairline, temples, or crown.

The FUE Hair transplant technique is more time-consuming and can be more expensive. If you are wondering how many hair grafts you would need for a great hair transplant, you can use our Hair Graft Calculator for a rough idea or book a consultation with one of our surgeons.

Advantages of FUE Over FUT Hair Transplant Techniques

Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) has several advantages over other technical hair transplant methods, such as Follicular Unit Transplantation.

1. Minimal Scarring

One key difference between FUE and FUT is that it involves extracting individual hair follicles, resulting in tiny dot-like scars that are less noticeable at shorter hair lengths. Unlike FUT, which leaves a linear scar, the dot-like scars are easier to conceal and can quickly blend in with some hair growth.

2. Faster Recovery

FUE is a minimally invasive procedure, resulting in a faster recovery. The quick healing process allows patients to resume normal activities sooner. Getting back to work or normal daily activities is vital to many patients, especially busy executives or anyone who prioritises getting back to work within the shortest time possible.

For this reason, FUE hair transplant surgery is a popular procedure among VIP patients who visit The Treatment Rooms London.

3. Better Results for some cases

Achieving a hair transplant that looks as natural as possible is the ultimate goal for everyone. The FUE technique makes that easier to achieve in some instances, such as the eyebrows and particular areas of the crown and hairline, as it involves transplanting individual follicles, chosen for their thickness and health, enabling accurate transplantation.

4. Reduced Postoperative Discomfort

Patients are more likely to report less postoperative pain and discomfort with the FUE technique, as it does not involve large incisions or stitches, unlike the FUT technique.

Who is a Good Candidate for an FUE Hair Transplant?

Several factors contribute to determining who is a suitable candidate for an FUE hair transplant. Factors such as age and hair loss stability are important considerations. You must also consider if you’ve taken medication to prevent further hair loss or stabilise the process.

A good clinic should consider other factors, such as understanding why you are losing hair and whether this now impacts your health. If your hair loss is suitable for surgery, we assess whether there is healthy hair growth on the back and sides of the head, also known as the donor area. 

You should also ensure you have enough hair on the donor areas to complete the transplant procedure. As you may lose more hair throughout your lifetime, your Surgeon should propose some grafts that also considers the potential for future hair transplant surgery.

This is particularly important as we have seen patients who have had a bad experience with a clinic moving too many hair follicles from the donor area in 1 go.

Other factors include hair type, texture and colour. Before undergoing a FUE hair transplant procedure, discuss this with your hair transplant surgeon during consultation to address any concerns and get advice on how best to leverage your natural hair characteristics for a better outcome.

Pre-Procedure Considerations

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment

The initial consultation and assessment with a skilled hair transplant surgeon involves careful evaluation of the extent of your hair loss and the quality of the donor area. This involves analysing the hair density, texture, and sometimes scalp laxity and collaboratively developing a personalised treatment plan.

2. Importance of Evaluating Hair Loss Patterns and Donor Area

A thorough evaluation of the donor area is essential, as it provides the hair follicles for transplantation. Assessing factors such as hair density, thickness, and overall health ensures sufficient quality grafts are available. This step is crucial to prevent overharvesting and maintain the aesthetic integrity of both the donor and recipient areas. 

3. Setting Realistic Expectations

Understanding the potential outcomes and limitations of your hair transplant procedure is essential. During your consultation session, the surgeon should discuss achievable results based on individual uniqueness, taking into account the extent of hair loss, age, and your specific type of hair.

Setting realistic expectations helps patients achieve satisfaction with the outcome and reduces the likelihood of disappointment.

What are the Pre-Operative Instructions for FUE Hair Transplant?

• Medications and Supplements: To minimise bleeding risks, discontinue or adjust blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E, at least one to two weeks before the procedure. For those discontinuing Aspirin, please check with your original prescriber before discontinuing.
  
• Alcohol and Smoking: If you smoke or consume alcohol, abstain from this at least 7 days before the procedure, as this might affect healing and increase the risk of complications.
  
• Hair Care: On the morning of surgery, wash your hair with the provided shampoo. Do not apply any styling product, as this could affect the hair transplant procedure.
  
  
• Attire to wear: Wear comfortable clothing that does not require pulling over your head, as this can dislodge grafts post-surgery.
  
• Nutrition: On the morning of the procedure, have a light, non-caffeinated breakfast to ensure stable energy and help line your stomach before taking medications.

Talk to your surgeon before the procedure starts if you have any questions or need more information. You should have a detailed consultation around the area to be operated on and any specific considerations around hair direction and angulation to ensure optimal results.  

The FUE Hair Transplant: Step-by-Step Breakdown

If you are interested in undergoing an FUE Hair Transplant procedure, it might be helpful to understand the step-by-step process so you know what to expect.

Patients can undergo FUE hair transplant surgery to correct a receding hairline or temples and a balding crown. The FUE Hair transplant is versatile, making it possible for men, women, and transgender patients to have the procedure that gives them a great, natural-looking result with minimal downtime.

1. Donor Area Preparation

The procedure begins with preparing the donor area, typically located at the back or sides of the scalp. This area is known for its long-term resistance to hair loss.

The resistance at the back and sides of the scalp is due to genetic factors that make hair follicles in that region less sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone primarily responsible for androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).

This area is shaved to a short length, facilitating clear visibility and access to individual hair follicles. Precise markings are made to delineate the extraction zones, ensuring an even distribution of follicular unit harvesting and preserving the aesthetic integrity of the donor site.

2. Follicle Extraction Process

Specialised punch instruments, ranging from 0.7 to 1.0 mm in diameter, are used at this stage to carefully excise hair follicles from the donor area. The tools ensure maximum efficiency, minimise discomfort, and reduce scarring according to the natural size of the follicular unit.

The extracted follicles are placed in a controlled environment to preserve their viability and then transplanted to the area with hair loss within 3 to 4 hours of excision.

3. Recipient Site Preparation

The surgeon will then design the recipient area by meticulously recreating the incisions, taking into account the shape, density, and natural growth patterns of the hairline. Tiny incisions are made using fine blades or needles, with the angle and direction tailored to mimic the patient’s original hair orientation. This careful planning ensures that the transplanted hair blends seamlessly with existing hair, resulting in a natural appearance.

4. Graft Implantation

During the FUE transplant procedure, the implantation of grafts is crucial in achieving natural-looking results. This stage requires a deep understanding of proper hair angulation to achieve a natural-looking hairline. 

As a leading FUE hair transplant clinic in London, we have witnessed numerous poor hair transplants performed in substandard clinics. Patients often complain of poor results, such as spiky hairlines, which are frequently caused by incorrect hair angulation and grafts placed in the wrong order.

The Treatment Rooms London uses advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure our patients have the best experience and achieve their desired natural hairline and crown.

Attention must be paid to the angle, depth, and direction of each graft placement. This precision ensures that the transplanted hair blends seamlessly with your existing hair, providing a natural appearance.

After the procedure, you should receive a detailed post-procedure walk-through to support your recovery phase and maximise the success of your FUE hair transplant.

Post-Procedure Recovery

Like other phases of the procedure, the post-procedure is very important. In the first week around the transplanted area, you may experience swelling, redness, and scab formation. The symptoms will subside within 7-10 days after the procedure.

Patients are always advised to follow the guidelines provided by the clinic, as this can help them achieve optimal results and a natural-looking hair appearance. Always follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions for optimal results and a smooth healing process. At The Treatment Rooms London, we have specifically crafted an aftercare booklet that guides patients through every single day of their aftercare. This booklet is based on 10 years of research, helping to optimise the recovery for our patients.

1. Immediate Aftercare (Days 1–3)

It is normal to experience swelling, redness and mild discomfort around the donor and recipient areas in the first few days of the procedure.

The symptoms will typically subside within the first week. You may then notice scabs forming around the transplanted follicles. 

Do not pick at them, as this may dislodge the grafts. We also recommend sleeping with your head slightly elevated, as this can help reduce swelling. 

2. First Week: Healing and Scab Formation (Days 4–10)

Scabs will naturally start to fall off at this stage as the healing process progresses. Redness and swelling will begin to diminish at this stage. 

Your aftercare guideline may include gentle scalp washing techniques to remove the scab. Avoid strenuous activities and direct sunlight exposure to help ensure a quick healing process.

3. Weeks 2–4: Shedding Phase

It is common to see the hair beginning to shed at this phase. This is a regular part of the hair growth cycle following transplantation”.

While this may be concerning, it indicates that the follicles are entering a resting stage before new growth commences. Continue caring for your scalp as advised and avoid harsh hair treatments like dyeing your hair.

4. Months 3–6: New Hair Growth

New hair will begin to emerge between the third and sixth months after treatment. If you observe that the growth appears fine and thin at the initial stage, do not worry. The hair growth will thicken over time to achieve the desired outcome. You can see a complete hair transplant timeline on our website: timeline after hair transplant.

In some cases, uneven growth or irregular growth patterns may occur. This is because the hair follicles enter the growth phase at different times and hence will grow at different rates. To achieve a natural-looking hairline and optimal results, we recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following the prescribed treatments after your procedure.

5. Months 6–12: Hair Maturation

This is the final stage where the hair matures, growing to become thicker and fuller. Ideally, by the end of 12 months, most patients will achieve a fully grown and more youthful hairline.

You should schedule regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and address any concerns promptly.

Potential Risks and Complications

Hair transplant surgery (FUE or FUT) is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. Though there is a very minimal risk of complications, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks involved in undergoing a hair transplant.

Common Side Effects

After the procedure, you might experience some temporary side effects, which are entirely normal and a crucial part of the healing process.

• Swelling: You can expect some puffiness around your forehead or eyes after the procedure. This typically resolves within 3 days.
  
• Bruising: Patients who undergo eyebrow FUE hair transplant surgery may experience slight bruising near the treated area of their brow and eyes, which typically fades within a few days.
  
• Numbness or Tingling Feeling: Due to local anaesthesia, some patients experience temporary numbness in the donor or recipient areas of their scalp. This would naturally resolve on its own within a few weeks.
  

If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, be aware that they typically do not require special treatment and should improve as your scalp heals. Your body adjusts in the days or weeks following the procedure.

Rare Complications

Although highly uncommon, it is essential to be aware of the rare complications.

• Infection: To avoid any form of disease, adhere to the post-operative instructions given to you by your surgeon. Ensure your scalp remains clean and avoid engaging in activities that expose you to germs or infections, such as playing with your cat or dog.
  

Graft Failure: Rarely, some grafts may not survive or grow properly. This can be due to how your body heals or how the grafts were handled during surgery. It is essential to speak with your Surgeon to explore this further if you feel this has been the case for you after your surgery.

Why Choosing the Right Surgeon Matters

One of the most effective ways to mitigate these risks is by selecting a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon. A skilled surgeon will:

• Follow strict hygiene standards to prevent infection
  
• Use gentle, precise techniques to protect your grafts.
  
• Design your transplant thoughtfully to avoid overharvesting and visible scarring.
  

In short, the right surgeon makes a huge difference — not just in how natural your results look, but in how smoothly your recovery goes. Always take your time to research and ask questions before making a decision.

How much does an FUE Hair Transplant cost?

When it comes to FUE hair transplant costs, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You need to consider several factors to understand what an ideal price should look like. Generally, prices in the UK vary by region, with clinics in London being more expensive.

Cost of FUE Hair Transplant in the UK

The price for a FUE hair transplant starts from £3,000, with more extensive cases costing around £6000-£15,000. In the UK, the average cost is around £4000-£6,000.

Average Cost of FUE Hair Transplant in the London Area

London-based clinics are generally more costly than those in other areas of the UK. This can be due to factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the quality of the clinic, and the complexity of the procedure. 

At The Treatment Rooms London, hair transplant costs start at £3000; we charge between £5-£6 per graft. As a premium and patient-first clinic, we focus on putting you first and helping you achieve your desired outcome.

FUE Hair Transplant Cost Based on Number of Grafts

NUMBER OF GRAFTS	TOTAL PRICE
500 – 1000 grafts	£3,000 – £5,000
1000 – 2000 grafts	£5,000 – £10,000
2000 – 4000 grafts*	£10,000 – £20,000

To make things easier, look at our interactive FUE graft calculator to get a better idea of the potential cost. For more information, please visit our hair transplant cost page.

Finance and Payment Options

Financing your hair transplant procedure can help you manage cost, giving you room to pay over a longer period. We offer 0% interest on our finance plans, making it more affordable while you gain access to premium care from one of the UK’s best hair transplant clinics.

We place immense importance on the transparency of our hair transplant finance offering. When choosing hair transplant finance options from The Treatment Rooms London, we make it clear that there will be no hidden costs.

Choosing the Right Clinic and Surgeon For Your FUE Hair Transplant Procedure

Choosing to have a hair transplant is a personal decision, and you need to ensure all checks are made so you can be sure you are in safe hands. 

At Treatment Rooms London, we have seen a rapid increase in patients seeking hair transplant repairs after undergoing surgery with low-quality hair transplant clinics.

As hair transplants become more popular, an increasing number of poor-quality clinics mislead patients. Ensure the hair transplant clinic has surgeons who are members of professional organisations such as the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) or the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS). 

Also, take your time to check reviews and read past client testimonials. To get an idea of what to expect, review the before-and-after pictures of the hair transplant clinic, as this will give you an idea of the quality of their procedures.

Get in Touch

Take the step toward a fuller, more natural-looking hairline: schedule your complimentary consultation with us. We are a leading hair transplant clinic in the UK, with our central operation location in London and virtual clinic presence across the UK, from having a virtual clinic in Manchester, to Birmingham and Leicester.

Our award-winning team, including leading London hair transplant surgeons Dr Fernando and Dr Vara, is here to support you every step of the way.