FUE Hair Transplants

FUE is slightly more expensive than FUT surgery because the procedure is much more labour-intensive, as each hair follicle needs to be removed individually. However, one main advantage is that unlike FUT, no strip is taken from the back of the scalp, so scarring is minimal.

Some patients are put off having an FUE hair transplant procedure because they are worried that they will have to fully shave the back and sides of their head in order for the surgeon to harvest the donor grafts – but thankfully, this is not the case.

We only shave a very small section of the back or side of the scalp to obtain the donor hair. The shaved section is either in a square shape or, more likely, in small lines down the back of the scalp. An upper layer of hair is lifted and then we shave underneath, allowing the hair above to fall over the shaved area – covering it up. The shaved area is only detectable to those who know you have had a transplant, and obviously the hair in the shaved area grows back quickly.

The main benefit of the FUE technique is the reduction in scarring. The miniature punctures caused by extracting the follicular units heal quickly and leave small circular scars which are barely visible once hair grows back.

FUE has benefits for patients who are particularly active as the lack of incisions means there are no limitations on strenuous activity after the procedure. This is also helpful for patients who have very tight or very loose scalps. The procedure can also be used to extract very fine hair on the nape of the neck, which can then be used on the hairline or eyebrows.