Fue Hair Transplant Process

How does FUE Hair Transplant work?

In FUE - your surgeon, working with a group of 3 technician nurses, applies a micro precision extraction tool to each root. Each graft is cherry picked from donor area in a calculated manner so that hair grows back naturally without disturbing the overall density. The implantation is done respecting the direction and angle of the hair growth, following your natural hairline. The process is repeated until the hair transplant surgeon has enough hair for the planned restoration. The area heals over in about a week leaving tiny white scars that hidden in the hair at the back and sides of the scalp. This will largely disappear after a year.

What happens next?

Under local anesthesia tiny holes are made in the balding area of the scalp using a fine needle. Each follicle is then planted into a hole, where they grow into permanent healthy hair.

How do you ensure a natural look?

1, 2 or 3 follicles are planted in a way intended to determine the direction of hair growth, as well as to provide an ideal number of follicles. This is essential to enable the natural and aesthetic appearance when the hair grows because a transplant performed with the same number of grafts without a method may not yield the expected appearance.

How long before my hair grows?

It will take approximately 3 to 4 months for new hair to start growing. The natural hair will continue to mature in colour and body for up to 18 months after your surgical procedure. There will be no visible scarring after a year. If the hair is completely shaved again by choice, minor white dots may remain depending on your skin type.

The overall result will reflect your own natural hair before any hair loss, the transplanted hair will be permanent because it is obtained from genetically non-hair loss coded area.

Is a Hair Transplant painful?

No, the procedure is relatively painless and involves only a little discomfort when applying the local anaesthetic.

How do I prepare for my hair transplant?

Two Weeks to go:

Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatories, or other anticoagulants. Omega-3 capsules, fish oil and herbal teas including green tea (but not normal black tea).

The day before:

Avoid alcohol.

On the day:

Shampoo your hair, but refrain from using any perfumed products. The surgery should be performed on a full stomach, so feel free to have a good breakfast.

FUE vs. FUT Hair Transplants

The FUE technique involves multiple round dot-like incisions scattered diffusely on the scalp. With the FUT method, there is one scar in a rectangular frame which remains under the donor area forever. As it guarantees scar free results - Group Florence Nightingale only use the FUE technique.

How do I take care of my Hair Transplant?

After the operation Your hair transplant does not require hospitalisation so you may leave after the operation. The back and sides of the head are covered by a medical dressing which you'll return to have checked the next day. Your surgeon will judge if it's the right time to have your first hair wash and this will be conducted at the clinic by our team. Because the transplanted area is exposed, the first wash is performed with a special foaming antiseptic agent. You'll be shown how to wash your hair carefully while the transplant matures and the small scabs that form as part of the healing process start to fall off naturally.

 For at least the first week you should of course do your best to avoid anything that might rub or bump against the transplant area. Avoid using a head covering, such as a hat or scarf.

Some simple steps will help you get the best results from your Hair Transplant:

•  Sleep with your head elevated for 3 nights and avoid bending forward - have a partner or friend tie your shoelaces! Ideally - rest and sleep in a half sitting position - this is to help minimise any swelling and rubbing against pillows or bed sheets.
• Next morning, remove your dressing and gently shower and shampoo your scalp, try to do this twice a day for the first 10 days. You can now resume normal hair care.
• For 3 days - avoid alcohol, aspirin, anti coagulent medications or Omega-3
• For 2 weeks - avoid smoking and sunshine on your head. Protect yourself with a high factor sunscreen. Avoid strenuous exercise for 3 weeks. After 4 weeks you can have a haircut and even dye your hair.

 If these instructions are followed, after 10 days the hair transplant is almost undetectable and your newly transplanted hair will begin to grow at around 10 weeks. Your hair will be long enough to be combed in about 6 months and, in most cases, will be fully grown in 1 year.

 The greatest advantage of FUE technique is that it does not leave any scars, even if you decide to shave off your hair completely in a few years, your will not have any visible scars.

Are there any side effects with a FUE Hair Transplant?

As with any medical procedure, potential side effects exist, although they are uncommon. It is very unlikely that any of the following may happen after your Hair Transplant but some reported side effects may include:

•  "Shock Loss" for 7 - 10 days a large number of planted strands may temporarily fall out. In some cases this may last up to a month and is a perfectly normal condition called “shock loss”. Although all of the lost strands start to grow in a couple of months, this falling process can be limited by a Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application during the hair planting process. Some clinics either don't use PRP or charge extra for it. PRP treatment is free to our patients.
• Swelling on the scalp or around the eyes and forehead - generally if any swelling does occur it will recede within a week. Contact your doctor for medication if swelling lasts longer than a week or is excessive.
• Bleeding minimum amount of bleeding is very normal for this type of surgery, and pressuring the area should stop it.
• Headaches any headache should disappear in couple of days. Consult your doctor if your headaches persist.
• Itching is a perfectly normal result of scab creation which is crucial to healing. Resist the temptation to scratch because it can damage your hair transplant. If you have a problem with itching, ask your surgeon for special shampoos, oils or anti-itch creams to help prevent itching.
• Numbness for couple of weeks after the procedure you may experience numbness. Consult your doctor if numbness continues beyond this time.
•  Infections can occur and are usually prevented by using antibiotics.

What does a free consultation in our London office involve?

Our friendly team will conduct an initial assessment and introduce you to your hair transplant surgeon who'll help you understand your options, and answer that all important question - will it work? We realise it’s a big decision, we want to answer all your questions about hair loss, and for you to leave your hair transplant consultation fully informed.

Can't make it to London?

Just send us some pictures or video via email or through our secure upload.

You'll meet your surgeon at your first consultation.

He will walk you through the FUE hair transplant process step by step.

There's also a simple blood test to make sure you're suitable for surgery.