Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a modern hair transplant technique used to treat hair loss or baldness. It’s considered one of the most advanced and minimally invasive methods available for hair transplantation.

Here’s how an FUE hair transplant typically works:

1. Consultation: The process usually begins with a consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s hair loss pattern, assess the donor hair (typically from the back and sides of the scalp), discuss the patient’s goals, and determine whether they are a suitable candidate for FUE.

2. Preparation: On the day of the procedure, the patient’s scalp is typically trimmed short to facilitate the extraction of donor hairs. Local anesthesia is then administered to numb the donor and recipient areas of the scalp.

3. Extraction: Using a specialized surgical tool such as a micro-punch or a robotic device, individual follicular units (containing 1-4 hairs each) are harvested from the donor area. This process involves making tiny circular incisions around each follicular unit, which are then extracted from the scalp.

4. Recipient site creation: Once an adequate number of follicular units have been extracted, small incisions or recipient sites are created in the recipient area of the scalp where hair transplantation is desired. These recipient sites are strategically placed to achieve a natural-looking hairline and overall hair density.

5. Transplantation: The harvested follicular units are carefully implanted into the recipient sites one by one, using specialized instruments. The surgeon pays close attention to the angle, direction, and density of hair growth to ensure natural-looking results.

6. Post-operative care: After the procedure, patients are typically provided with post-operative instructions, including how to care for the transplanted area, medications to prevent infection or inflammation, and when to follow up with the surgeon for a post-operative evaluation.

7. Recovery and results: The transplanted hairs will shed within a few weeks after the procedure, but new hair growth should start to become visible within a few months. It may take up to 12-18 months to see the full results of the FUE hair transplant, as the transplanted hairs gradually grow and blend in with the existing hair.

FUE hair transplantation is known for its minimal scarring, quick recovery time, and ability to achieve natural-looking results. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, which should be discussed with the surgeon during the consultation process.