Follicular Unit Extraction — FUE — is the gold standard for hair restoration in the UK. Unlike the older strip method, FUE removes individual hair follicles from the donor area and implants them precisely where they are needed. The result is natural, permanent, and leaves no linear scar.
The Consultation
Every successful FUE procedure starts with a thorough consultation. Your surgeon will assess your donor density, map your hairline, estimate the number of grafts required, and discuss your expectations. At Harley Street Hairline, this consultation is free and completely without obligation.
The Day of Your Procedure
You will arrive at the clinic in the morning. After photographs and final hairline design, the donor and recipient areas are numbed with local anaesthetic. Most patients are comfortable within minutes and experience no pain during the procedure itself.
Extraction Phase
Using a specialist micro-punch tool, individual follicular units are removed from the back and sides of the scalp — the donor zone that is genetically resistant to DHT, the hormone that causes male pattern baldness. Each graft is checked under magnification and stored in a chilled saline solution.
Implantation Phase
Tiny recipient sites are made at precise angles and directions to mimic natural hair growth. Grafts are then placed one by one. This phase requires considerable artistry — a well-designed hairline that blends seamlessly with existing hair is the hallmark of an expert surgeon.
Graft Numbers
The number of grafts varies widely by case. A receding hairline at Norwood 2–3 may require 1,000–2,000 grafts. More advanced loss at Norwood 5–6 can require 3,000–4,500 grafts. Your surgeon will give you a personalised estimate during consultation.
Recovery
Most patients return to desk work within 3–5 days. The donor area heals quickly with tiny dot scars that become invisible once hair grows back. The transplanted area shows small crusts that fall away within 10–14 days.
When Will You See Results?
Hair growth follows a predictable timeline. Transplanted hairs shed at around 3–6 weeks — this is normal and expected. New growth begins at 3–4 months, with significant improvement visible at 6 months. Full results are typically seen at 12–18 months.
Is FUE Right for You?
FUE suits most patients with stable hair loss, adequate donor density, and realistic expectations. It is particularly well suited to those who prefer to wear their hair short, as there is no strip scar to conceal.
The best way to find out whether you are a candidate is to speak directly with a specialist surgeon.
Book your free consultation with Dr Anzal Qurbain →
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