FUE / DHI / Hair Restoration / NeoGraft
The gold-standard hair restoration technique: individual hair follicles (follicular units of 1–4 hairs) are harvested from a donor area (usually the back of the scalp where DHT-resistant follicles exist) and transplanted one by one to balding or thinning recipient areas.
How it works
Follicular units are extracted using a small punch tool (0.6–1.0mm diameter) leaving no linear scar (unlike the older FUT strip method). Follicles are sorted and kept in a holding solution. The surgeon creates tiny recipient sites at the correct angle and direction in the balding area and inserts follicles using a fine implanter. Transplanted follicles shed at 2–6 weeks (shock loss) then regrow permanently from 4 months — because follicles retain their genetic DHT-resistance from the donor area.
Reported benefits
- Permanent hair restoration in areas of androgenic alopecia
- Natural-looking results when done by expert surgeons
- No visible linear scar (unlike FUT)
- Beard, eyebrow and body hair transplant possible
- Can address hairline recession, crown thinning, and diffuse thinning
- Single-session procedures for small areas
Regulatory status
Approved for: Hair restoration surgery, Follicular unit transplantation
FUE instruments CE-marked as surgical instruments. Hair transplantation is a regulated surgical procedure performed by physicians. ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) sets standards. Widely practiced across EU (Turkey, Spain, Germany most popular destinations).
Approved for: Hair restoration surgery
FUE devices MHRA-registered as surgical instruments. Hair transplant surgery regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England. Must be performed in registered premises by appropriately trained surgeons. GMC registration not always required — a regulatory gap the UK government has been addressing.
Approved for: NeoGraft system FDA-cleared (2009), ARTAS robotic FUE system FDA-cleared (2011), Manual FUE punches as surgical instruments
FUE hair transplant devices (NeoGraft, ARTAS robot) are FDA 510(k) cleared as medical devices. Hair transplantation itself is a surgical procedure performed by licensed physicians. FUE is widely practiced by board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and hair restoration specialists.
Practical details
Frequency: One or more sessions depending on extent of hair loss; permanent results
Results last: 10–14 days healing; initial growth at 3–4 months; final result at 12–18 months
Contraindications:
- Insufficient donor hair density
- Active alopecia areata (autoimmune hair loss — must be in remission)
- Diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA — donor hair is also DHT-sensitive)
- Unrealistic expectations about density achievable
- Blood thinning medications (must stop pre-procedure)
- Active scalp infections
Always consult a licensed medical professional before undergoing any treatment. This information is educational only and does not constitute medical advice.