trapianto di capelli FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is one of the most advanced treatments for restoring hair loss naturally and permanently. This modern technique is preferred by many patients due to the amazing results,  lack of incisions, and fast recovery time. But what really happens during this process?

In this blog post, we will explain every step of the FUE hair transplant procedure, explaining the patient preparation process, how the hair follicles are transplanted, what recovery will look like, and what to expect from the final results. This detailed explanation will be very helpful for everyone considering a hair transplant and wants to be informed in every phase. 

What Is The FUE Hair Transplant Method?

The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method is a modern technique of hair transplant that includes the extraction of individual hair follicles from the donating site and placing them on areas where hair is missing. 

This method doesn’t require incisions or the skin, or making cuts, making it a less invasive technique when it comes to restoring hair loss.

During the procedure, each root is extracted independently using a very small diameter micromotor, which significantly reduces visible scars and post-operative pain. Thanks to this precise approach, the quality of the follicles is preserved and the aesthetic results are improved.

Patients who choose the FUE method will experience a shorter recovery time and ess complications when compared to traditional hair transplants, such as FUT, which leave a linear scar on the back of the head. Furthermore, this method can also be applied in other parts of the body and face, such as the beard, eyebrows, or chest. 

FUE is considered suitable for most patient, especially for those who want to avoid visible signs and to restore their hair in a natural way. It offers long-lasting results, with gradual hair growth that perfectly imitates the natural cycle of hair.

Initial consultation and patient assessment

The initial step towards hair restoration

The process of FUE hair transplant will always start with a detailed consultation between the patient and the doctor. During this consultation, the doctor will analyse the patient’s medical history and identify the cause of hair loss. 

Scalp and Hair Density Analysis

Through a detailed medical examination, the cosmetic doctor will evaluate the donating area and the areas where the hair is missing to understand how many follicular units can be extracted and where they will be placed. Assessing density, skin elasticity, and hair structure is necessary for a successful treatment plan.

Identifying the goals and expectations

The doctor will discuss with the patients regarding the aesthetic goals and the results they want to achieve. During this time, possible limitations will be discussed to avoid unrealistic expectations and to make a personalised approach.

Complete information on the procedure

During the consultation, the patient will get to know every detail regarding the FUE hair transplant procedure – from the length of the treatment, the aftercare and the expected results. This is the right moment to ask the necessary questions and to make sure everything is clear. 

Individual treatment plan

In the end, a personalised treatment plan that includes the number of necessary grafts, the areas where they will be placed, and an approximate time limit for the process and recovery will be created. This plan will include every step of the procedure to offer successful and natural results.

Preparation For The Procedure

Before the FUE hair transplant procedure starts, the patient should go through a preparation procedure that is necessary for the safety and success of the procedure. This phase includes clear instructions from the surgeon on what should be avoided and followed during the first days of the procedure. 

The patient will be recommended to stop the use of blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or vitamin E supplements. Also, it is recommended to avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine for at least the 2-3 days before the procedure so the blood flow and recovery won’t be affected.

During the procedure day, the surgeon will shave the donor zone to make the follicular extraction easier. Everything will be performed under sterile conditions, and the patient will need to wear suitable clothes for the surgical environment. 

The surgeon can also make a detailed line on the head to mark the areas where the follicles will be placed. This visual preparation will make sure the hair follicles are equally and symmetrically distributed for the results to be as natural as possible. 

The Administration Of Local Anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia is one of the most important aspects of the FUE hair transplant procedure, since it makes sure the patient doesn’t feel pain during the treatment. It will be applied on the donor and the recipient site to guarantee maximal comfort throughout the process. 

Anaesthesia will be applied through very small needles and last for only a couple of minutes, even though it will cause a light pinching sensation initially, but this feeling will go away soon, and the patient will remain awake, but the area will be numb.

The effect of anaesthesia will last a couple of hours, covering the whole timeline of the hair transplant. This phase is essential to offer a calm and stress-free procedure.

Extraction Of The Follicular Units (Follicle Extraction)

Once the donor area is completely numb from the local anaesthesia, the most technical part of the FUE process will start: follicle extraction. This phase is essential for the quality of the final results, since every follicle that will be transplanted should be carefully kept. 

The donating area, which is usually the back or the side of the head, is chosen due to the high density of hair follicles and their resistance to the hormone that causes hair fall. This will guarantee that the transplanted hair will remain strong and in place for life.

The surgeon will use a micro punch, which is a small deceive with a circular thin tip, with a 0.06 mm to 1mm diameter. The device is carefully rotated around the hair root, creating a small incision that allows a smooth extraction without damaging the tissue or the root itself. 

Each follicle is extracted with special microsurgical forceps and then immediately placed in a nutrient-rich solution that preserves its vitality until the moment of transplantation. This preservation is essential to prevent drying and damage to the root structure.

The process will be repeated hundreds or thousands of times, depending on the number of necessary grafts to achieve the necessary coverage. Throughout all this time, the patient will remain calm and pain-free, often listening to music or watching s TV screen placed in the procedure room.

At the end of this phase, the donated area will only have some microscopic visible dots that will heal quickly without the need for incisions and without leaving any visible signs. This is one of the reasons why the FUE method is so preferred by many: it offers effective results with minimal aesthetic effect during recovery.

The Preparation Of The Recipient Area

Once the follicles are carefully extracted from the donor site, the focus will be shifted to the preparation of the recipient area where the hair will be transplanted. This step is very important as it sets the foundation for the way the final results will turn out. 

The surgeon will initially disinfect the recipient area and make sure the skin is completely clean and free of any irritation or infection. In this phase, detailed notes will be made to decide on the natural direction of the hair growth, the necessary density, and the harmonic separation of the grafts. 

Furthermore, microcannals will be created with the help of a thin and precise instrument, usually made of sapphire or steel, where the follicular units will be kept. These canals should have precise depth, angle, and position to secure a natural and aesthetically balanced result. 

The number of the created canals corresponds exactly to the number of follicles that are prepared for the transplant. This process requires artistic and technical abilities, since an incorrect spread will negatively impact the overall appearance of the hair. 

At the end of this process, the recipient area will be ready for transplantation, and the skin will be in an optimal condition to accept the new roots. This careful preparation makes sure every follicle gets a favourable environment to survive and to start a new cycle of natural growth. 

The Transplantation Of The Follicles

Once the microcannals on the recipient area are prepared, the most important part of the FUE procedure continues, the placement of the follicular units. This step requires high precision care and experience, since the natural appearance and density of the new hair depend on the method of placement.

The follicles that are maintained in a nutrient solution are taken one by one and carefully placed in every open canal. This process is performed with fine microsurgical forceps, making sure every root is placed at the right angle and direction of the natural hair growth.

The surgeon will separate the grafts according to how many follicles they contain. Some only carry one root and are usually placed on the first line of hair for better results, while grafts that contain two or more roots are placed on the back area for more volume. This careful organisation is necessary for creating a natural and more balanced appearance.

This phase can last a couple of hours, depending on the number of follicles that will be transplanted. Throughout all this time, the patient will remain awake, numb and in a calm and controlled environment.

In the end, the recipient area will be covered with little dots or become red and swollen, which will go down in a couple of days. The newly transplanted follicles will remain unhinged in their new place, ready to start a new life cycle.

The End Of The Procedure And Initial Care

Once the last hair follicle is placed, the FUE procedure will come to an end, and the patient will start the initial phase of recovery. The treated area will be carefully cleaned and will be checked for any bleeding or complications, while the skin will start to react to the procedure. 

The surgeon will place a light bandage on the donating area to protect it during the first hours after the procedure. In most cases, incisions are not necessary since the cuts are microscopic and will heal themselves within a few days.

The patient will get clear instructions on the first day after the procedure, including the way they should sit while sleeping, how to avoid physical contact with the transplanted area and how to protect the skin from sun or accidental hits. Hygiene is also as important as antiseptic solutions, and specific shampoos will be recommended for washing. 

One the first hours or days, light feelings of tension, itching or light swelling are normal and will pass without causing complications. The patient should carefully follow every instruction from the doctor to make sure the new follicles remain untouched and successfully survive. 

This initial care phase is essential to protect the done work throughout the entire procedure and to prepare the scalp for the growth of new hair. The surgeon will set a control visit after a couple of days to monitor the condition and to give the necessary advice. 

Recovery Process And What To Expect After The Transplant

The recovery process after the FUE hair transplant is gradual and calm, but it requires specific care during the first days and weeks. Even though the procedure is minimally invasive, the scalp with go through several natural phases of recovery and adaptation of the new hair follicles.

On the first day after the procedure, the recipient and donor zone can be red, swollen and with little dots that will go away on a matter of 7-10 days. Swelling and light itching are normal, and they are usually managed with prescribed medication.

Around the second recovery week, a part of the newly transplanted hair will start to fall. This is an expected and temporary process known as the shedding phase. Even though it may sound alarming, it is not. This shows that the follicles have entered the resting phase and will start to grow after a couple of weeks.

The initial results will start to show after around 3-4 months, when the new hair starts to grow in a stable manner. The density and shape will significantly improve by the 6th month, while the full results will take 9 to 12 months to show.

During this time, the patient is recommended to avoid sun exposure, intense physical activities, and the use of harsh cosmetic products on the scalp. Regular visits with the surgeon will help monitor the progress and make sure the healing process is moving as normal. 

Recovery is not only physical but also emotional. Many patients will feel safer, pleased with their appearance and experience a significant improvement in self-esteem. The FUE hair transplant is not only a cosmetic procedure, but a step towards feeling better with yourself.