FUE
Follicular Unit Extraction — grafts harvested one by one, no linear scar, fast recovery.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) harvests your own follicles one by one from the donor area and implants them along a natural hairline — no stitches and no linear scar, with a fast return to daily life. It is our most requested technique for natural-looking, long-lasting density.
Quick answer
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a hair transplant in which individual follicles are removed from the back and sides of the scalp and implanted into thinning areas. It suits men and women with stable pattern hair loss and a good donor area. Most people stay in Antalya for two to three days; final results take around 12 months.
Suitability is always confirmed by a specialist after assessing your scalp and donor area.
Last reviewed:
Who is it for?
- Men with established male-pattern hair loss (receding hairline, thinning crown) whose pattern has been stable for some time.
- Women with a defined, localised area of thinning — after the cause of hair loss has been investigated.
- People with a dense, healthy donor area at the back and sides of the scalp.
- Patients restoring eyebrows, beards or scars, where a specialist confirms it is appropriate.
- People with realistic expectations who understand that a transplant redistributes existing hair rather than creating new hair.
Who it isn't for
- People with diffuse thinning across the whole scalp, including the donor area — there is not enough stable hair to move.
- Active alopecia areata, scarring alopecias or scalp infections, until a dermatologist has assessed and treated them.
- Very young patients whose hair-loss pattern is not yet predictable; surgery is usually postponed.
- People with uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medication that cannot be safely paused — these need medical review first.
- Anyone expecting the density they had before hair loss began; donor hair is finite.
How it works
- 1
Remote pre-assessment
You send clear photos of your scalp from several angles and a short medical history. A specialist gives a provisional view on suitability and an estimated graft range, which is confirmed in person.
- 2
Consultation and hairline design
On arrival the doctor examines your donor area, discusses goals and draws the hairline. Blood tests are commonly taken to confirm it is safe to proceed. Ask which steps the doctor performs personally and which are carried out by trained technicians.
- 3
Local anaesthetic and extraction
The donor area is trimmed short and numbed with local anaesthetic. Follicular units are removed one by one with a micro-punch, commonly around 0.7–1.0 mm in diameter, leaving tiny dot-like marks rather than a linear scar.
- 4
Channel opening and implantation
Small recipient channels are made at the angle and direction of your natural hair, and the grafts are placed into them. A session commonly lasts six to eight hours, with breaks.
- 5
Check-up and first wash
The next day the scalp is checked, dressings are removed and you are shown how to wash the transplanted area gently. You receive written aftercare instructions and medication before flying home.
How long you stay
Most patients stay in Antalya for two to three days: arrival and consultation, the procedure day, and a check-up with the first wash the following day. One trip is usually enough. Follow-up after that is by photo review, with progress commonly assessed at around 3, 6 and 12 months.
Recovery
Mild swelling of the forehead and small scabs are common for the first week; scabs usually clear by days 10–14. Most people return to desk work within a few days, but should avoid heavy exercise, swimming, saunas and direct sun on the scalp for several weeks. Transplanted hairs commonly shed between weeks two and six; new growth starts around months three to four and the final result is judged at about 12 months, sometimes longer at the crown.
Risks and how they are managed
- Graft survival is never 100%. Published studies commonly report survival in the region of 85–95% in experienced hands, but individual results vary with graft handling, time out of the body and healing.
- Shock loss: some existing native hair near the treated area may shed temporarily after surgery. It usually regrows within three to four months, though weakened hairs may not.
- Donor limits: the donor area is finite. Over-harvesting can leave it visibly thin, which is why graft numbers are planned conservatively and future hair loss is taken into account.
- Density is lower than a full head of natural hair. Implanted density is commonly in the range of 30–50 follicular units per cm², and a second session is sometimes needed for the look you want.
- Folliculitis (small spots), numbness, swelling or, rarely, infection. These are usually managed with hygiene, medication and review.
- Ongoing loss of native hair continues after surgery. Your doctor may discuss medical treatment to help preserve existing hair.
Technology and instruments
- Micro-punches, manual or motorised, commonly around 0.7–1.0 mm, for individual follicle extraction.
- Magnification (loupes or microscopes) for sorting grafts by the number of hairs they contain.
- Cooled holding solution to keep grafts hydrated while they are outside the body.
- Fine steel or sapphire blades for opening recipient channels, chosen by the surgical team.
Technology types only — the exact devices used are named in your written treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
How many grafts will I need?
It depends on the size of the area, your hair characteristics and how much donor hair you have. A single session commonly ranges from around 2,000 to 4,000 grafts, but your specialist sets a figure only after examining your donor area — and more is not always better.
Does FUE hurt?
The local anaesthetic injections are the most uncomfortable part. After that most people feel pressure rather than pain. Mild soreness and tightness for a few days afterwards is usually managed with simple painkillers.
Will there be a scar?
FUE does not leave a linear scar, but each extraction leaves a tiny dot-like mark. These are usually hard to see once the hair grows back, though they can show with a very short shave.
When will I see the final result?
Transplanted hair commonly sheds within the first weeks, starts regrowing around months three to four, and is assessed at about 12 months. The crown can take up to 18 months to mature.
Is the result permanent?
Hair taken from the donor area is usually resistant to pattern hair loss, so transplanted hair tends to last. Your native, non-transplanted hair can continue to thin, which is why long-term planning matters.
Do I have to shave my head?
The donor area is normally trimmed short for extraction. Some partial or unshaven options exist for smaller sessions; your specialist will say whether they are suitable for you.
When can I fly home?
Most people fly home after the next-day check and first wash. Wear a loose hat, avoid knocking the grafts, and follow the aftercare you are given.
Is FUE better than DHI?
Neither is better for everyone. Both extract follicles the same way; they differ in how grafts are implanted. The right choice depends on the area, the density needed and your surgeon’s preference, and is agreed at consultation.
Included in your package
- Free hairline analysis & graft estimate
- Surgery by specialist hair-transplant surgeons
- Free VIP airport transfers & a hotel near the clinic
- PRP session, medications & aftercare kit
- A dedicated patient coordinator at every step
Techniques we use