What is FUE hair transplant?
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique in which individual follicular units — naturally occurring groups of 1–4 hairs — are extracted from the donor zone at the back and sides of the scalp and transplanted to areas of thinning or complete hair loss.
The extracted follicles are genetically resistant to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone responsible for androgenetic alopecia. When transplanted to new locations, they retain this resistance — meaning the transplanted hair will not fall out from pattern baldness. This is why a well-performed FUE produces permanent results.
How FUE works — step by step
Preparation (day before)
No alcohol for 5 days, no blood thinners for 10 days, no smoking for 2 weeks if possible. Wash hair normally the evening before. Arrive at the clinic at 07:30 on surgery day.
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic is applied to the donor zone. At Hairmedico, this is delivered via a needle-free comfort injector — eliminating the needle sting entirely. Patients consistently report this as the most comfortable part of the procedure.
Extraction (2–4 hours)
Individual follicular units are extracted using a motorised micropunch (0.7–1.0mm). At Hairmedico, every extraction is performed by Dr. Arslan personally — not delegated to technicians.
Implantation (3–5 hours)
Channels are opened in the recipient area at the precise angle and direction for a natural result. Grafts are placed one by one. This phase is most directly responsible for naturalness. It is performed by Dr. Arslan himself.
Recovery
You return to your hotel the same day. Small scabs form over 10 days. Full results visible at 12–14 months.
Am I a candidate?
FUE is appropriate for:
- Androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) — the most common indication
- Traction alopecia — hair loss from tight styles or extensions
- Scarring alopecia in stable phase
- Hairline lowering
- Beard, eyebrow or moustache restoration
Surgery is not appropriate when: loss is active and rapidly progressive without medical management; you are under 25 without documented stable loss; you have active autoimmune alopecia; your donor zone is insufficient for your coverage requirements.
Why surgeon involvement matters
The most common source of poor FUE results is not the technique — it is technician-led implantation. When grafts are placed by a technician rather than the operating surgeon, angle, direction and density of placement are compromised.
Clinics performing 4–8 procedures per day with one surgeon inevitably delegate to technicians — one surgeon cannot perform every graft on 8 patients in a day. At Hairmedico, Dr. Arslan performs one procedure per day. Every graft — extraction and implantation — is placed by the surgeon himself.
The hairline is designed in fifteen minutes. The naturalness of the result is determined in eight hours of meticulous implantation. That is why the surgeon must be at the table for the entire procedure. — Dr. Arslan Musbeh
Recovery timeline
Days 1–3: Mild swelling peaks day 2–3, resolves day 5. Sleep head elevated at 45°.
Days 4–10: Scabs loosen and fall naturally. Do not pick.
Weeks 2–4: Shock loss — hairs shed. Follicle roots intact.
Months 3–4: New growth begins.
Month 6: 50–60% of final result visible.
Months 12–14: Full permanent result.
| Activity | Resume after |
|---|---|
| Office work | 5–7 days |
| Gym / weights | 4 weeks |
| Swimming | 4 weeks |
| Contact sports | 6 weeks |
| Haircut (clippers) | 3 months |
FUE cost in Istanbul vs UK vs USA
| Country | Typical cost | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £5,000–£15,000 | Surgery only |
| USA | $8,000–$25,000 | Surgery only |
| Hairmedico Istanbul | On request | Surgery + hotel + transfers + PRP + 12m follow-up |
Frequently asked questions
Is FUE painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. At Hairmedico, the initial injection is delivered via a needle-free comfort injector. During the procedure patients feel pressure but no pain. Post-operatively, mild donor area soreness resolves in 2–3 days.
How many grafts do I need?
This depends on your Norwood stage and coverage goals. Norwood III: typically 1,500–2,500. Norwood IV: 2,500–3,500. Norwood V–VI: 3,500–5,500. See graft calculator →
When will I see results?
Significant density is visible at 6 months. Full result at 12–14 months. The result is permanent.
Send 3 photographs. Personal graft estimate within 24 hours.
