What is FUE hair transplant?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a surgical hair restoration procedure where individual hair follicles are harvested from a donor area — typically the back or sides of the scalp — and transplanted to thinning or balding areas. Unlike older strip methods, FUE leaves no linear scar, making it the preferred choice for patients who wear their hair short.
How the procedure works
A surgeon uses a small circular punch tool (usually 0.6–1.0mm in diameter) to extract follicular units one at a time. These grafts are then prepared and implanted into tiny incisions made in the recipient area. A typical session lasts 6–10 hours depending on the number of grafts required.
Most patients require between 1,500 and 3,500 grafts for a meaningful result, though larger sessions of 4,000+ grafts are possible with experienced surgeons.
Recovery and results
Downtime is minimal compared to strip surgery. Most patients return to desk work within 3–5 days. Transplanted hairs shed within the first 2–4 weeks — this is normal. New growth begins at 3–4 months, with full results visible at 12–18 months.
Finding a provider on the Gulf Coast
When evaluating FUE clinics, ask to see before-and-after photos from patients with similar hair characteristics to your own. Confirm that a licensed physician performs the extractions and implantations, not just technicians.
Use our FUE Hair Transplant directory to browse verified clinics across Houston, Tampa, New Orleans, and other Gulf Coast cities.