Follicular Unit Excision (FUE)

Hair Transplant Technique

FUE involves carefully extracting individual hair follicles from the back and sides of the scalp and implanting them into thinning or bald areas.

A professional examines materials under a bright microscope

Many patients choose FUE because it avoids a linear scar and offers a more comfortable healing process. For those considering a FUE hair transplant in London or Richmond, it is a popular option that provides natural-looking results with minimal downtime.

Many people exploring FUE hair transplant surgery in London begin by learning about its precision and natural‑looking results.

The Steps

Numbing

To begin with, the donor area is numbed with Lidocaine 2% Local Anaesthetic – the same type used in dental procedures. A tiny needle is used and patients often describe them as little more than ‘pokes’ or ‘pinches’.

Step 1

Removing the Grafts

Under magnification, the doctor takes a miniature punch and scores around each hair follicle in the donor area. The grafts are then freed from the skin using fine forceps. The collected grafts are inspected by experienced technicians under microscopes in order to dissect and clean.

Step 2

Making the Recipient Sites

After a bite to eat and a bathroom break, the recipient area is numbed with the same local anaesthetic. Custom cut blades (personalised based on the patient’s specific graft size) are used to make tiny slits in the scalp to insert grafts into.

Step 3

Placing the Grafts

Once the recipient sites have been made, the grafts (that were dissected under high powered microscopes by the team of technicians) are inserted into the slits. Patients usually sleep or watch TV during this time since no pain is felt.

Step 4

Quality Control

Quality Control & Accountability

Quality control is at the core of this procedure. At any given time each technician is constantly monitoring the work of the others and working as a true professional team to ensure the best possible results.

The doctor is constantly monitoring all aspects of the procedure as well, takes photographs and video that will be scrutinized as the procedure progresses. All these photos and video are available to the patient as well so they can see for themselves what was done during their visit. This represents a level of transparency and surgical accountability few hair transplant clinics in the world can claim. We are so sure that the work performed in our clinic is absolute top shelf that we are willing, with the patient’s permission, to post these photos and videos online for the world not only to see, but comment on publicly as well. This protocol was invented at Feller and Bloxham and only the very best clinics offer it.

Beard FUE

Beard FUE is a popular method of maximising the number of grafts obtained for the best Hair Restoration results. ​ We see the beard as an excellent supply of hair grafts that can supplement scalp hair grafts for added density. ​ In some patients, we can harvest up to 2,000 MORE grafts using the beard – which is enough to cover nearly 1/3 of a bald scalp!
Dr. Parissis performing Beard FUE

Dr. Parissis performing Beard FUE

Superior FUE with the WAW DUO FUE System

The Waw Duo Fue System

Dr. Parissis uses the WAW DUO FUE system, an advanced hair transplantation tool developed by Devroye Instruments.

This system features a specialised punch with a slightly flared tip that operates using both rotation and oscillation. This unique design minimises the size of extraction sites—often smaller than the punch itself—while also guiding follicular units smoothly into the lumen, reducing the risk of transection.

The WAW DUO FUE system enhances the precision of extractions, allowing for a higher yield of intact grafts.

Post-Op Period

  • At 1 month post-op - the transplanted hairs will have shed - this is normal and expected.
  • At 3 months - the beginnings of growth may begin to show.
  • At 6 months - it is usually assumed that 50% of overall growth is achieved. At this point, patient's often experience a significant transformation compared to pre-op.
  • At 12 months - full growth is achieved. At this point, we look forward to 100% of transplanted grafts having popped through - but maturation of the hair is still expected beyond the 12th month.
  • At 18 months - end result is achieved. The maximum number of transplanted hair roots have grown, and full maturation of the hairs reached.

Note: follow-up is recommended in ALL cases to ensure proper healing and monitor growth.

Before scheduling a procedure, patients can review hair transplant pricing in London to plan their treatment.

FUE Buzzcut

Typical ‘Buzzcut’ appearance of a well-washed transplant after 10 days

Many people exploring FUE hair transplant surgery begin by learning about its precision and natural‑looking results. Patients in Richmond, London, and throughout the UK often choose FUE because it avoids a linear scar and allows for a smoother, more comfortable recovery. Its ability to blend seamlessly with existing hair and produce a gradual, natural finish makes FUE a trusted choice for restoring confidence and fullness. In some cases, FUT hair transplant may also be considered depending on coverage and donor area suitability.

Patients seeking a hair transplant in London, UK, can consult Parissis Medical for physician-led care and natural, long-lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions About FUE Hair Transplant

K
L
How does FUE hair transplant work?
The donor area is numbed using local anaesthetic, then individual hair follicles are extracted one at a time using a specialised punch tool under magnification. The grafts are inspected and cleaned by experienced technicians before being transplanted into the recipient area.
K
L
Is FUE painful?
The donor area is numbed with local anaesthetic before extraction begins, patients typically describe the sensation as a series of small pinches or pokes rather than pain.
K
L
Does FUE leave scarring?
FUE avoids a linear scar, since follicles are removed individually rather than through a strip of tissue. This makes it a popular choice for patients who prefer to wear their hair very short.
K
L
How long does it take to see results after FUE?
At around 6 months, patients typically see roughly 50% of overall growth. Full growth is generally achieved by 12 months, though hair maturation can continue slightly beyond that point.
K
L
What is the difference between FUT and FUE?
FUE Hair Transplant involves removing individual follicles from the donor area one at a time. FUT Hair Transplant, by contrast, removes a narrow strip of skin from the donor area so that many grafts can be harvested at once.
K
L
What is Beard FUE?
Beard FUE uses the beard as an additional source of hair grafts, supplementing scalp donor hair to increase the total number of grafts available for larger sessions requiring greater density.