FUE Hair Transplant

The ideal FUE candidate has a stable area of hair loss, adequate donor density at the back and sides of the scalp, and realistic expectations. Dr. Drummond evaluates your Norwood scale classification, donor density, miniaturization rate, and overall scalp health at your consultation to determine candidacy and graft estimate.

The number of grafts depends on the extent of your hair loss and your density goals. Mild thinning (Norwood II–III) may require 1,000–2,000 grafts. Larger coverage areas (Norwood IV–VI) typically need 2,500–4,000+ grafts. Dr. Drummond provides a precise graft estimate at consultation using digital density mapping.

FUE leaves tiny circular dot scars, each less than 1mm, distributed across the donor area. These are virtually invisible even with very short hair. There is no linear strip scar as seen with FUT technique. Most patients can wear their hair at any length without concern.

Yes. The transplanted follicles are harvested from the genetically stable donor zone, which is resistant to DHT — the hormone responsible for pattern hair loss. These follicles retain their genetic resistance after transplantation and continue to grow for a lifetime.

Yes, and Crown Hair Institute has particular expertise in this area. Textured and curly follicles have a curved root beneath the skin's surface, which requires modified extraction technique to avoid transection. Dr. Drummond's training and experience with all hair types (2A–4C) means excellent graft survival rates regardless of texture.

Most FUE sessions at Crown Hair Institute take between 8 and 12 hours depending on the number of grafts. We schedule full-day procedures to ensure adequate time for precise placement without rushing. Light sedation is available to keep you comfortable throughout.

The day of surgery will begin early — ideally you will arrive at the clinic by 7 AM. No hair products should be placed in the hair the morning of surgery. The procedure will begin with your hair being pulled back to expose the donor area, which will be marked and shaved. The remaining hair surrounding the donor area is left intact. Monitoring equipment will be placed, and both the recipient site and the donor area will be injected with numbing medication. The procedure is separated into two phases: graft harvesting and graft implantation. Lunch will usually happen between the two phases. The entire procedure should take around 8 hours and is typically complete in the early afternoon.

You may feel a little sleepy or groggy after your procedure, so make sure someone is available to pick you up from the clinic to take you back home or to your hotel. Clear instructions will be relayed to both you and your caregiver about appropriate medications to take after surgery.

The day after your surgery you will come in for a follow-up to ensure that your pain is very minimal and that the grafts are healing properly. One week after your procedure you will be seen again to gauge your recovery, and then again at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and finally 1 year. We will support you in every step of your patient journey in order to give you the best possible results.

In contrast to FUT, with FUE there is no strip removed — instead, each follicle is removed with a tiny round surgical punch. This means there is no linear scar and patients are usually free to cut their hair as short as they wish. While some scarring can occur, it is virtually undetectable.