FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)

Most patients return to non-strenuous work within 5–7 days. Visible scabs typically heal in 7–14 days. Full results — visible new hair density — show at 9–12 months post-procedure. Strenuous exercise and direct sun exposure are usually restricted for 3–4 weeks.

The procedure itself is done under local anaesthesia, so you don't feel pain during it. Most patients describe a mild pressure sensation, similar to a dental procedure. Mild discomfort and tenderness in the donor area are normal for 2–5 days post-procedure and are managed with paracetamol-level pain relief.

Modern techniques (FUE, DHI, Sapphire FUE) place individual follicles at angles matching surrounding hair, so a well-performed procedure is undetectable to non-specialists once fully grown out (12+ months). The natural-look outcome depends 90% on surgeon skill — not the technique label. This is why surgeon credentials (ISHRS, ABHRS) matter more than which technique is marketed.

A typical receding hairline restoration needs 1,500–2,500 grafts. Full crown coverage: 3,000–4,500. Extensive baldness restoration: 4,500–7,000 (sometimes split over two sessions). The exact number depends on your hair density, donor area capacity, and the area being treated — only an in-person or video consultation gives a reliable estimate.

Hair dyeing should wait 4–6 weeks post-procedure. Normal washing starts at day 10–14 with the clinic's prescribed shampoo. Styling products (gel, wax, hairspray) should be avoided for the first month. After 3 months, normal styling is usually safe.

Both use the same extraction method. The difference is implantation: FUE creates channels first then places grafts; DHI uses a Choi pen that creates channels and places grafts in one motion. DHI allows higher density on small zones and easier no-shave technique. FUE is better for large-volume sessions. For most male patients, the technique matters less than the surgeon's skill.