Manual FUE

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.

Manual FUE uses no motorised tools — every follicle is extracted by hand with a small punch. This is slower (a 3,000-graft session takes 9–10 hours vs 6–7 hours motorised) but produces lower transection rates (fewer damaged follicles) and better donor area preservation. It's the gold standard for repair cases, unusual donor characteristics, or when maximum graft survival matters most.