How does FUE direct implantation surgery work?

FUE direct implantation is a streamlined form of follicular unit extraction (FUE) which delivers natural-looking results that are indistinguishable from your existing hair. After administering local anaesthesia, the surgeon removes groups of healthy hair follicles individually from thicker areas of hair and reimplants them into balding areas using a specialised pen-shaped tool called the Choi implanter. The implanter device deploys grafts directly into the scalp so the surgeon doesn’t have to create incisions prior to placement. This gives the surgeon better control over the placement of the hairs and provides a significant advantage when implanting into areas of pre-existing hair.  

FUE direct implantation surgery offers faster recovery times than follicular unit transplantation (FUT), as well as minimal scarring, giving you the flexibility to experiment with shorter hairstyles. FUE direct implantation is the most advanced type of hair transplant surgery available and is ideal for those who wish to have the procedure without shaving large areas.

FUE surgery is less invasive than follicular unit transplantation (FUT), which involves removing a strip of skin from the donor area, so you’ll heal more quickly. The technique results in minimal visible scarring – tiny dot scars that are virtually undetectable to the naked eye – which makes it ideal for patients who wear their hair short. It’s also the preferred method for patients who require smaller procedures such as revision cases with smaller graft requirements or eyebrow and beard transplants.

Why choose a FUE direct implantation hair transplant?

FUE direct implantation surgery is less invasive than follicular unit transplantation (FUT), which involves removing a strip of skin from the donor area, so you’ll heal more quickly. The specialised tool used to implant grafts gives the surgeon better control over the depth, angle, and direction of each newly planted hair. The technique results in minimal visible scarring – producing tiny dot scars that are virtually undetectable to the naked eye – which makes it ideal for patients who wear their hair short. FUE direct implantation procedures are ideal for patients under 35 with light to medium hair loss.

The FUE direct implantation surgery process

Initial consultation with a hair transplant specialist

The first step in your hair transplant journey will be a consultation with one of our in-house hair transplant specialists. During this consultation your dedicated specialist will answer any questions, talk you through our available procedures, and assess your suitability for surgery. They’ll then pass on your medical details and discuss your individual requirements with your surgeon.

Consultation with your hair transplant surgeon

The next step in the process is an in-person or video consultation with your dedicated surgeon. The surgeon will establish the cause of your hair loss, and perform a thorough examination and an in-depth hair analysis – in video consultations they’ll do this using photos and videos that you provide. Your surgeon will discuss your best treatment options with you, and design a bespoke surgical plan tailored to your requirements to achieve natural, long-lasting results.

 

Our dedicated hair loss specialist will liaise with you regarding the next steps, providing a detailed quote and available surgery appointments. Once you decide that you’re ready to proceed we’ll find a surgery date that works for you. 

Surgery

Your surgery will take place at our state-of-the-art private clinic in Leeds.

Surgery prep & anaesthesia 

The surgeon will brief the team and team members will introduce themselves so that you’re surrounded by familiar faces throughout your experience. A member of the surgical team will carefully trim or shave the areas required for the procedure. The surgeon will carefully administer a local anaesthetic to the donor area to ensure you feel no pain or discomfort during your surgery – this will take effect within a few minutes.

Hair follicle extraction 

Once the donor area is numb, the surgeon will begin the extraction process, carefully removing follicles using a technique that minimises scarring.

Hair follicle implantation 

After marking the areas where hair will be implanted, your surgeon will administer a local anaesthetic and begin reimplanting the grafts into balding areas using a specialised pen-shaped tool called the Choi implanter. The surgeon will then carefully inspect the recipient area under magnification to ensure that the grafts have been implanted successfully.

Aftercare

Our unparalleled aftercare will ensure you achieve the best possible results. We’ll provide you with aftercare materials and medication, and your surgeon will walk you through your aftercare instructions so that you feel confident and comfortable looking after your scalp in the days and weeks to come. 

Our dedicated hair transplant specialists will be on hand to answer any questions and offer advice throughout your recovery via a 24/7 aftercare hotline. At Manual we operate an open follow-up policy which means that we’re on hand to see you at any stage of your journey if you’d like to discuss your progress. 

Recovery time

Hair transplant techniques have advanced significantly over the past few years and we find that most of our patients wake up the following day without any pain or discomfort. You should be able to return to your normal routine 7 to 10 days after your FUE direct implantation surgery transplant depending on your lifestyle. You may resume gentle exercise from week 1 and more strenuous exercise from week 2 following surgery.

You should follow the instructions detailed in our aftercare package and take extra care for 1 to 2 weeks following your procedure to ensure that the grafts are kept in a safe and stable environment. 

General FUE direct implantation FAQs

• Is FUE direct implantation surgery right for me?

  FUE direct implantation surgery is recommended for patients who’d like minimal downtime as it doesn’t involve stitches so you’ll heal more quickly. The technique results in minimal visible scarring so it’s ideal for patients who wear their hair short, however, as the surgery doesn’t require the recipient area to be shaved it’s also ideal for patients who wear their hair long or who don’t want to shave their head. FUE direct implantation procedures are recommended for patients under 35 with light to medium hair loss.

• When will I see results from FUE direct implantation surgery?

  You may see an immediate improvement in coverage, however, most of the transplanted hairs will shed in the first 6 to 12 weeks. After this you’ll see new, sustained hair growth and the final results will be visible from 12 to 18 months following surgery.

• Is FUE direct implantation a painful procedure?

  FUE direct implantation procedures are performed under local anaesthetic – once the initial injections have been administered you should feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure. Our patients often find the procedure relaxing and many fall asleep. We can also administer a mild sedative to relax you if you’re anxious about having surgery. You can expect some minor swelling, itchiness and mild discomfort after the procedure but this will subside and is easily managed with the medication provided in your aftercare package.

• What type of hair loss can FUE direct implantation surgery treat?

  FUE direct implantation can successfully treat the most common causes of hair loss:

  • Male and female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
  • Traction alopecia
  • Scars
  • Naturally high hairlines
  • Eyebrow or beard hair loss

   

  It’s ideal for patients under 35 with less advanced hair loss, requiring a smaller procedure. 

• Are FUE direct implantation surgery results permanent?

  The majority of the transplanted hairs should remain permanently, although you can expect a small amount of shedding as you age. We recommend supplementing your treatment with hair-loss medications Finasteride and Minoxidil to encourage continued hair growth and help you maintain hair in other areas that may be vulnerable to thinning. 

   

• How long does FUE direct implantation surgery take?

  On average a FUE direct implantation procedure usually takes between 4 to 8 hours.

• How long is the recovery period?

  You should be completely able to return to your normal routine 10 to 14 after your FUE direct implantation procedure depending on your lifestyle. You may resume gentle exercise from week 1 and more strenuous exercise from week 2 following surgery.

• Who will perform the FUE direct implantation procedure?

  All of our hair transplant procedures are performed by our skilled surgeons.   

• Are there any side effects to the FUE direct implantation procedure?

  There may be some minor pain, swelling, and itchiness for a few days post-surgery but this will subside and is easily managed with the medication provided in your aftercare package. 

• Will I need to shave my head?

  FUE direct implantation surgery doesn’t require the recipient area to be shaved so it’s ideal for patients who wear their hair long or who don’t want to shave their head.

Comparing methods

Here’s a simple breakdown of the main differences between our available hair restoration surgeries.