Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a hair transplant technique that involves extracting individual hair follicles from your skin, usually the back or side of the head, and transplanting them to another part of your body where hair is weaker or nonexistent. FUE hair transplant has become one of the most commonly used procedures because it is less painful and causes minimal to no scarring compared to other treatments, and provides aesthetically pleasing results, with the new hair looking thick and healthy.
FUE involves using micro punches to extract and relocate single follicles, leaving almost no evidence of any surgical procedure.
Our experienced dermatologist and hair transplant expert in Dubai, Dr Fadi Al Sabbagh, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. He is a well-known dermatologist in the Gulf area, with over 15 years of experience treating skin diseases and performing cosmetic procedures and skin surgery. He serves as an examiner at the American Board Committee of Hair Restoration Board Examination and has performed more than 2500 hair transplant procedures.
FUE hair transplant benefits
- Minor side effects.
- Fast healing and speedy recovery.
- Natural-looking results (fuller, thicker hair).
- Boost self-confidence.
- Little or no scarring.
Am I a suitable candidate for FUE hair transplant?
The best candidate for the FUE hair transplant is someone with thinning hair or balding but still has enough hair nearby to use for a transplant. You may not be eligible for a hair transplant if you do not have enough healthy or thick hair to transplant to the thinning or balding area.
If you are concerned about thinning hair or turning bald, the process can help you feel more confident about your appearance. During your consultation, our dermatologist will discuss your concerns, answer all your questions, and explain what will happen during and after the procedure.
Before the procedure
To ensure that you are a viable candidate for hair transplantation our expert dermatologist will first conduct a thorough consultation. He will perform blood tests and scalp biopsies to look for underlying causes of hair loss and possible infections. He will remove several dozen hairs and examine them under a microscope to check the quality and condition of the hair shaft. He will also take a comprehensive medical and family history, as hair loss is very often hereditary.
The following are the pre-op instructions that you need to follow before your FUE procedure:
- Refrain from smoking for at least a day before your procedure.
- Avoid drinking alcohol for at least three days before your surgery.
- Avoid taking aspirin, blood thinners, or antidepressants for about two weeks before your surgery.
- Stop taking any vitamins or nutritional supplements for two weeks before your surgery.
- Avoid getting your hair cut before the surgery.
- Take any of the medications prescribed by your surgeon.
During the procedure
FUE hair transplant replaces lost follicles with new ones that mimic the natural hair growth of the recipient area. Following the transplant, blood vessels will nourish the new follicles that will start growing hair in the area where there was previously thin hair or balding.
The FUE procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and works as follows:
- Your surgeon will shave down the hair in the area where they will remove the follicles (usually the back of your scalp) and around the transplant area.
- They will remove follicles from your skin one by one using a micro punch tool.
- Your doctor will then make a series of tiny incisions in the recipient area using a needle or other small, sharp instrument to insert the extracted follicles.
- After the extracted follicles are successfully transplanted, the surgeon will clean and bandage the area for recovery.
- The FUE hair transplant takes between four and eight hours, depending on the number of the transplanted follicles and the size of the recipient area. The surgery is time-consuming because it requires placing the hair follicles one by one, which is the key to a natural-looking result.
Recovery
The recovery time from FUE is relatively short. You may experience short-term effects, such as swelling, bruising, and sensitivity, but they will subside after a few days.
Your doctor may give you the following aftercare instructions:
- Avoid washing your hair for at least three days.
- Use soft, unscented shampoos for the first few weeks.
- Take a couple of days off work to help speed up healing.
- Avoid combing your new hair for the first three weeks.
- Refrain from engaging in any strenuous physical activity for at least a week.
Some hairs may fall out during the healing process, which is normal. You will probably start to see a difference after three to four months.
Your scalp may be sensitive after surgery, and you may have to take pain relievers for several days. For at least a day or two, your surgeon will have you wear bandages over your scalp. They might also prescribe an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory for you to take for several days. Most people can return to work two to five days after surgery.
The transplanted hair will fall out two to three weeks following surgery, but new growth should appear within a few months.
What to Expect After a Hair Transplant
Recovery after a hair transplant is generally straightforward, but hair growth occurs gradually over several months. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions is essential for optimal healing and graft survival.
Immediately After the Procedure
- Mild redness, swelling, and tenderness of the scalp are common and usually improve within a few days.
- Tiny scabs form around the transplanted hair follicles and typically fall off within 7–14 days.
- You may be advised to avoid touching or washing the scalp for the first 24–48 hours.
First Few Weeks
- Temporary shedding (shock loss) of the transplanted hairs is normal and usually occurs 2–8 weeks after the procedure. This does not mean the transplant has failed, as the hair follicles remain in place.
- Most patients can return to work within a few days, depending on the nature of their job.
Hair Growth Timeline
- 3–4 months: New hair begins to grow from the transplanted follicles.
- 6–9 months: Hair becomes noticeably thicker and denser.
- 12–18 months: Final results are typically visible, with fuller, natural-looking hair growth.
Activity and Aftercare
- Avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, and excessive sweating for 1–2 weeks, or as advised by your surgeon.
- Protect the scalp from direct sun exposure during the healing period.
- Use only the prescribed shampoos, medications, and hair care products recommended by your doctor.
Long-Term Results
- Transplanted hair follicles are generally permanent and continue to grow naturally.
- If you have ongoing pattern hair loss, your doctor may recommend medications such as finasteride or minoxidil, or additional treatments to help preserve your existing hair and maintain overall density.
Regular follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to monitor healing, assess hair growth, and ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
What is the cost of hair transplant in Dubai?
The cost of hair transplant in Dubai starts from AED 10,000 and can vary depending on several factors, including the transplant technique the number of grafts needed to achieve the desired result. You can get a detailed estimate of the cost during your consultation with our expert cosmetic dermatologist at Novomed and learn about the installment options available.
Why Choose Novomed for Hair Transplant?
At Novomed, we offer advanced hair transplant procedures performed by experienced specialists using modern techniques to restore natural hair growth and improve hair density. Every treatment plan is tailored to your degree of hair loss, hair characteristics, and aesthetic goals to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Schedule an appointment at Novomed today!
Discover the Novomed difference, where innovation, proficiency, and patient-centric care converge to bring you the most effective and sophisticated solutions in hair transplantation. Your journey to renewed confidence begins here at Novomed Dubai.
To book an appointment with our hair transplant expert in Dubai, call us at 8006686, fill out the booking form or click the chat icon at the bottom of the screen.
























