How FUE Works

FUE, short for Follicular Unit Extraction, is a minimally invasive hair transplant procedure that involves removing follicular units, each containing 1 to 4 hairs, directly from the donor area. Using tiny, precise tools, these follicles are extracted without disrupting surrounding tissue, then transplanted into thinning or bald areas.

Each graft is selected based on several factors: hair thickness, growth direction, density, and the area into which it’s being placed. This careful selection process ensures the results blend seamlessly with your existing hair. When performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Mohebi, FUE supports natural-looking outcomes that are virtually undetectable.

FUE Advantages

There are a number of causes for male pattern baldness, and they include:

• No linear scar following the procedure
• Reduced overall recovery time
• Minimal post-op pain
• Increased regions from which to harvest, as surgeons can now use areas of the “safe zone” that used to be off-limits, such as areas of the permanent zone where hair grows at a very steep angle
• The ability to use hair from other parts of the body for transplant, including the beard and body hair
• The creation of a more balanced final result by reducing donor area density and minimizing the contrast between the donor zone on the scalp sides and the back and transplant areas

Disadvantages of FUE

• Limited number of grafts available to be transplanted in each session
• Operator dependent procedure requires superb hand/eye coordination
• More expensive as the hair is harvested individually which makes it more labor intensive
• More time consuming due to the limited number of grafts which can be obtained per session
• People with a higher hair demand usually need more than one hair transplant session to achieve the coverage they desire

How FUE is Performed

Our practice harvests FUE grafts using a variety of tools, including motorized, and manual devices. The decision of how to harvest and extract the grafts is made on a case-by-case basis.

Each of the methods described below is aimed at the goal of reducing total out-of-body graft time and improving the overall survival rate of the individual grafts.

• Chasing Method – Enables the technician to extract grafts immediately after scoring, minimizing their time outside the body and improving viability.
• Premade Incisions – Target recipient sites are prepared before graft extraction to streamline the implantation process.
• Serial Extraction and Placement – Developed by Dr. Mohebi, this method allows for immediate placement of grafts as they are removed, improving survival and reducing total procedure time.
• Simultaneous FUE Extraction and Placement – Grafts are scored, extracted, sorted, and implanted in less than an hour, further reducing out-of-body time and improving graft quality.

Technology

At Parsa Mohebi Hair Restoration, technology enhances precision, improves consistency, and supports better healing.

We use a range of high-end tools and devices, such as the Laxometer II, to evaluate scalp flexibility and guide safe graft extraction. Dr. Mohebi’s own innovations, Serial FUE and Simultaneous Extraction and Placement (SEP), have raised the bar in hair surgery.

With these tools, we’re able to preserve graft quality, reduce trauma to surrounding follicles, and place grafts with exacting accuracy for truly natural outcomes.

Who Is a Good Candidate for FUE?

FUE is suitable for a wide range of patients, but careful evaluation is essential. Here’s what we look for:

• Level of Thinning – FUE works well for those with early to moderate hair loss. If your case is more advanced, we may recommend a multi-session plan to achieve the coverage you want.
• Donor Density – The number of grafts we can safely harvest depends on how thick your donor hair is and how stable that zone is over time.
• Hair Texture – Curly or coarse hair often provides more coverage with fewer grafts, while finer hair may require more grafts to achieve the same visual density.
• Coverage Goals – Whether we’re restoring your frontal zone, mid-scalp, or crown, the treatment plan must align with your long-term expectations and donor availability.
• Long-Term Planning – Hair loss doesn’t stop after a transplant. That’s why we build strategies that preserve donor supply and ensure your results remain natural as you age.

The Recovery Process

Healing after FUE is typically quick, but it does follow stages:

• Immediate (Days 1–5): You may notice mild swelling or redness. You’ll want to avoid heavy exercise and sleep with your head slightly elevated. A specific washing routine helps keep the area clean.
• Shedding Phase (Weeks 2–6): Transplanted hairs may fall out. This is entirely normal and part of the natural cycle.
• Early Growth (Months 3–6): The new hair will gradually begin growing. Some normal variation occurs between patients. Some hairs will start to grow faster than others and will continue to grow thicker as you get closer to 12 months after the hair transplant
• Visible Results (Months 8–12): The growth of new hair should be complete in about eight to twelve months after the hair transplant. Your final visit to evaluate your hair growth will occur twelve months after your Los Angeles hair restoration or San Francisco hair transplant procedure.

Learn more about recovery expectations.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Mohebi for FUE

Dr. Parsa Mohebi is a board-certified hair transplant surgeon recognized for leading advancements in follicular unit extraction. Him and his dedicated team offer Serial FUE and SEP services while helping to improve graft survival, reduce recovery time, and deliver consistently natural-looking outcomes.

His reputation is built on thousands of successful cases, each guided by personalized planning and precision hairline design. With clinics across Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, San Diego, San Francisco, and soon Las Vegas, high-quality care is always accessible. Every treatment plan is tailored to your goals today and your needs down the road.

FUE FAQ

How long does an FUE transplant take?

Typically 8–10 hours, depending on the number of grafts.

Will there be visible scarring?

There’s no linear scar. Tiny dot scars may exist but are barely noticeable, even with short hair.

How many grafts do I need?

That depends on your level of hair loss, coverage goals, and donor availability.

Does FUE hurt?

The procedure uses local anesthesia, so discomfort is minimal during and after surgery.

What’s the success rate?

With Parsa Mohebi Hair Restoration’s approach and techniques, the graft survival rate is very high.

Can FUE fix a previous transplant?

Yes. FUE is often used to repair previous hair transplants.

See the full FUE FAQ

Schedule a Consultation

If you're considering FUE hair surgery, meeting with Parsa Mohebi Hair Restoration is the best way to understand your options. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized assessment, have your questions answered, and walk away with a clear plan.

Ready to take the next step? Book your FUE consultation today.