
FOLLICULAR UNIT EXTRACTION
FOLLICULAR UNIT EXTRACTION
What is a Follicular Unit Extraction?
A Follicular Unit Extraction is a surgical procedure used to transplant hair follicles from one part of the head such as the sides and back to an area suffering from hair loss. The surgeon uses a tool to punch small incisions into the head where individual hair follicles can then be implanted. After the recovery period patients should then begin to experience normal hair growth in the area where the hair was implanted.
A Follicular Unit Extraction is a meticulous process, but the recovery phase is relatively short and there is surprisingly no need for stitches.
What is a Follicular Unit Extraction?
A Follicular Unit Extraction is a surgical procedure used to transplant hair follicles from one part of the head such as the sides and back to an area suffering from hair loss. The surgeon uses a tool to punch small incisions into the head where individual hair follicles can then be implanted. After the recovery period patients should then begin to experience normal hair growth in the area where the hair was implanted.
A Follicular Unit Extraction is a meticulous process, but the recovery phase is relatively short and there is surprisingly no need for stitches.
What to Expect from a Follicular Unit Extraction
Patients can expect to be administered anesthesia before beginning the procedure. On average, a Follicular Unit Extraction is a relatively long process requiring long hours and multiple visits to complete.
For each visit, patients should have an adult ready to drive them home to begin recovery as this is an outpatient procedure.
While recovery times will be different for everyone, most patients will begin to feel better five to seven days after the procedure. Strenuous activities and direct sunlight should be avoided during recovery.
The longevity of results will depend on many factors including age, the laxity of the skin, and genetics. You can generally expect long lasting results with a Follicular Unit Extraction.
Please remember that these are general guidelines and some people may need less or more time for a full recovery. You should work directly with the plastic surgeon who completed your procedure for specific instructions.
What to Expect from a Follicular Unit Extraction
Patients can expect to be administered anesthesia before beginning the procedure. On average, a Follicular Unit Extraction is a relatively long process requiring long hours and multiple visits to complete.
For each visit, patients should have an adult ready to drive them home to begin recovery as this is an outpatient procedure.
While recovery times will be different for everyone, most patients will begin to feel better five to seven days after the procedure. Strenuous activities and direct sunlight should be avoided during recovery.
The longevity of results will depend on many factors including age, the laxity of the skin, and genetics. You can generally expect long lasting results with a Follicular Unit Extraction.
Please remember that these are general guidelines and some people may need less or more time for a full recovery. You should work directly with the plastic surgeon who completed your procedure for specific instructions.

Follicular Unit Extraction Benefits
Follicular Unit Extraction Benefits
Follicular Unit Extraction Risks
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Immediately after the procedure, some patients may experience feeling groggy or nauseous. These are normal side effects of the anesthesia. There is also the risk of complication related to infection.
If you are experiencing any major side effects, contact your plastic surgeon immediate or dial 911 if it is a medical emergency.
Other Risks May Include
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Numbness
- Drainage at site of procedure
- Follicle swelling
Follicular Unit Extraction Risks
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Immediately after the procedure, some patients may experience feeling groggy or nauseous. These are normal side effects of the anesthesia. There is also the risk of complication related to infection.
If you are experiencing any major side effects, contact your plastic surgeon immediate or dial 911 if it is a medical emergency.
Other Risks May Include
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Numbness
- Drainage at site of procedure
- Follicle swelling