FUE Hair Transplant

For the millions suffering from male and female pattern baldness, hair loss can feel demoralizing.

Dr. Bernardino A. Arocha can use follicular unit excision, also known as follicular unit extraction (FUE), to rebuild your hairline and self-confidence.

FUE has a natural look and minimal scarring. Learn more about FUE at Arocha Hair Restoration and Transplant Center in Houston, TX, during a free consultation. Outside of Houston? Book a free virtual consultation instead.

What Is FUE Hair Transplant?

FUE is a hair transplantation method in which individual hair follicles are harvested from a donor area and transplanted into a balding or thinning area of the scalp.

FUE Vs. FUT Hair Restoration Benefits of FUE

Two methods exist for modern hair transplants: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit excision. Both options can successfully rebuild hairlines and restore areas of the scalp affected by hair loss, but one procedure may be a better fit than the other for your unique needs and preferences.

We offer both hair restoration methods at our Houston office. Here are a few reasons why patients choose FUE as their hair transplant method:

  • Quicker Recovery

    Because FUE does not require incisions or use strip harvesting like FUT hair transplants, patients do not need stitches, and recovery is generally quicker. Patients typically return to work within one week of surgery.

  • Wider Candidate Pool

    Patients who are not candidates for FUT may qualify for FUE. Patients who need fewer grafts, experience tightness in their scalp, wear their hair short, or have already depleted donor sites from previous transplant procedures all make good candidates for FUE.

  • Less Invasive

    No scalp excision is necessary during FUE, making the process less invasive than FUT while still being equally effective at treating hair loss. 

  • Natural-Looking Results

    Thanks to its less-invasive nature, FUE provides results that appear completely natural, without a noticeable linear scar.

"A great experience"

Hear What a FUE Patient Has to Say About the Process

"I had a great experience for my FUE procedure at Arocha Hair Restoration... The team's expertise and personalized care made the experience worthwhile, especially considering the amount of anxiety I had going in. Dr. Arocha is very serious about his work, and his results show that, which is why I chose to fly over to see him. His staff is extremely welcoming and one of the nurses (Alex) even went out of his way to come in on a Saturday to wash my scalp (again) for free before my flight back. I completely healed in about a week, which I didn’t expect. So much so that nobody can even tell i’ve had any work done. I’m very excited for the results next year!"

- Manny, an Arocha Hair Restoration Patient

Dr. Arocha sitting on chair

Real Results From FUE See a Patient's Hair Transformation

Balding patient before FUE
Before FUE This 32-year-old man presented with crown baldness and thinning at the fringes. Dr. Arocha performed a hair transplant using follicular unit extraction.
patient with full head of hair after FUE
After FUE This follow-up image was taken a year after the patient's hair transplant procedure. He continues to enjoy a thick, full head of hair that reflects his youth.

The FUE Procedure

The length of hair transplant surgery can vary greatly depending on how many hair follicles are needed, but most FUE procedures last between two and four hours.
The length of hair transplant surgery can vary greatly depending on how many hair follicles are needed, but most FUE procedures last between two and four hours.

Numbing With Anesthesia

The hair transplant process is completed under local anesthesia to ensure the procedure is painless and the patient is comfortable throughout treatment.

Extracting Follicular Units

Once the patient has been numbed, Dr. Arocha begins extracting follicular units from the viable donor area, using any of our many advanced FUE devices, including the Mamba, the SAFE system, and rarely the ARTAS(r) Robotic System. The most important part of FUE surgery is the refined skills that we have. This allows us to employ the smallest punch possible for the patient based on his scalp and hair characteristics. While surgery always involves wounds which heal producing a scar, our techniques and small punch size allow for the fastest healing and minimal scarring which are usually not visible to the naked eye. 

Transplanting the Units

The follicular units are implanted one at a time along the balding sections of the scalp. Dr. Arocha takes great care to ensure they are placed in patterns that mimic the surrounding hair growth, so the transplanted hair appears natural and blends in seamlessly. Once all of the grafts have been transplanted, the procedure is complete. 

Healing Period

The newly-transplanted follicular units will shed two or three weeks following FUE hair transplant surgery. The follicles then enter a dormant period as they heal and settle into their new locations. 

Seeing Final Results

New hair growth typically begins around three to five months following surgery, although it truly becomes apparent after about nine months have passed. Results will continue to improve for 12 to 18 months, with final results generally visible at least one year after the hair transplant procedure.

Recovering From FUE Surgery
Common Side Effects

Case 2's Right Side View before FUE Hair Transplant

Case 2's Right Side View after FUE Hair Transplant

Following FUE, the scalp will be swollen and sensitive. Patients return home the same day and may resume most normal activities within a few days. Common side effects include:

  • Light bleeding
  • Tenderness
  • Mild pain
  • Itching
  • Swelling

Patients must not touch the scalp or remove any scabs that arise from the healing process. The newly-transplanted follicles are highly vulnerable during the first few weeks of recovery and can become dislodged due to excess friction or stress. Dr. Arocha provides detailed post-op instructions to all of his patients to help them maximize their recovery and receive optimal results.

"Can't recommend him enough." Top Reviews for a Top Hair Loss Doctor

1

Stephen R Orihel

Houston, TX

2024

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I first visited Dr. Arocha about 5 1/2 years ago when I noticed my hair thinning at only 21 years of age. He and his associates are extremely professional, knowledgeable, and helpful with anything you need. I go to Dr. Arocha annually and can’t recommend him enough. If you are looking for a professional for assistance, you have found your place.

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1

Rene Garcia

Houston, TX

2024

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I’ve been coming to Dr.Arocha for the last three years, he does a great job explaining the benefits of different treatment or procedures!. His staff is always professional and kind as well as very friendly! I normally hate going to the doctor but Dr.Arocha is someone I don’t mind visiting! Would recommend anyone in the Houston area to come to him if you’re suffering from any type of hair loss!

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Dr. Bernardino Arocha's headshot

Arocha Hair Restoration

Since 2002, Bernardino A. Arocha, M.D. has been transforming lives through the power of hair restoration. With an artistic approach and a variety of procedures available, Arocha Hair Restoration has a track record of providing stunning results. Dr. Arocha is affiliated with prominent organizations with memberships that include:

  • Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS)
  • Fellow, International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)
  • American Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ASHRS)
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS)

If you're ready for a full head of hair, we invite you to contact us with our form or call us at (713) 526-4247.

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