Technique Guide
A comprehensive guide to Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant at DermaVue. Understand our SMART FUE protocol, Korean Choi implanter pen technology, the step-by-step procedure, candidacy criteria, and recovery timeline.
Understanding FUE
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique where individual follicular units — each containing 1 to 4 hair follicles — are extracted one by one from the donor area (back and sides of the scalp) using a precision micro-punch tool measuring just 0.7–0.9mm in diameter.
Unlike the older FUT (strip) method, which removes a strip of scalp tissue and leaves a linear scar, FUE extracts individual units through tiny circular incisions that heal as nearly invisible dot scars. There are no stitches, no linear scar, and significantly faster recovery.
The extracted follicular units are then implanted into the recipient area (balding regions) at precise angles that match your natural hair growth direction. At DermaVue, we use the Korean Choi implanter pen for this step — a significant advancement over conventional slit-and-place FUE techniques.
DermaVue Protocol
SMART FUE (Simplified Manual Automated Refined Technique) combines precision extraction with Korean Choi implanter pen technology for superior results.
Simultaneously creates the channel and inserts the graft in one motion. Reduces out-of-body graft time by 30–40%, achieving higher graft survival rates and 10–15% denser packing than conventional FUE.
Every step — extraction, sorting, and implantation — is performed by board-certified MD dermatologists. Never delegated to technicians. Ensures consistent quality, precision, and clinical accountability.
Extracted grafts are sorted under high magnification into single, double, triple, and quad follicular units. Singles go to the hairline for natural feathering; multiples behind for maximum density.
The Choi pen allows exact control of implantation angle: 40–45° for the hairline (natural forward-facing direction) and 60–90° for the crown (natural whorl pattern). This creates truly undetectable results.
The Choi pen's simultaneous insertion eliminates the separate slit-making step. Grafts spend less time outside the body, preserving cellular viability and significantly improving survival rates.
Micro-punch extraction (0.7–0.9mm) leaves tiny dot scars that are invisible even with short haircuts. No linear scar, no stitches, no staples. Donor area heals within 7–10 days with no trace.
Procedure
Here is exactly what happens during your SMART FUE hair transplant at DermaVue.
Your board-certified dermatologist performs digital trichoscopy, determines your Norwood grade, assesses donor density, and designs a natural hairline shape. You approve the design before proceeding. Exact graft count and cost are confirmed.
30 minutesThe donor area (occipital and temporal regions) is trimmed to 1–2mm for optimal extraction visibility. Local anaesthesia is administered for a completely pain-free experience. You remain awake and comfortable throughout.
30 minutesThe dermatologist extracts individual follicular units using a motorised micro-punch tool (0.7–0.9mm diameter). Each unit is carefully loosened and lifted from the scalp. Strategic extraction patterns prevent over-harvesting and ensure the donor area retains natural density.
2–4 hoursExtracted grafts are placed in a chilled platelet-enriched holding solution to maintain viability. Each graft is inspected under high magnification and sorted: single-follicle units (for hairline), double-follicle units (for transition zone), and triple/quad units (for crown density).
45–60 minutesThe recipient area (hairline, mid-scalp, or crown) is numbed with local anaesthesia. The designed hairline is confirmed with you one final time before implantation begins. A comfortable meal break is offered at this point.
20–30 minutesThe core of SMART FUE. Sorted grafts are loaded into Korean Choi implanter pens. The dermatologist implants each graft at the precise angle matching natural hair growth — 40–45° at the hairline for natural forward direction, gradually increasing to 60–90° at the crown for the natural whorl pattern. The Choi pen creates the channel and inserts the graft simultaneously.
2–4 hoursComplimentary PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is applied over the transplanted area to maximise graft survival and accelerate healing. The donor area is gently bandaged. You receive a post-operative care kit (antibiotics, pain management, healing spray, headband) and detailed recovery instructions.
30 minutesComparison
DermaVue exclusively performs FUE. Here is how it compares to the older FUT strip method.
| Parameter | FUE (DermaVue) | FUT (Strip) |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction Method | Individual micro-punch (0.7–0.9mm) | Strip of scalp removed surgically |
| Scarring | Tiny dot scars — virtually invisible | Linear scar across back of head |
| Stitches Required | None | Yes — sutures or staples |
| Recovery Time | 3–5 days to desk work | 10–14 days recovery |
| Post-Op Pain | Minimal — mild tenderness | Moderate — from wound healing |
| Short Haircuts | Can wear buzz cut — no visible scar | Linear scar visible with short hair |
| Donor Preservation | Strategic extraction preserves density | Strip removal creates gap |
| Repeat Procedures | Easy — extract from wider area | Limited by scar tissue |
| Graft Yield per Session | Up to 4,000+ grafts | Slightly higher per session |
| Procedure Duration | 6–10 hours | 4–6 hours |
Am I a Candidate?
Not everyone is a candidate for FUE hair transplant. Your DermaVue dermatologist assesses these factors during the free consultation.
After Your Procedure
What to expect day by day, week by week, and month by month after your SMART FUE hair transplant.
Return to clinic for bandage removal. Mild swelling, tenderness, and numbness in donor and recipient areas. Sleep elevated at 45° for the first 3 nights.
Start saline spray cleaning as instructed. Slight forehead swelling may occur (gravity pulling fluid down from scalp — resolves in 1–2 days). Avoid touching grafts directly.
Most patients can return to desk work. Tiny scabs forming at graft sites. Redness fading. Donor area healing well. Begin gentle shampooing as directed.
Scabs shed naturally during gentle washing. Do not pick or scratch. Transplanted area may look slightly pink. Donor dots are nearly invisible.
Transplanted hairs shed — this is completely normal and expected. The follicles remain alive beneath the surface and will regrow. Do not be alarmed. This phase is temporary.
Fine, thin new hairs emerge from transplanted follicles. Initially wispy and light in colour. Growth rate accelerates. Exciting first signs of your new hairline.
Approximately 60% of final result visible. Hair thickening and darkening. Natural-looking density beginning to take shape. Most patients feel confident at this stage.
100% of transplanted hair has grown in. Hair has matured in texture, thickness, and colour. Full density achieved. Results are permanent — transplanted DHT-resistant follicles grow for life.
Free Consultation
Book a free trichoscopy consultation. Our board-certified dermatologist will assess your candidacy, design your hairline, calculate the exact graft count, and provide a detailed cost breakdown — with zero obligation.
SMART FUE Available At
Common Questions
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique where individual follicular units (1–4 hairs each) are extracted one by one from the donor area using a micro-punch tool (0.7–0.9mm). Unlike FUT (strip method), FUE leaves no linear scar, requires no stitches, and has a faster recovery. DermaVue performs SMART FUE — an advanced protocol combining micro-punch extraction with Korean Choi implanter pen for simultaneous site creation and graft insertion, resulting in denser, more natural results.
FUE extracts individual follicles using a micro-punch tool, leaving tiny dot scars virtually invisible even with short haircuts. FUT removes a strip of scalp tissue, leaving a linear scar. FUE has shorter recovery (3–5 days vs 10–14 days), less pain, no stitches, and allows repeat procedures. FUT can yield slightly more grafts per session. DermaVue exclusively performs FUE using the SMART protocol for superior aesthetic results and patient comfort.
SMART FUE has three key differences: (1) Korean Choi implanter pen creates the channel and inserts the graft simultaneously, reducing out-of-body time by 30–40%. (2) Physician-performed — only board-certified MD dermatologists perform every step, never technicians. (3) Strategic graft placement — single-hair grafts at the hairline for natural feathering, multi-hair units behind for density. The result is denser packing, more natural angles, and higher graft survival.
The Choi implanter pen is a precision instrument that simultaneously creates the recipient channel and inserts the graft in one motion. In conventional FUE, the surgeon creates slits first, then places grafts — a two-step process. The Choi pen eliminates one step: the graft is loaded into the hollow tip, pressed into the scalp at the desired angle, and deployed with a spring mechanism. This reduces handling, preserves angle precision, shortens procedure time, and achieves 10–15% denser packing.
Ideal candidates: men with stable Norwood 3–6 hair loss, age 25+, good donor density (>60 follicular units/cm²), realistic expectations. Also suitable for: women with stable FPHL and adequate donor area, scar camouflage, beard/eyebrow restoration. Contraindications: active scalp infections, rapidly progressing loss, insufficient donor density, uncontrolled diabetes, blood disorders. DermaVue assesses candidacy during the free consultation.
FUE leaves tiny circular dot scars (0.7–0.9mm) at each extraction point. These are virtually invisible to the naked eye and undetectable once surrounding hair grows over them — even with buzz cuts (grade 2 and above). DermaVue uses the smallest micro-punch sizes and strategic extraction patterns to minimise any trace. This is a major advantage over FUT, which leaves a linear scar across the back of the head.
FUE at DermaVue takes 6–10 hours: consultation and design (30 min), donor prep and anaesthesia (30 min), extraction (2–4 hours), sorting (45–60 min), recipient anaesthesia (20–30 min), Choi implantation (2–4 hours), PRP and post-op (30 min). Patients are awake throughout, can take breaks, eat meals, and use their phones. The procedure is completed in a single day.
Day 1: bandage removed, mild swelling. Days 2–3: gentle cleaning begins. Days 5–7: return to desk work, scabs forming. Days 7–14: scabs shed naturally. Weeks 2–6: transplanted hair sheds (shock loss — completely normal). Months 3–4: new growth begins. Month 6: ~60% visible. Months 9–12: full final results. Avoid sun, heavy exercise, and swimming for 4 weeks. Transplanted follicles are permanent — they grow for life.