Last medically reviewed by Dr John P. Cole, MD — October 13, 2025
Founder, ForHair Hair Transplant Clinic – Creator of CIT® (Cole Isolation Technique)
FUE Is the Gold Standard in Modern Hair Restoration
Unlike traditional “strip” methods that leave linear scars, FUE extracts individual follicular units one by one, allowing for more precise, natural-looking results with faster recovery.
At ForHair, we’ve pushed FUE further. Our proprietary CIT® technique (Cole Isolation Technique) is a manual, non-robotic, advanced form of FUE with:
- Graft survival rates of 97%+
- Transection rates below 3%
- No-shave options (C2G CIT®)
- 40% of our patients coming to repair work from other clinics
Explore our Before & After Gallery to see results from real patients.
How FUE Works (60-second summary)
FUE is a microsurgical technique that:
- Uses a small punch (0.8–1.0mm) to extract individual follicular units from the donor area.
- Minimizes visible scarring—no stitches or linear scars.
- Allows hair to be taken from multiple zones (scalp, beard, body).
- Enables natural placement in thinning or balding areas.
Quick steps:
- Hair in the donor area is trimmed.
- Local anaesthetic is applied.
- Follicular units are manually extracted using a precision punch.
- Grafts are stored in a nutrient-rich solution.
Grafts are re-implanted in the recipient area using advanced density and angle control.
FUE vs. FUT — Pros, Cons, Scars & Recovery
Older FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) methods involve cutting a strip of scalp to harvest follicles. This often leaves a linear scar and requires longer healing.
Here’s how FUE compares:
Feature | FUE | FUT (Strip Method) |
Scarring | No linear scar | Linear scar at back of scalp |
Shaving Required | Optional (C2G = no shave) | Full donor area shaved |
Recovery Time | Shorter, less invasive | Longer, sutures required |
Transection Rate | ~3% (ForHair CIT®) | 5–10% typical |
Graft Selection | Hand-selected, denser grafts | Random strip selection |
Pain & Healing | Minimal | May involve tightness, numbness |
Ideal For | All genders, all styles | Best for long hairstyles only |
Why ForHair’s Advanced FUE (CIT®) Is Different
Not all FUE techniques are equal. At ForHair, we’ve refined every stage of the process through decades of innovation, research, and artistry. Our proprietary CIT® is the result of over 20 years of clinical development by Dr John P. Cole, one of the earliest adopters and pioneers of FUE worldwide:
- Manual Extraction: No robots or motorized devices. CIT® relies on skilled hands to minimize trauma.
- Custom Punch Sizes: Typically 0.85–0.95mm to reduce scarring and increase accuracy.
- Storage Medium: HypoThermosol FRS, Ringer’s lactate, or isotonic saline to maintain graft vitality.
- Low Transection Rate: Typically below 3%, preserving healthy follicles.
- C2G No-Shave Option: Extract and implant without shaving—ideal for discretion.
Advanced Planning: Density, angle, curl, and direction are all carefully considered.
Many of our patients come to us after disappointing results elsewhere. What they find is a clinic that approaches hair restoration as both a science and an art.
If you’re considering FUE, ForHair is where experience, technique, and patient care come together to deliver results that look and feel completely natural.
Are You a Candidate?
Here’s a quick self-checklist to determine if FUE may be right for you:
✅ Male or female with pattern hair loss
✅ Donor density (good hair growth at the back/sides)
✅ Healthy scalp & follicle caliber
✅ No major medical contraindications
✅ Willing to commit to post-op care
Still not sure? In some cases, FUT or hybrid strategies may still be appropriate (especially in advanced Norwood classes or repair cases).
Graft Planning & Realistic Outcomes
Dr. Cole and the ForHair team approach each case with precision. Using digital imaging, magnification, and density mapping, we design implantation patterns that follow your natural growth angles and swirl patterns, helping the final result blend seamlessly with existing hair.
We design your restoration plan based on:
- Norwood classification
- Graft count goals
- Donor limitations
We also take a strategic, staged approach when necessary. For example, patients with advanced hair loss may benefit from restoring the frontal third first, followed by the crown once growth stabilizes. This method preserves donor resources while achieving visible improvement after each phase.
Here are two real-world examples to illustrate the results we’re getting through our specialized, personalized approach:
🔹 Case Highlight #1
2,701 Grafts (CIT® FUE, Norwood 3A)
This patient underwent four CIT® sessions totaling 2,701 grafts to restore his hairline and density. By spreading treatments over time, he was able to achieve a full, natural result while staying within budget. CRP and ACell were also used to support healing and graft survival.
👉 View Full Case →
🔹 Case Highlight #2
1,661 Grafts (CIT® FUE, Norwood 2A)
This patient received 1,661 CIT® grafts to rebuild a natural, balanced frontal hairline. ACell (30 mg) and CRP (Cytokine Rich Plasma) were used to enhance healing and early growth. He’s also enrolled in ForHair’s donor regeneration study, which tracks follicle regrowth following CIT® extraction.
👉 View Full Case →
Risks & Complications
No procedure is without risks, but our advanced approach reduces complications:
Complication | Risk Level | Our Mitigation Strategy |
Overharvesting | Low | Donor management + CIT® graft spacing |
Shock Loss | Medium | PRP, careful planning, low-density buffer zones |
Cobblestoning | Rare | Manual punch, minimal trauma, angled insertions |
Folliculitis | Rare | Antibiotics and hygiene guidance post-op |
Recovery Timeline (Day-by-Day → Month-by-Month)
Here’s what to expect at each stage:
Timeframe | What You’ll See | What You Should Do |
Day 0–3 | Redness, minor scabbing | Saline spray, gentle care, no touch |
Day 4–10 | Scabs flake off | Wash gently, avoid scratching |
Weeks 2–4 | Temporary shedding | Stay calm—it’s normal |
Months 3–6 | Early growth (fine hairs) | Patience, avoid harsh styling |
Months 9–12+ | Full density emerging | See transformation |
Cost Factors & Financing
The cost of an FUE hair transplant varies for each patient because no two cases are identical. Several factors influence the total investment required:
- Total Grafts Needed:
Each graft contains one to four hairs. Smaller procedures for hairline refinement may involve 1,000–1,800 grafts, while full restorations or advanced Norwood stages can exceed 3,000–4,000 grafts. The more grafts required, the greater the cost. - Number of Sessions:
Some patients achieve their desired density in a single session. Others—especially those with extensive hair loss or limited donor supply—benefit from multiple sessions spread over time to allow for natural progression and healing. - Procedure Complexity:
Corrective or repair cases, body hair transplants (BHT), or procedures requiring beard or nape hair generally take longer and demand additional precision. These specialized techniques influence overall pricing. - Surgeon Experience and Technique:
ForHair’s CIT® involves manual extraction, microscopic handling, and graft preservation methods that optimize survival, delivering premium, permanent outcomes with less trauma. This precision and artistry are reflected in the value of the procedure. - Donor and Recipient Characteristics:
Hair caliber, density, and skin characteristics can affect both the graft yield and the number of sessions needed to achieve optimal results.
At ForHair, we believe patients deserve full transparency before beginning treatment. During your consultation, our team will evaluate your goals and provide a personalized graft estimate and cost range so you can plan confidently.
Financing Options
We understand that restoring your confidence is a major decision. That’s why flexible payment plans and financing options through Affirm are available for qualified patients. Our coordinators can help you explore payment schedules that suit your budget and timeline.
🔗 See Cost Breakdown & Financing Options →
FAQs
Yes. Transplanted hairs are taken from areas genetically resistant to pattern baldness, which means they continue to grow for life. With proper care, the results remain stable and natural-looking long term.
FUE suits most patients because it avoids a linear scar, allows faster healing, and offers flexible styling options. FUT may still be suitable when donor density is limited or large graft counts are required.
🔗 Compare FUE vs FUT →
The number of grafts depends on your degree of hair loss and restoration goals. For example, a Norwood 3 patient may need 2,000–2,800 grafts, while advanced cases can exceed 3,000 for full coverage.
Potential risks include temporary shedding, shock loss, or minor infection. At ForHair, these are minimized through advanced sterile technique, gentle handling, and individualized care before, during, and after the procedure.
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Early shedding happens in the first month, with visible regrowth beginning around month three and full density achieved by 9–12 months.
Cost varies depending on graft count, number of sessions, and technique. Corrective procedures or those requiring body or beard hair may also affect pricing. Financing options are available to make treatment more accessible.
CIT® is ForHair’s proprietary, manual FUE method developed by Dr John Cole. It uses smaller punches, precise handling, and shorter graft exposure to achieve higher survival rates and virtually invisible scarring.
Ready to Talk?
Book your consultation today with a team trusted by thousands of patients worldwide, including those seeking second chances after failed procedures.
🔘 Request a Consultation →
🔘 Browse Before & After Gallery →
