The Science Behind FUE Hair Transplants: How Follicles Are Extracted and Implanted

Royce Newton
on April 8th 2025

In short…

FUE hair transplants use advanced microsurgical techniques to extract and implant individual hair follicles with precision, avoiding linear scarring and enabling faster recovery.
Follicles are carefully preserved in HypoThermosol® and sorted before being implanted using Direct Implantation technology, ensuring natural hair growth direction, angle, and density.
Hair and Skin Science combines clinical expertise with cutting-edge tools, delivering long-lasting, natural-looking results with minimal downtime across 25+ Australian clinics.

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) has become the preferred hair transplant method for patients seeking natural results, minimal downtime, and no linear scarring. But for those considering the procedure, understanding the science behind it can offer confidence and clarity.

This guide explains how follicles are extracted and implanted using cutting-edge methods like Direct Implantation and HypoThermosol® Preservation, and how Hair and Skin Science ensures optimal outcomes through medical precision and artistic skill.

With over 25 clinics across the country and millions of grafts successfully transplanted, Hair and Skin Science stands at the forefront of evidence-based, minimally invasive hair transplants in Australia.

What is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)?

FUE is a microsurgical technique that removes and transplants individual follicular units – the natural groupings of 1 to 4 hairs. It is an advanced alternative to older FUT (strip surgery), which removes a large section of scalp and leaves a linear scar.

Key Benefits of FUE Hair Transplants:

No stitches or scalpel
No visible linear scarring
Faster healing and minimal discomfort
Natural-looking results tailored to your unique hair pattern

By preserving the integrity of each follicular unit and placing it with precision, FUE delivers high-density, natural results.

Step-by-Step: The Science Behind FUE Hair Transplants

Step 1: Consultation and Hair Mapping

The journey begins with an in-depth consultation to assess your scalp condition, hair loss stage, and goals. At Hair and Skin Science, this includes:

Density mapping of the donor area (typically the back/sides of the scalp)
Digital photography and follicular unit analysis
Hairline design and custom coverage planning

This strategic preparation lays the foundation for a successful and balanced hair transplant.

Step 2: Anaesthesia and Follicle Isolation

Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. Once the scalp is numbed, the precision work begins.

Using a Specialised Micro-Punch Tool

Hair follicles (also called grafts) are extracted one by one using a motorised micro-punch tool around 1mm in diameter. Each graft typically contains 1 to 4 hairs.

Why Doctor Skill Matters

Grafts must be removed intact – damaged follicles will not survive
Angulation, depth, and rotation of the punch must align with the hair’s natural growth direction
Even harvesting is critical to avoid patchiness or overharvesting of the donor area

Only experienced practitioners, such as the team at Hair and Skin Science led by Dr David Ballantyne, have the skill required to maximise graft survival and maintain donor site aesthetics.

Step 3: Graft Sorting and HypoThermosol® Preservation

Once extracted, grafts undergo microscopic sorting based on:

Number of hairs per follicular unit (single, double, triple, or quad)
Size and structure
Suitability for different areas (e.g., single-hair grafts for hairline refinement)

The Role of HypoThermosol®

During your break (typically lunch) your grafts are stored in HypoThermosol®, a specialised preservation solution that:

Reduces oxidative stress while follicles are outside the body
Maintains cell membrane integrity and electrolyte balance
Increases follicle survival rate and improves post-op growth outcomes

Proper storage is scientifically critical – every second a follicle is outside the body matters.

Direct Implantation: Precision Placement Without Channel Cutting

Unlike traditional FUE, which creates channels in the scalp before implantation, Direct Implantation (DI) allows each graft to be placed immediately after sorting using implanter pens.

Scientific and Aesthetic Advantages:

No pre-cutting channels: Reduces trauma and speeds up healing
Follicles are inserted at the correct angle, depth, and direction, mimicking natural hair growth
Enables densely packed, high-precision placement for optimal coverage
Ensures natural hairline design with seamless blending into existing hair

At Hair and Skin Science, every follicle is placed with both medical accuracy and artistic vision.

Healing and Hair Growth: What Happens After the Hair Translant Procedure

The biological response to FUE hair transplants follows a predictable timeline:

Immediate Post-Op (0–7 days):

Small scabs form around implanted follicles and fall off naturally
Mild redness and swelling subside within a few days
No stitches or large wounds, so healing is quick and comfortable

Shedding Phase (Weeks 2–4):

Implanted hairs enter the telogen (resting) phase and shed – this is expected and temporary

Dormant Phase (1–3 months):

No visible growth
Hair follicles remain beneath the surface as they prepare to re-enter the growth cycle

Regrowth Phase (3–6 months):

New hairs begin to emerge
Initially fine and thin, they gradually thicken and darken over time

Maturity Phase (6–18 months):

Hair becomes denser and more textured
Final results typically appear between 12–18 months, depending on individual biology and graft numbers

For a detailed monthly breakdown, visit: FUE Transplant Timeline: Month-by-Month Hair Growth Results

Why Hair and Skin Science Leads in FUE Technology

With over 3 million hairs transplanted to date and clinics across all major Australian cities, Hair and Skin Science is committed to delivering scientifically advanced, results-driven care.

Why Patients Trust Us:

✅ Direct Implantation and HypoThermosol® – ensuring graft vitality and natural growth

✅ Highly trained team led by Dr David Ballantyne, known for precision and artistry

✅ Minimal downtime, no stitches, and no linear scarring

✅ Affordable, high-quality care across 25+ national clinics

✅ Ongoing support and tailored post-op plans to guide you through every stage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between FUE and FUT scientifically?

FUE involves individual follicle extraction using a micro-punch, avoiding scalp removal and linear scarring. FUT removes a strip of tissue, which requires stitching and leaves a visible scar.

Are the results of FUE permanent?

Yes. The transplanted follicles are taken from the permanent zone of the scalp, meaning they retain their resistance to hormonal hair loss over time.

How does direct implantation improve results?

By skipping the channel creation step, DI shortens graft exposure time, reduces trauma, and allows for extremely precise placement – leading to higher survival rates and more natural aesthetics.

What impacts the survival rate of follicles?

Extraction technique and precision
Time out of the body
Use of HypoThermosol®
Proper storage temperature
Aftercare and post-op health habits

Scientific Precision Meets Natural Beauty

The success of a FUE hair transplant depends on more than just extraction and implantation – it relies on biological understanding, technical accuracy, and expert artistry.

At Hair and Skin Science, every detail is engineered to ensure you receive maximum density, natural results, and a seamless patient experience – from consultation to final regrowth.