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PROCEDURE

FUE Hair Transplant in Phoenix, AZ

Follicular unit excision performed by hand, with individual grafts inspected before placement. Dr. Scott Alexander has performed hair restoration exclusively since 2003.

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1,000–2,000

Grafts per FUE session

7–14

Days for donor healing

6–9

Months to visible growth

1

Case per day, start to finish

THE PROCEDURE

What FUE Is

Follicular unit excision removes individual grafts from the donor area one at a time using a small circular punch instrument, rather than removing a strip of donor tissue. Each follicular unit — the natural grouping of one to four hairs as they grow in the scalp — is extracted directly from the skin.
Because no strip of tissue is removed, there is no linear incision in the donor area. Extraction sites heal as small round points, typically not detectable with hair worn at normal length. The tradeoff is time: individual extraction is more labor-intensive than the strip method, which is why FUE is generally the right approach for sessions under approximately 2,000 grafts.

OUR TECHNIQUE

How Dr. Alexander Performs FUE

  • At Biltmore, FUE extraction is performed using a handheld instrument rather than a robotic system, with trained technicians assisting under Dr. Alexander's direct supervision, guided by direct observation and tactile feedback, reading each follicle's angle and depth as extraction proceeds. Dr. Alexander personally creates every recipient site, inspects every graft under microscope, and places every graft himself.
  • Graft placement uses the same custom-cut blade technique, known as the lateral-slit technique, that has defined this practice since 2003. Each recipient site is made with a chisel-cut blade matched to the width and depth of the follicle being placed, and the graft locks in naturally rather than being held open by the instrument. Sites are created before grafts are placed, giving the surgical team time to evaluate position, angle, and density before the first graft enters. This precision allows Dr. Alexander to pack grafts at high density. For some patients, that density can mean their goals are achievable in a single session rather than multiple procedures, depending on donor characteristics and the area to be covered. Working between existing hairs without disturbing them in this way is also designed to help reduce shock loss to those hairs during placement.
  • Every graft is inspected under magnification before placement.

CANDIDACY

Who FUE Is Right For

FUE is typically well-suited for patients who:
  • Are earlier in their hair loss progression, with a graft need under approximately 2,000 units
  • Prefer to wear their hair short or shaved, where a linear donor scar would be visible
  • Have donor characteristics well-suited to individual extraction
  • Want to preserve as much of their donor area as possible across potential future sessions
Candidacy is evaluated at the consultation. Some patients who request FUE are better served by the strip method, and Dr. Alexander will say so directly.

RECOVERY TIMELINE

What to Expect

Donor Area

Small extraction sites typically heal within 7 to 14 days. With normal hair length in the donor area, the sites are not detectable once healed.

Recipient Area

Transplanted hairs enter a resting phase after surgery. Initial shedding is normal within the first few weeks. Meaningful new growth typically becomes visible at 6 to 9 months. Full maturation of results takes 12 to 18 months.

The Day of Surgery

One case per day. Dr. Alexander is present from the first extraction to the final graft. For the patient, that means one surgeon, one day, no rotation.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

How many grafts can be done in one FUE session?

For most patients, a single FUE session yields 1,000 to 2,000 grafts. The specific number depends on donor density, scalp laxity, and the area to be covered. Dr. Alexander will give you a realistic estimate at the consultation.

Is FUE less painful than strip surgery?

Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia and are not painful during surgery. Post-procedure discomfort is generally mild and manageable with over-the-counter medications. FUE typically has a shorter donor recovery period.

Can I have a second FUE session later?

Many patients do. Donor supply is finite, and each session draws from that supply. Dr. Alexander factors long-term donor management into the treatment plan from the first consultation.

Will I need to shave my head for FUE?

Dr. Alexander typically requires at least a partial shave of the donor area for access. The area is generally concealable with surrounding hair. Longer hair on the recipient area can often be left unshaved.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Alexander to evaluate your candidacy for FUE, review your donor area, and get a direct recommendation.

Consultations are complimentary for patients 25 and over. Virtual consultations are available for patients traveling from outside Arizona.
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