What is an FUE Hair Transplant?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is an advanced hair restoration technique that involves carefully harvesting individual hair follicles from a donor area, typically the back or sides of the scalp, and transplanting them into areas of thinning or hair loss.
Unlike traditional strip methods, FUE does not require a linear incision. Instead, each follicular unit is extracted one by one using precise, handheld instrumentation. This allows for a more refined approach, minimal scarring, and a natural-looking result that blends seamlessly with your existing hair.
At Utah Facial Plastics Hair Restoration, our team specializes in manual FUE, a technique that prioritizes control, precision, and graft quality. By using advanced handheld tools rather than automated systems, our providers are able to carefully select and extract healthy follicles while preserving their integrity, an essential factor in achieving optimal growth and long-term results.
Medical Review: This page has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Scott Thompson.
Learn what's possible for you. Give us a call at 385.462.1212
Learn what's possible for you. Give us a call at 385.462.1212
Why We Use Manual FUE Techniques
While FUE as a technique has been trusted for years, the way it’s performed matters. Our approach focuses on manual extraction, which offers several important advantages:
- Enhanced precision: Greater control during extraction helps protect each follicle and improve graft survival rates
- Team-based efficiency: Multiple highly trained technicians can work simultaneously, improving efficiency without compromising quality
- Seamless workflow: Grafts can be placed while extraction is still in progress, reducing overall procedure time
- Natural-looking outcomes: Strategic placement and careful handling allow for soft, undetectable results
This meticulous, hands-on approach allows us to deliver results that look natural, heal beautifully, and are tailored to each patient’s unique hairline, density, and goals.
Book your consultation in Draper, Layton, or Heber City, UT. Get in touch at 385.462.1212
Hear From Patients Like You
At Utah Facial Plastics Hair Restoration, we care for our patients just as deeply as we care about technique and safety. From your first visit through every step of your journey, we’re here to support you, guide you, and ensure you always feel confident and cared for.
"I began to notice my hair thinning in my late 20s. As a young professional, it affected my confidence and the way I perceived myself. After years of trying various products and hairstyles to hide my thinning hair, I decided it was time for a more permanent solution. That’s when I opted for a hair transplant, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life."
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What Is Manual FUE Using Handheld Instruments?
At Utah Facial Plastics Hair Restoration, we perform FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) using advanced handheld instrumentation, a refined, highly controlled approach designed to preserve the integrity of every hair graft.
While we have used NeoGraft automated systems in the past, we have intentionally transitioned away from those devices in favor of a fully manual technique. This allows our team to perform each extraction with a higher level of precision, care, and customization, ultimately supporting healthier grafts and more natural results.
A More Precise, Graft-Preserving Approach
With manual FUE, each follicular unit is extracted individually, one at a time. Using specialized handheld tools, our experienced technicians carefully assess the angle, direction, and depth of each hair follicle before extraction. This level of control helps minimize trauma to the follicle and significantly reduces transection (damage to the graft), which is critical for long-term growth and success.
Once the follicle is gently separated, it is delicately removed from the scalp using fine forceps to preserve its structure and viability.
Designed for Better Healing and Natural Results
Another key advantage of the handheld method is the ability to customize the size of the extraction punch. We consistently use the smallest possible diameter, typically between 0.9–1.0 mm, depending on your individual hair characteristics. Smaller punch sizes mean:
- Less visible scarring
- Faster healing
- A more comfortable recovery
- Greater flexibility for future styling, including shorter hair
Efficiency Without Compromising Quality
Our technique also allows for a highly coordinated, team-based approach. Multiple skilled technicians can perform extractions simultaneously, while another team member begins placing grafts in the recipient area.
This streamlined process helps to:
- Reduce the amount of time each graft remains outside the body, preserving its health
- Improve overall graft survival rates
- Shorten procedure time, creating a more comfortable experience for you
Get in touch with the Salt Lake City team at 385.462.1212
FUE Hair Transplant Surgery with UFP Hair Restoration
Ready to learn more? Talk to Utah's top hair restoration specialists at 385.462.1212
Before & After FUE Hair Transplant
Real FUE hair transplant results in Utah, performed by the experts at UFP Hair Restoration. Natural hairlines, restored density, and confidence you can see and feel.
Get in touch with the team at 385.462.1212
What is a good Candidate for Hair Transplant Surgery
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What Our Patients Are Saying
"Fantastic team & very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend UFP to anyone. Dr. Thompson is a highly skilled surgeon with an artistic eye and that’s incredibly hard to find."
Absolutely 100% highly recommend Utah Facial Plastics. I went to Sarah she has a very calming way about her which was wonderful. Sarah listened to my concerns and professionally and patiently ...
The 82S shampoo and Finasteride prescription are miracle products! I am blown away with my hair growth and scalp improvements. I also just had my first Keravive scalp treatment --- ...
I was very leery of the procedure. Dr Thompson & his staff where extremely patient with me and took very good care of me. They made me feel calm. I'm still ...
When considering any kind of procedure it is so important to be able to feel 110% comfortable who is doing your procedures and the care that you will receive. At Utah ...
When considering any kind of procedure it is so important to be able to feel 110% comfortable who is doing your procedures and the care that you will receive. At Utah ...
In September 2022 at 62 years old , I had a FUT hair transplant by Dr. Manning, I figured I had nothing to lose , no pun intended. Dr. Manning and his team did ...
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Frequently Asked Hair Transplant Questions
Yes. The transplanted hair follicles are genetically resistant to hair loss, meaning they are designed to grow permanently in their new location. Once established, your new hair can be cut, styled, and treated just like the rest of your natural hair.
When performed by experienced specialists, FUE delivers exceptionally natural results. At UFP Hair Restoration, we carefully design your hairline based on your facial structure, age, and long-term goals to ensure your results look seamless, not surgical.
FUE does not leave a linear scar like traditional strip procedures. Instead, it creates tiny, circular extraction sites that typically heal quickly and are barely noticeable, especially when small punch sizes (0.9–1.0 mm) are used.
Most FUE procedures take between 4–8 hours, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. Our team-based approach allows us to work efficiently while maintaining the highest level of precision and care.
Recovery is typically straightforward. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. You may experience mild redness or scabbing in the treated areas, which usually resolves within 7–10 days. Full healing continues over the following weeks.
Transplanted hairs will shed within the first few weeks, this is completely normal. New growth typically begins around 3–4 months, with noticeable improvement by 6 months and full results developing over 9–12 months.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll be comfortable throughout. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, often describing it as more manageable than expected.
You may be a candidate if you are experiencing hair thinning or loss and have sufficient donor hair available. The best way to determine candidacy is through a personalized consultation, where we evaluate your hair pattern, goals, and overall health.
Manual FUE allows for greater precision and control during extraction. By using handheld instruments, our team can better preserve each follicle, reduce transection rates, and customize the approach based on your unique hair characteristics, leading to higher-quality grafts and more natural results.
Don't wait to feel your best!
Interested in getting a FUE Hair Transplant procedure in Salt Lake City, Draper, Layton, or Heber City, Utah? Contact UFP Hair Restoration for more information or to schedule an appointment call 385.462.1212, or fill out our contact form here.