Phase 1: Hair Follicle Extraction – The First Step of Your Hair Transplant Journey
If you’re considering a hair transplant in the UK, whether it’s through the FUE or DHI method, it all begins with one essential step: the extraction of hair follicles.
This stage may not be as visible as the final result, but make no mistake — it plays a major role in how natural, dense, and successful your hair transplant will be.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what happens during the hair follicle extraction phase, why it’s so important, and how we ensure it’s done with maximum care, precision, and patient comfort.
🔧 Precision Technique with Minimal Trauma
At our hair transplant clinic in London, we use advanced technology to make the extraction process as safe and effective as possible. Using a micromotor device with ultra-fine punches ranging from 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm, we carefully remove each hair follicle one by one from the donor area.
The donor area — usually the back and sides of the scalp — contains hair that’s genetically resistant to thinning. These follicles are ideal for transplantation because they continue to grow even in areas affected by hair loss.
Our technique is designed to:
Reduce trauma to the scalp
Preserve each follicle’s structure
Increase the survival rate of transplanted grafts
🧴 Graft Quality = Natural Results
Every hair follicle we extract includes a small portion of surrounding tissue. This improves the strength and viability of the graft once it’s transplanted.
Unlike older methods that could leave visible scars or patchy areas, our approach involves strategically skipping between follicles instead of taking them in direct rows. This ensures:
The donor area remains natural-looking
There’s no visible scarring — even with short haircuts
Grafts are healthier and better prepared for implantation
⏱️ How Long Does Hair Graft Extraction Take?
The hair follicle extraction process typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on your treatment plan and the number of grafts required. This time allows our team to work with precision — not speed — to ensure the best possible outcome.
😌 Comfortable and Pain-Free
We understand that comfort is just as important as results. That’s why this phase is performed under local anesthesia. Most patients describe the experience as pain-free and surprisingly relaxing. Some even listen to music or take a short nap during the process.
📍 Why the Donor Area Matters in Hair Transplant Surgery
The follicles we extract from the donor area are DHT-resistant — which means they aren’t affected by the hormone responsible for most hair loss. When these follicles are implanted into areas where hair has thinned or receded, they continue to grow just like your natural hair.
That’s what makes a FUE hair transplant or DHI hair transplant so effective — and why choosing the right donor area is so critical.
✅ The Foundation of a Successful Hair Transplant
Think of the extraction phase as the foundation of your entire hair restoration. If it’s not done correctly, it can affect every stage that follows — including the direction your hair grows and how dense your results look.
That’s why we perform every extraction with a strong focus on:
Graft survival
Donor area aesthetics
Long-term hair growth results
Whether you’re getting a hair transplant in London or exploring options across the UK, this phase should never be rushed or handled by anyone but trained professionals.
💬 Let’s Take the First Step Together
If you’re researching your options for a hair transplant in the UK, understanding how the extraction phase works is a great place to start.
Our team is here to guide you with personalised advice, before-and-after examples, and support every step of the way — from your initial consultation to full recovery.
📍 Book your free consultation today 👉
