FUE - hair transplant surgery
Permanent Hair Transplant Solutions for Men & Women
Surgical Hair Restoration
At The Hairfront, we specialise in advanced surgical hair restoration using the latest Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) techniques, also known as Direct Hair Implantation (DHI). This minimally invasive procedure offers natural, permanent results for those experiencing pattern baldness, scarring alopecia, or looking to reshape hairlines, beards, or eyebrows.
What Is Surgical Hair Restoration?
Surgical hair restoration is the only proven method to replace hair in areas where follicles are no longer alive. The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method involves individually harvesting hair follicles from a donor area and implanting them into balding or thinning regions – with no cutting, stitches, or linear scarring involved.
At The Hairfront, we use advanced equipment imported from the USA that customises for scalp thickness, follicle curvature, and diameter – ensuring every graft is extracted and placed with maximum precision.
Benefits of FUE Hair Transplant Surgery
• Permanent, natural-looking results
• No visible linear scarring
• Minimal discomfort and downtime
• Suitable for scalp, beard, and eyebrow restoration
• Custom hairline and density planning
• Improves self-confidence and appearance
How Does FUE Work?
Each hair follicle is extracted one by one from the donor area (usually the back of the head) and implanted into thinning or bald zones. This highly meticulous process can take 5–6 hours for 2000 grafts and may be performed under light sedation or while you’re awake – depending on your comfort preference.
Key planning steps include:
• Hairline design and density planning
• Careful extraction of donor follicles
• Graft cleaning and preservation
• Angle-specific placement for natural growth patterns
Pricing
From R39 per follicle
Who Is a Good Candidate?
FUE hair transplant surgery may be ideal if you:
• Have male or female pattern baldness
• Struggle with traction or scarring alopecia
• Wish to restore or reshape your beard, hairline, or eyebrows
• Are looking for a permanent solution to thinning hair
• Prefer a minimally invasive procedure with fast recovery
Treatment Process at The Hairfront
• Consultation: Scalp assessment and surgical planning
• Procedure Time: 5–6 hours for up to 2000 grafts
• Discomfort: Minimal; numbing and sedation available
• Downtime: Quick recovery – no stitches or major aftercare
• Follow-Up: Post-procedure reviews and care guidance
When Will You See Results?
Hair growth typically begins 3–4 months after surgery, with significant improvements visible between 6–12 months. Final results – thicker, permanent hair growth – are generally achieved after 12–18 months.
Why Choose The Hairfront for FUE Surgery?
Our hair transplant technologies
Not all hair transplants are the same and this is where using the latest technology in the world can make a huge difference.
High powered magnification at EVERY step. All grafts are extracted, sorted and implanted at 8x magnification and single graft units are at 20x magnification to ensure the most natural hairlines.
Every graft is stored at the perfect temperature and in a special organ donor solution to ensure maximum graft survival rates. We do not just store your grafts in ordinary saline!
Our most important machine that really sets us apart… Extraction using the latest device imported from the USA. We are the only hair transplant clinic in Africa and one of the first in the world to be using the DrUGraft Zeus System with patented 3 phase technology. The machine allows us to customise the setting for every patient depending on scalp thickness, follicle thickness and curvature.
Flared punches for the smallest extraction sites, the quickest healing and minimal scarring.
Incisions are made using the highest grade sapphire blades ensuring minimal scabbing and fast healing in the recipient sites. Micro channels using the sapphire blades also enable the possibility of higher density and precise angulation of each implanted hair.
Hair follicles are protected and implanted using implanter pens which means every delicate hair bulb is protected throughout the entire process.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between FUE and FUT?
At The Hairfront we only offer FUE because we believe this method is better for our patients. FUT surgery stands for Follicular Unit Transplant and was the first method of hair transplant surgery to yield natural results as each follicular unit was transplanted one by one into the recipient balding areas. Some doctors still practice this method. The main difference between the two is the method of obtaining the donor hairs: In FUT, a strip of scalp is removed from the back of your head. Patients are left with a linear scar, a tighter head and a painful healing time of at least 4-6 weeks. FUT is easier for doctors to perform as the entire strip can be dissected under a microscope by assistants and this entails minimal time. FUE, or Follicular Unit Extraction differs in the fact that each follicular unit of hair is removed one by one directly from the head (not a dissected strip). The process is much more time consuming and requires much skill from the doctor. Although more time consuming for the doctor, FUE is definitely great for you as the patient as you will have no linear scar and minimal pain and down time.
Am I a suitable candidate for a hair transplant?
Hair transplant surgery uses your own hair that we transplant to balding areas. The hair that we take is from the donor area, which is usually from the back of your head. Your quality and quantity of donor hair will determine whether you are a good candidate for the surgery as well as your age and the progression of your hair loss thus far. Dr Lohlun and her team will be able to give you a consultation in person to discuss your options.
What is the difference between a graft and a hair and how does this influence the cost
Some hair surgeons will charge per graft and others will charge per hair. This is something that all patients need be aware of. A graft or follicular unit can contain anywhere between 1 and 4 hairs. The international standard is to charge per graft and not per hair. If you are being quoted per hair, be aware that the price should be much lower than if you are quoted per graft.
When will I see results?
The transplant procedure takes 12-14 months to yield full results, so be patient! Hair goes through different growth cycles. Approximately 2-6 weeks after the transplant, the transplanted hair shafts will fall out which is completely normal. However, the root will remain. 4 months post surgery these roots will start growing. You will see the first changes after around 6 months and the final result by 1 year.
What about follow up appointments?
No follow up is generally required, however, we would like you to come in the next day for us to redo the dressings and wash your donor area for you. If you require any advice or would like to see the doctor in person for a follow up, you are more than welcome to book an appointment at no extra cost. We also encourage all patients to come in for a free assessment after 12 months for feedback and “after photos”.
How many grafts will I need and what will my hair transplant cost?
The accurate number of required grafts can only be assessed in person. The hair transplant is charged per graft and depends entirely on each individual. We can give you a good estimate if you submit your photos under the “Book a consultation” tab. An online consult as well as an in person consult with Dr Lohlun is R500 and the cost of this will be deducted off any treatments you purchase. Please see pricing tab for more information on pricing.
How will I hide my hair transplant in public?
You may want to wear a loose fitting hat after the procedure for a few days when in public. Avoid tight fitting hats especially within the first 72 hours as the new grafts will not yet have permanently implanted. Covering the transplant is not really necessary, as there will be no evidence after approximately 7-10 days. In the first 7-10 days small scabs will form, avoid picking these off, they will fall off by themselves. After this period, there will be no evidence of the transplant. However, it is recommended to cover the head for the first few weeks when there is sun exposure.
What about scarring?
The benefit of FUE is that there is no big linear surgical scar like in FUT. The results are natural and people won’t know that you have had surgery. In a very small population group the donor area may scar and there will be white dots where the hairs were removed. These are hardly visible, especially when the hair has grown to a “number 1 or 2” cut.
When will I be completely healed?
After 7-10 days the scabs of the transplant will fall off and there will be no visible remains of the procedure. The donor area may be sensitive for up to 8 weeks. Numbness and tingling is normal and this generally disappears within a few weeks.
Will I need more hair transplants in the future?
The short answer is “it depends”. However, the need for future transplants is not as a result of a “failed” transplant. Transplanted hair is permanent and will not fall out (in the absence of serious medical conditions). The reason for this, is that the hair is taken from an area of the scalp that is insensitive to the effects of hormones. However, the hair surrounding the transplanted hair may still fall out. The reasons for this usually include continuing balding that would have happened anyway, stress or a medical problem causing hair loss. Continuing balding can be prevented by medication, but this is not without risk and side-effects. As a general rule, if you are under 25 and rapidly balding, your hair loss will probably continue and further treatments would likely be required. If you are over 40 and have a bald patch that has not grown in years, chances are that one transplant will be sufficient. We will assess you during the consultation and advise accordingly.