FUE - Follicular Unit Excision - (Individual Hair Graft Harvesting)
What Is FUE? | Hair Medicine Institute
FUE Hair Transplant Surgery in Atlanta, GA. At Hair Medicine Institute (HMI) in Atlanta, we specialize in Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) — one of the most advanced and natural-looking hair restoration procedures available today. Led by Dr. Spencer Hawkins, a fellowship-trained hair restoration surgeon and double board-certified dermatologist, we use FUE to restore your hair with precision, artistry, and long-lasting results.
If you’re searching for a minimally invasive hair transplant in Atlanta with no linear scar and a faster and more comfortable recovery, FUE may be your ideal solution.
FUE is an exacting hair transplant technique where individual hair follicles are removed from the donor area — typically the back and sides of your scalp — and placed into thinning or balding areas.
Unlike FUT donor strip harvesting, FUE does not involve a long incision, stitches, or a visible linear scar.
Instead, it uses tiny punch tools (usually <1 mm) to make the procedure comfortable, subtle, and highly customizable. These tiny excisions heal to a tiny white dot that is virtually invisible even when you trim your hair very short in the back and sides of your head.
Benefits of FUE at Hair Medicine Institute
- No Linear Scar - Tiny dot-size extraction points heal quickly, making FUE a great option for patients who prefer short haircuts.
- Quick Recovery - Most patients return to normal activity within a few days.
- Permanent Hair Growth - You can wash, cut, and style transplanted hair just like the rest of your scalp — because it is yours.
How We Perform FUE at Hair Medicine Institute
- Personalized Consultation & Hairline Design - Your FUE journey begins with a detailed scalp evaluation by Dr. Hawkins. He assesses your hair-loss pattern, donor supply, and long-term goals. Together, you design a customized hairline that fits your face and looks natural for decades. During your consultation, Dr. Hawkins will determine if you are a good candidate for FUE.
- Precise Follicle Extraction - Using a tiny surgical scalpel, Dr. Hawkins will meticulously extract individual follicular units containing 1–4 hairs. Each graft is removed gently to preserve its integrity.
This technique minimizes scarring and allows patients to confidently wear shorter hairstyles. - Graft Preparation - Our experienced surgical team inspects and sorts every follicle. Healthy grafts create better density, natural flow, and higher long-term survival.
- Recipient Site Creation - Dr. Hawkins creates tiny, strategically placed incisions that determine the direction, angle, and spacing of your new hair. This artistic step is critical — and it’s where advanced training and experience truly matter.
- Graft Placement for Natural Growth - The prepared follicles are placed one by one into the recipient sites. Over the next several months, these hairs take root, establish a new blood supply, and begin producing permanent, natural growing hair.
Who Is a Good Candidate for FUE?
FUE may be the right choice if you:
- Have good donor density in the back or sides of your scalp
- Have limited to moderate hair loss
- Want to avoid a visible scar
- Prefer a short hairstyle
- Experience a genetic pattern of hair loss or thinning
- Want a long-term, natural-looking solution
During your consultation, Dr. Hawkins will determine whether FUE, FUT, or a combination approach will provide the best long-term outcome.
When Will You See Results?
- 3–4 months: Early, fine hairs begin to emerge
- 6–9 months: Noticeable growth and increasing density
- 12 months: Full cosmetic results for most patients
- 18 months: Final refinement for crown procedures
Because the transplanted follicles come from your permanent “safe zone,” your results will continue to grow for years to come.
Why Choose Hair Medicine Institute for FUE in Atlanta?
A Surgeon Who Specializes in Hair Restoration - Dr. Spencer Hawkins is fellowship-trained in hair transplantation — an advanced credential achieved by fewer than 200 surgeons worldwide.
Double Board-Certified Dermatologist - Dr. Hawkins brings medical expertise to ensure your scalp, skin, and hair health are always prioritized.
Natural, Artistic Hairline Design - Our approach blends medical science with artistic detail to create age-appropriate, natural-flowing results.
A Dermatology-Led, Patient-Centered Clinic - HMI provides an elevated, concierge-style experience with a focus on long-term hair and scalp health — not transactional surgery.
State-of-the-Art Technology - Our Alpharetta office uses modern FUE extraction tools and magnification systems that improve precision and graft survival.
Schedule Your FUE Consultation - If you're ready to take the next step toward restoring your hair and confidence, we’re here to help.
At Hair Medicine Institute, you’ll receive an honest evaluation and a personalized plan designed around your long-term goals.