Follicular Unit Extraction
Conveniently located to serve the City of Chicago
Led by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Anil Shah and board-certified physician Dr. Sameea Chughtai, Aesthetic Scalp specializes in advanced follicular unit extraction (FUE) in Chicago to deliver natural, lasting hair restoration results.
*Actual Patient
What is FUE?
Although losing and regrowing hair is a natural part of life, some individuals may experience significant hair loss due to genetics, stress, hormonal changes, or other lifestyle factors. Whether you’re an older gentleman in your 60s or a young woman in your 20s, you could experience thinning or balding for any number of reasons.
To preserve the integrity of your scalp and the look of a full head of hair, our team at Aesthetic Scalp is thrilled to perform the hair transplant surgical technique known as follicular unit extraction with the ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant system. This device makes it efficient to extract hair follicles individually from a donor site and then strategically place them where more hair is desired.
FUE has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its more accurate and comfortable procedure experience compared to FUT (follicular unit transplantation), where an entire strip of hair is removed from the donor region. No stitches are needed for FUE, and most patients report only mild discomfort.
FUE Hair Loss Before & After Results
Am I a Good Candidate for FUE?
FUE with the ARTAS® robot can be performed on men and women of various ages and hair types. It can be done for patients who are at an advanced stage of baldness, or those who would like to improve the appearance of their hairline and add depth to thinning areas of their scalp. Even those who have short hair and busy lives can qualify for this procedure, as the healing time is fairly quick.
In order to know if you’re a good candidate for FUE or another minimally invasive treatment, you’ll need to attend a consultation with Dr. Shah or Dr. Chughtai. Once we have assessed the condition of your scalp and determined the cause and extent of your hair loss, we will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan.
What to expect during the FUE procedure
Follicular unit extraction at our Downtown Chicago office typically takes as long as a full working day, although the exact duration of your procedure will depend on the amount of hair being extracted and reinstated. We encourage you to eat a full breakfast and dress comfortably. A lunch menu will be provided to you around midday.
During your operation, Dr. Shah or Dr. Chughtai will utilize a local anesthetic to numb the treated area and provide you with oral medication as needed. Typically, the donor region is located on the back portion of the scalp, as this is the area where hair growth is continuous for most people.
However, the specific approach used will depend on the extent of hair loss you have, the location of hair thinning, and your hair type. For example, performing FUE is vastly different across the board for Asian, African, and Caucasian patients.
After FUE
Most patients enjoy quick downtime and return to their routines after just a couple of days. You’ll receive specific aftercare instructions; follow them closely to support smooth healing and optimal hair growth throughout your recovery.
During the early healing phase, tiny scabs may appear and naturally flake off after several days. It’s also normal for transplanted hairs to shed at about two weeks post-procedure, as follicles enter a one-month resting phase. This shedding makes room for new, natural growth to emerge.
Benefits of FUE
- Robotic precision
- No linear scar
- Quick recovery
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
- Permanent, long-lasting results
- Consistent, predictable outcomes
How Much Does FUE Cost in Chicago, IL?
The overall price of FUE will vary from person to person, depending on several factors, including the severity of hair loss and the desired hairline. During your initial consultation, Dr. Shah or Dr. Chughtai will listen to your unique goals and assess your scalp to create a custom treatment plan and provide you with a detailed cost estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FUE painful?
Generally, our patients do not describe the treatment as being painful. However, it does require remaining seated and still for a prolonged period of time as each individual donor hair follicle is extracted. Once the procedure is complete, the treatment area may look and feel a bit tender for the next few days.
Can I exercise after FUE?
Light walking is encouraged shortly after your procedure to promote circulation, but you should avoid strenuous exercise and activities that cause heavy sweating for at least two weeks. High-impact workouts, weightlifting, and contact sports should be postponed until your doctor clears you to resume these activities.
Can I color or style my hair after FUE?
Once your scalp has fully healed and new hair growth is established, you can color, cut, and style your transplanted hair just like your natural hair. Most patients can resume chemical treatments and styling about four to six weeks post-procedure with their doctor's approval.
How long do the results from FUE last?
The hair follicles retain their original characteristics even after being transplanted. This allows them to continue to grow naturally and leads to results that can last for the rest of your life. It’s important to note, however, that these results are dependent on properly caring for your scalp after the treatment.
Will I need more than one FUE session?
Some patients achieve their desired fullness in a single session, while others may benefit from additional appointments to reach optimal density or address progressive hair loss. The number of sessions needed depends on the extent of your hair loss, your aesthetic goals, and the amount of available donor hair.
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Consultation
Achieve a Fuller, More Attractive Head of Hair
You don’t have to live with or tolerate hair loss thanks to follicular unit extraction in Chicago, Illinois. At Aesthetic Scalp, our compassionate team of hair restoration experts works closely with patients to develop a fully personalized treatment plan, restoring the appearance of their hairline and the fullness of their scalp. Reach out to our esteemed office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Anil Shah or Dr. Sameea Chughtai and receive the highest quality of hair restoration care available!
Related Procedures
In addition to FUE, Aesthetic Scalp in Chicago offers several other hair restoration treatments performed by Dr. Shah and Dr. Chughtai. These include eyebrow transplant surgery to restore natural brow shape and fullness, forehead reduction surgery to lower a high hairline and improve facial balance, and FUT for even greater density and coverage. Each treatment is tailored to deliver natural, lasting results that enhance both confidence and appearance.
We also combine each FUE procedure with a regenerative technique, such as PRP therapy, to further encourage long-term hair growth and help you achieve comprehensive outcomes.
Dr. Anil Shah Videos
Watch Dr. Anil Shah and Dr. Sameea Chughtai discuss advanced FUE hair transplant techniques and related hair restoration procedures performed at Aesthetic Scalp in Chicago. These educational videos showcase real patient transformations, expert insights on FUT, eyebrow transplants, and forehead reduction surgery, and the meticulous approach that delivers natural, lasting results.