FUE Technique in Madrid: High-Precision Hair Transplant (Manual & Motorised)
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What Is the FUE Technique and How Does the Procedure Work?
The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique involves the individual extraction of follicular units, one by one, using precision micro-instruments ranging from 0.7 to 0.8 mm in diameter. This level of precision is designed to maximise graft survival (over 95%) while minimising tissue trauma.
The procedure can be performed using either a manual or motorised extraction system, depending on the patient’s characteristics and the surgeon’s clinical judgement.
FUE is a minimally invasive technique that significantly reduces recovery time and virtually eliminates visible scarring in the donor area, making it a highly discreet option for patients seeking natural-looking results.
Step-by-Step FUE Hair Transplant at Clínica Ximena Vila
IN THE PROCEDURE ROOM:
Frequently Asked Questions about the FUE Technique (FAQs)
Is a hair transplant permanent?
When will I start to see results from an FUE hair transplant?
Hair growth is a gradual process. During the first 2 to 4 weeks, it is normal for the transplanted hair to shed (a phase known as shock loss or telogen effluvium). This is a natural biological process, and the follicles remain intact beneath the skin.
New hair growth typically begins around the third month after the procedure. More visible improvements and increased density are usually noticeable between the sixth and ninth months, with the final and complete result achieved around 12 months post-procedure (and up to 18 months in the crown area).
Is an FUE hair transplant painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, carefully administered to both the donor and recipient areas, ensuring the patient remains comfortable throughout the surgery.
In the 2 to 3 days following the procedure, it is common to experience mild sensitivity or tightness, which is easily managed and fully controlled with standard pain relief medication prescribed by our medical team.
Can I return to normal activities after the transplant?
How long does an FUE hair transplant take?
An FUE procedure typically lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the number of follicular units to be extracted and implanted. As this is a highly precise procedure performed under local anaesthesia, the session is divided into several stages, including design, extraction, graft sorting, and micro-implantation. To ensure maximum patient comfort, scheduled breaks are included throughout the procedure.
Can women undergo an FUE hair transplant?
Yes. The FUE technique is fully suitable and highly effective for female patients. The main difference in women is the management of shaving. At Clínica Ximena Vila, we specialise in non-shaven or minimally shaven FUE techniques, often using a “flap” or partial shaving approach. This involves shaving only a small horizontal strip in the donor area, which is immediately concealed by the surrounding long hair. This allows patients to return to their daily routine without any noticeable aesthetic change.
Transparency & Patient Care
PRICING AND FINANCING
At our clinic, we believe access to high-quality hair restoration should never be limited by financial circumstances. That is why we offer flexible financing options tailored to your individual needs, allowing you to focus on your treatment and well-being without the concern of an upfront payment.
At our clinic, we believe access to high-quality hair restoration should never be limited by financial circumstances. That is why we offer flexible financing options tailored to your individual needs, allowing you to focus on your treatment and well-being without the concern of an upfront payment.
Ready to Restore Your Hair?
Which Is the Best Technique for Your Case?
Manual FUE vs Motorised FUE
One of the most discussed topics in hair restoration is the choice of extraction tool. At Clínica Ximena Vila, we do not believe in one-size-fits-all approaches or in limiting our surgical options.
For this reason, we are fully trained and experienced in both Manual FUE and High-Precision Motorised FUE, selecting the most appropriate technique based on each patient’s unique anatomy.
The success of follicular survival does not depend on favouring one tool over another, but on understanding the physics of extraction—particularly torque and friction—and adapting the technique to the characteristics of the scalp and hair.
Our Philosophy is simple: The tool must adapt to the patient, not the patient to the tool. During the consultation, Dr. Vila carefully evaluates follicular units under magnification in order to determine the extraction approach that will ensure the highest survival rate and the most natural, long-lasting result for each individual case.
Maximum tactile feedback for complex cases
Manual FUE
How is the procedure performed?
In manual extraction, the surgeon uses a punch (hollow cylinder) rotating it solely with the strength and sensitivity of their fingers.
Technical Advantage
It offers absolute tactile feedback. Dr. Vila can “feel” the tissue resistance and subtle changes in angle under the skin in real-time. Since there is no motor, heat generation due to friction is zero.
When is it the ideal choice?
It is our first choice for patients with curly or wavy hair (where the follicle curves under the skin), very thin or elastic scalps, repair surgeries (previous scar tissue), or delicate extractions such as beard or eyebrows.
How is the procedure performed?
The motorised FUE technique uses a device that electronically controls both the rotation speed (RPM) and torque of the punch. Unlike high-speed systems that may generate thermal or mechanical damage due to uncontrolled friction, we use low-speed, torque-adjusted systems designed to protect the integrity of the tissue.
Technical Advantage
The main advantage of a controlled motorised system is the reduction of ischaemia time—the period during which the follicular unit remains outside the body without oxygen supply.
By enabling faster and safer extraction, grafts can be implanted more quickly, thereby improving their viability. Additionally, this approach helps avoid excessive pressure on thicker or more resistant scalp tissue.
When is it the ideal choice?
Motorised FUE is particularly indicated for mega-session procedures requiring a high number of grafts, as well as for patients with thick, straight hair or firm, dense scalp tissue, where manual extraction would require excessive force that could potentially traumatise the follicular units.
Efficiency and Reduction of Ischemia Time
Motorised FUE
Are you the ideal candidate for an FUE Hair Transplant?
| Clinical Criteria | Manual FUE | Motorised FUE (Controlled) |
| Ideal Hair Type | Curly, wavy, fine, or unpredictable hair | Straight, thick, and uniform hair |
| Skin Characteristics | Thin, elastic skin, or previously scarred tissue | Firm, thick skin, or with high follicular resistance |
| Friction / Heat Control | None (manual tactile extraction) | Controlled via low RPM settings |
| Ischaemia Time | Longer (More meticulous and slower process) | Shorter (Faster extraction, ideal for high-density sessions) |
| Surgeon Feedback | 100% Tactile (“Feeling” of the tissue). | Visual and parametric (Motor adjustment). |
TECHNIQUE COMPARISON
FUE Hair Technique vs. FUSS Hair Technique
| Medical Criterion | FUSS Technique (Strip) | FUE Technique (Micrograft) |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal Candidate | Very extensive or advanced alopecia. | Mild, moderate alopecia, or localized areas. |
| Scar Type | Millimetric linear (invisible with trichophytic suture). | Imperceptible circular micropoints. |
| Follicular Yield | Maximum utilization in megasessions. | Limited by donor area density. |
| Shaving Requirement | Does not require shaving of the recipient area. | Usually requires shaving (total or partial in flaps). |
| Recovery Time | 10-14 days for suture removal. | Very fast (return to routine in 3-5 days). |

