Surgical Techniques for Hair Transplants in Manchester: A Doctor’s Perspective

Hair transplantation in Manchester has advanced considerably in recent years, driven by growing demand, technical refinement, and greater awareness of the different methods available. The choice of technique has a direct impact on both cosmetic outcome and patient recovery. As a medical practitioner familiar with hair restoration surgery, I would strongly advise anyone considering a hair transplant to understand the differences between each method before deciding. Some older techniques are still promoted by clinics abroad or online, but their clinical value is limited when compared to current best practice.

FUE

The most widely accepted and clinically effective method in use today is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). In this procedure, hair follicles are extracted one by one from a donor site—usually the occipital scalp—using a micro-punch tool. Each graft typically contains 1–4 hairs. These grafts are then re-implanted into thinning or bald areas of the scalp. The technique allows for great precision in designing a natural hairline and avoids a visible linear scar, which was a common drawback in older transplant procedures. When performed by experienced surgeons, FUE provides a high graft survival rate and leads to a natural-looking result. A large retrospective study published in Dermatologic Surgery found that FUE had a graft survival rate of 90% or higher in properly performed procedures.

DHI

Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is a variation of FUE and shares many of its benefits. The main distinction lies in how the follicles are implanted. DHI involves the use of a Choi implanter pen, which allows the surgeon to implant grafts directly into the scalp without first creating recipient site incisions. This method can offer more control over the angle, direction, and depth of hair growth, though outcomes depend heavily on surgical skill and experience. While DHI may seem more advanced, in practical terms, the differences in outcome compared to standard FUE are marginal for most patients. It's also worth noting that DHI is not recommended for all hair types—particularly curly or afro-textured hair—as the implanter pen can damage the follicle architecture.

FUT

By contrast, Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), also known as the strip method, is now largely obsolete in high-quality clinics. This technique involves removing a strip of scalp from the back of the head, dissecting it under a microscope to isolate individual grafts, and then stitching the donor area closed. While this method can yield a large number of grafts in a single session, it leaves a linear scar and involves a longer recovery period. Patients often report more postoperative discomfort.

ARTAS

The ARTAS robotic system, once marketed as an automated alternative to manual extraction—has fallen out of favour. Its mechanical limitations make it poorly suited for nuanced graft selection, hairline design, and angle control. The current consensus within the medical literature is that robot-assisted FUE is inferior to manual FUE performed by experienced surgeons.

Health Assessment

Hair transplantation should never be approached as a cosmetic shortcut. A proper health assessment is crucial. I recommend visiting your local GP for a full review before any consultation. Undiagnosed conditions like thyroid dysfunction, anaemia, or autoimmune disease may present as hair loss and should be ruled out. In Manchester, three accessible NHS surgeries that offer comprehensive GP services include:

• Urban Village Medical Practice, Old Mill St, Manchester M4 6EE

• The Range Medical Centre, 121 Withington Rd, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 8EE

• The Alexandra Practice, 365 Wilbraham Rd, Manchester M16 8NG

Pricing

Hair transplant pricing varies by clinic and technique. For FUE procedures, costs typically range from £2,500 to £6,995 depending on the number of grafts. Clinics such as My Hair UK in Manchester offer a clear pricing structure—for example, 2,000 grafts cost around £3,699. DHI may be more expensive due to its labour-intensive process, but many clinics charge a flat rate for both methods. If a clinic quotes significantly below these ranges, it’s worth asking where compromises might be made—in surgeon experience, graft survival rate, or aftercare.

Hair transplantation should be viewed as a surgical procedure rather than a beauty treatment. Not all techniques are equal, and the surgeon's experience is often more important than the brand of method used. My advice is to research carefully, seek a medical consultation, and always prioritise patient safety and medical evidence over marketing.