Performed by Dr. Tyng Tan, SMC-Registered Surgeon and ISHRS Graduate Fellow
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that permanently restores hair to thinning or bald areas. During the procedure, individual hair follicles are extracted one by one from a donor zone (typically the back and sides of the scalp, where follicles are genetically resistant to the hormone DHT that causes pattern baldness) and precisely implanted into the recipient areas.
Because each follicle is extracted individually using a micro-punch tool (0.8–1.0 mm in diameter), FUE typically involves no scalpel cuts, no stitches, and minimal visible scarring. The result is a natural-looking hairline using the patient's own growing hair, which can be styled, washed, and cut just like any other hair. Individual results may vary.
FUE has become the gold standard for hair restoration globally. It is favoured over the older FUT (strip) method because it leaves virtually no visible scarring, allows for a faster recovery, and is equally effective for both men and women. At Dr Tyng Tan's clinic, FUE is performed with Cole Instruments (USA), equipment used by leading hair restoration surgeons worldwide.
Dr Tyng Tan is one of the few doctors in Singapore approved by the Singapore Medical Council to perform both techniques. Here is how they compare:
| FUE | FUT (Strip) | |
|---|---|---|
| Scarring | Tiny dot scars, barely visible at any hair length | Linear scar at donor site, hidden by surrounding hair |
| Recovery | 3 days (No-Shave) to 2–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Suitable For | Men, women, those who prefer short hair styles | Patients needing a large graft count in one session |
| Graft Yield | Excellent with a skilled surgeon | High yield per session |
| Permanence | ✓ Permanent | ✓ Permanent |
At Dr Tyng Tan Aesthetics and Hair Clinic, patients choose between three FUE shaving approaches based on lifestyle, privacy, and recovery preferences. Not all clinics in Singapore offer all three.
The entire scalp is shaved to 1–2 mm before the procedure. Maximum surgical efficiency and visibility. Uniform new hair growth begins 2–3 days post-surgery.
Only the donor extraction area is shaved. Surrounding hair conceals the site. A balance between surgical efficiency and discretion during recovery.
No shaving required. Donor grafts are individually trimmed while surrounding hair remains completely untouched. The donor area looks natural immediately after surgery.
The SGD $800 surgical fee is inclusive in No-Shave FUE. For Fully Shaved and Partially Shaved techniques, this fee is charged additionally. No-Shave FUE also offers the shortest downtime of approximately 3 days.
FUE is not suitable for everyone. A comprehensive in-person consultation with Dr Tyng Tan is the only way to accurately assess your individual suitability.
If you are in the early stages of hair loss, Dr Tyng Tan will often recommend trialling oral or topical treatments (finasteride, minoxidil, LLLT, or Regenera Activa) before proceeding to surgery. Transplants work best as a complement to remaining natural hair, and preserving existing hair through medical management improves long-term outcomes.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia in-clinic, typically taking 4–8 hours depending on the number of grafts required.
Hair characteristics, scalp condition, and medical history are assessed. Hairline design and graft count are agreed upon. Realistic expectations are established.
The scalp is numbed. Most patients feel minimal discomfort after the initial injection. Music or movies are available throughout the procedure.
Individual follicular units (1–4 hairs each) are extracted from the donor zone using a 0.8–1.0 mm micro-punch tool under high-powered magnification. Precision at this stage is critical to maximise graft survival.
Tiny incisions are made in the thinning or bald areas at the correct angle and direction to replicate natural hair growth patterns.
Extracted grafts are carefully placed into the recipient sites. Density, angulation, and distribution are controlled directly by Dr Tyng Tan.
The scalp is cleaned and bandaged. Detailed aftercare instructions, antibiotics, and healing creams are provided. The first post-op hair wash is performed in-clinic within 24 hours.
Dr Tyng Tan does not take concurrent patients on transplant procedure days. Her full attention is dedicated exclusively to you.
Pricing depends on the number of grafts required and the shaving technique chosen. All packages include comprehensive post-operative care and 8 follow-up reviews over 12 months.
| Fully Shaved | Partially Shaved | No-Shave FUE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per graft | SGD $6.00 – $10.80 per graft (incl. GST) | ||
| Surgical Fee (SGD $800) | + Additional | + Additional | Inclusive ✓ |
| Post-Op Hair Wash | Up to 1 week | Up to 1 week | Up to 1 week |
| Scab Removal at 2 Weeks | ✓ Complimentary | ✓ Complimentary | ✓ Complimentary |
| Follow-Up Reviews | Day 1, Week 1 & 2, Month 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 | ||
| Downtime | ~2–3 weeks | ~2 weeks | ~3 days |
*Terms and conditions apply. All prices inclusive of GST. Estimated total cost: SGD $6,000 – $20,000+ depending on graft count (most procedures require 1,500–3,500 grafts).
Donor hair is finite. Poor technique has permanent consequences. Here is what sets Dr Tyng Tan apart from general aesthetic practitioners.
Last reviewed by Dr. Tyng Tan. [March 2026]
Dr Tyng Tan offers personalised consultations to assess your suitability, design your hairline, and answer every question before you commit to anything.
Medical Disclaimer — This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary and each treatment may not be suitable for all. Consult a qualified medical professional before starting any treatment. MOH guidelines state that registered clinics are not permitted to display before and after images on public media platforms. These may be viewed during your in-clinic consultation at 391B Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City Tower B, #08-04, Singapore 238874.
