During the procedure, a FUSS surgeon takes a 6- to 10-inch strip of skin from the back of your head and sews it closed. You are then encouraged to remove all your hair, as the grafts will be moved into this area. After the strip of skin is attached, a team of doctors will separate it into 500 to 2,000 grafts, each of which contains an individual hair follicle. The exact number of grafts depends on the severity of hair loss and the condition of the area that is to be transplanted.

The procedure will last between four and eight hours, although it may take longer if the hair is thick or extensive. You may have to return to the clinic the next day if the transplant is large. You will be awake during the procedure, because the anesthesia will numb your scalp. In some cases, you will be given a mild sedative to help you relax. If you are very nervous, you can always ask for an extra dose of sedative.