FUE is the bee’s knees of hair transplant techniques, offering minimal discomfort and super-precision compared to old-school strip methods. It also leaves tiny, invisible scars that are easy to cover, even with short haircuts.
What Is FUE?
FUE is an advanced hair restoration method that allows you to achieve a full head of hair without unsightly scarring or a “plug” appearance. This is because follicular unit extraction with FUE uses punches less than 1mm in diameter, which minimizes the chance of damaging hair follicles.
Your surgeon will shave the area where they will extract follicles from your scalp and make a series of small incisions around the hairline using a needle or another sharp tool. They will then use a micro punch device to extract the individual follicular units. The follicles are then inserted into the incisions, where they will be nourished by blood vessels and begin to grow hair.
Your hair transplant results will take time to develop, but they will be permanent and look natural. After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, sensitivity, and bruising, but these effects will pass quickly. You should not expose your scalp to sunlight after the treatment because it will be sensitive. The Hair Restoration team will provide aftercare instructions for your recovery.
How Does FUE Work?
FUE is similar to the strip procedure with one exception: instead of cutting a 6- to 10-inch strip of skin from the back of your scalp, your surgeon will shave the area and extract hair follicles individually using a punch that varies in diameter from 0.07mm to 1.1mm. There are many different points and methods for using them, and they all can produce good results in the hands of an experienced surgeon. In addition, the FUE hair procedure is a minimally invasive method for hair transplantation, known for its precision and natural-looking results.
Follicular units are harvested from the donor area of your scalp, which is the part that won’t lose hair follicles over time. Because FUE doesn’t involve cutting a strip of skin, it leaves tiny pinpoint scars that your hair will camouflage as it grows.
Your doctor will clean the afflicted area and administer an injection to numb the back of your head. You may experience mild soreness for a few hours, but this will subside as the anesthesia wears off. After the procedure, Hair Restoration will clean and bandage your scalp. You will receive aftercare instructions, including prescription antibiotics and OTC anti-inflammatory medications.
What Are the Benefits of FUE?
Many patients with hair loss can benefit from a FUE hair transplant. It can address various problems, including receding hairlines, thinning crowns, and bald spots caused by patterns or scarring alopecia. Additionally, it can restore eyebrow and facial hair for a fuller appearance.
The FUE process is less invasive than the strip harvesting method used in traditional hair restoration techniques, resulting in a faster recovery and reduced risk of complications. It also allows for more grafts to be extracted in one session, making it suitable for extensive hair restoration sessions.
However, not all surgeons can perform a successful FUE procedure. Proper technique is essential to reduce the risk of transection and ensure healthy follicles are preserved. For example, the surgeon should use a clockwise rotation of the punch to avoid unnecessary twisting of the strands.
The results of a well-performed FUE hair transplant are permanent and long-lasting. The new growth will look natural and blend seamlessly with surrounding follicles. The regenerated hair will also resist future thinning and balding. However, the results of a FUE hair transplant may take a few months to become apparent as the donor follicles shed naturally.
What Are the Drawbacks of FUE?
Despite having numerous benefits, there are some drawbacks to FUE hair transplants. One disadvantage is that it can cause more damage to healthy hair follicles when compared with other traditional hair restoration techniques. Additionally, the method can leave tiny, noticeable scars if you have short hair.
Another drawback is that it requires multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. However, combining FUE with other methods, such as the strip method, can overcome this. This way, you can use the strip method to get a higher graft count and then use FUE to fill in and camouflage the old scars.
It is also essential to remember that the grafts are not permanent. The transplanted hair follicles will continue to miniaturize, and they may eventually die. As such, choosing a surgeon who can deliver a natural-looking outcome that will last for as long as possible is essential. This can be achieved through detailed counseling and an understanding of patients’ goals.
What Can I Expect from FUE?
Hair transplants can restore thinning or balding areas of the scalp to a whole, natural-looking appearance. They provide a permanent solution to hair loss, and skilled surgeons ensure the transplanted follicles blend with your existing hair pattern. Hair transplants are more versatile than other hair restoration options, such as topical treatments and wigs.
During your FUE treatment, their team will first shave the area where we’ll extract hair follicles. Next, your surgeon will use a sharp tool to make small holes where they’ll remove the bristles. These incisions will heal within a few days, leaving tiny white dots on your scalp where the strands were extracted. Over time, these marks will fade or be covered by your hair.
While the technical details of FUE are intriguing, what you care about is how this minimally invasive procedure can transform your hair and rejuvenate your overall appearance. Please schedule a consultation at Hair Restoration Clinic to learn more about the approach to FUE and your options for a fuller head of hair. Their experienced hair restoration specialists are committed to helping you find the best results possible.
