All you need to know about FUE hair transplant

What is FUE?

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which hair follicles are removed from a donor area (usually the back or sides of the head) and transplanted to a bald or thinning area. The procedure is performed by using a small punch tool to remove individual hair follicles from the scalp, one by one, rather than removing a strip of tissue like in traditional hair transplant methods. These extracted hair follicles are then surgically implanted into the recipient area. This procedure is considered to be less invasive and have a faster recovery time compared to traditional methods. However, it is important to note that FUE transplants can be more expensive and time-consuming for the surgeon to perform. Additionally, the procedure is not suitable for everyone, and a consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon is recommended to determine if FUE is the best option for you.

How does the scarless hair implant work?

Scarless hair transplant, also known as « no-shave » or « follicular unit extraction » (FUE) hair transplant, is a technique that uses a small punch tool to extract individual hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back or sides of the head) and transplant them to a bald or thinning area.

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

Anesthesia: The procedure will typically begin by administering a local anesthetic to the donor and recipient areas to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Punch tool extraction: The surgeon will use a small punch tool to extract individual hair follicles from the donor area, one by one. The size of the punch tool will vary depending on the thickness of the patient’s hair.
Implantation: The extracted hair follicles will be implanted into the recipient area using a small needle or implanter. The direction, angle, and depth of the implantation will be carefully planned to mimic the patient’s natural hair growth pattern.
Post-operative care: Following the procedure, the patient will be given instructions for post-operative care, including how to care for the transplanted hair and how to minimize the risk of complications.

The advantage of this technique is that it doesn’t leave any linear scars, as the hair follicles are extracted one by one. The scars left behind are minimal and barely noticeable, which is why it’s called scarless hair transplant. However, it’s important to keep in mind that although the scars are minimal, they are still present and may be visible, especially if the patient has very short hair. It is important to note that scarless hair transplant can be more expensive and time-consuming for the surgeon to perform, and may not be suitable for everyone. A consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon is recommended to determine if this technique is the best option for you.

The duration of fue procedure

The duration of a FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of grafts needed, the experience of the surgeon, and the technique used. On average, a FUE hair transplant procedure can take anywhere from several hours to an entire day to complete.

The duration of the procedure also depends on:

Number of grafts: The more grafts you need, the longer the procedure will take.
The experience and technique of the surgeon: A more experienced and skilled surgeon can complete the procedure faster.
The type of hair loss: If the hair loss is more severe, the procedure will take longer.
The size of the area to be treated: If the area to be treated is larger, the procedure will take longer.

It’s important to note that the duration of the procedure can vary from person to person and it’s best to discuss it with your surgeon. It’s also important to keep in mind that the procedure is not a one-time process, multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results.

It’s also important to consider the recovery time which can take up to several weeks. The transplanted hair will start to fall out within a couple of weeks, but new hair will start to grow in the treated area within a few months.

How successful are FUE hair transplant?

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplants have been shown to be highly successful in restoring hair growth in individuals with hair loss. The success rate of the procedure depends on several factors, including the skill and experience of the surgeon, the number of grafts used, and the individual’s hair characteristics.

When performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, FUE hair transplants have a high success rate, with most patients experiencing a significant improvement in hair density and coverage. The transplanted hair will start to grow in the treated area within a few months, and the final results can be seen within 9 to 12 months.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the success of the procedure may vary from person to person and it’s best to discuss it with your surgeon. Also, it’s important to consider that the procedure is not a one-time process and multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a hair transplant should be considered a long-term investment, and the results will depend on how well you take care of your hair and scalp after the procedure.

It’s important to have realistic expectations, and to find a qualified and experienced surgeon who can evaluate your individual case, and provide you with a personalized treatment plan.

How to sleep after FUE hair transplant?

After a FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant, it’s important to take proper care of the transplanted area to ensure the best possible results. One of the most important aspects of post-operative care is proper sleeping position and techniques to prevent any damage to the transplanted hair.

Here are some tips for sleeping after a FUE hair transplant:

Sleep in an upright position: For the first few days after the procedure, it’s best to sleep in an upright position, such as sitting in a recliner or propping yourself up with pillows. This will help to reduce swelling and bleeding, and prevent any damage to the transplanted hair.
Avoid sleeping on your back: After a few days, when the swelling and bleeding have subsided, it’s best to sleep on your side or stomach to avoid putting pressure on the transplanted area.
Use a soft pillow: Use a soft pillow to prevent any pressure on the transplanted area.
Wear a soft head covering: Wearing a soft head covering, such as a loose-fitting cap or bandana, can protect the transplanted area from rubbing against the pillow.
Avoid sleeping on the transplanted area: Avoid sleeping on the transplanted area, as it can cause damage to the newly transplanted hair follicles.

Keep the transplanted area clean: Keep the transplanted area clean by washing it with a mild shampoo and water.

It’s important to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon, as they may vary depending on the individual case. It’s also important to keep in mind that the recovery process can take up to several weeks and the new hair will start to grow within a few months.