FUE is a modern hair restoration technique that involves the extraction of individual hair follicles from a donor area on the scalp, typically the back of the head, and transplanting them to areas of the scalp with thin or no hair.
One of the main advantages of FUE is that it can produce natural-looking results because the transplanted hair follicles are taken from the same person and are genetically identical to the existing hair. This means that the transplanted hair will grow and behave just like the patient’s own hair.
How the FUE Method is Performed
Here is an overview of how the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method is performed:
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Consultation: The first step in the FUE process is to consult with a hair restoration surgeon to determine if the procedure is right for you. The surgeon will assess the extent of your hair loss and evaluate your scalp and hair quality to determine the best course of treatment.
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Preparation: Before the FUE procedure, the surgeon will mark the areas of the scalp where the hair will be transplanted and the donor area from which the hair follicles will be extracted. The patient may be given a local anesthetic to numb the area and minimize discomfort during the procedure.
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Extraction: The surgeon will use a small punch tool, typically less than 1 mm in diameter, to extract individual hair follicles from the donor area. The punch tool is inserted into the scalp at a shallow angle and rotated to loosen the follicle from the surrounding tissue. The follicle is then carefully extracted from the scalp, taking care not to damage the root or surrounding tissue.
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Transplantation: Once the hair follicles have been extracted, they are carefully transplanted to the recipient area using a microblade or microsuture needle. The follicles are placed in the scalp in a natural-looking pattern, replicating the way the hair grows in the donor area.
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Recovery: After the FUE procedure, the patient may experience some swelling, redness, and discomfort in the treated area. The surgeon will provide post-operative instructions on how to care for the scalp and transplanted hair during the recovery period. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.
Overall, the FUE method is a relatively straightforward and minimally invasive procedure that can produce natural-looking results for individuals seeking a solution for hair loss or thinning hair. It is important to consult with a qualified hair restoration surgeon to determine if FUE is the right treatment option for you.
The Results
The results of FUE can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the patient’s hair loss, the quality of the hair and scalp, and the skill of the surgeon.
One of the main advantages of FUE is that it can produce natural-looking results because the transplanted hair follicles are taken from the same person and are genetically identical to the existing hair. This means that the transplanted hair will grow and behave just like the patient’s own hair.
The transplanted hair will typically start to grow within a few weeks after the FUE procedure, although it may take several months for the full results to become visible. The transplanted hair will continue to grow and thicken over time, although it may take up to a year for the final results to be achieved.
It is important to note that FUE is not a permanent solution for hair loss and the transplanted hair may eventually thin or fall out over time, just like the patient’s own hair. Some patients may need to undergo additional FUE procedures in the future to maintain their desired level of hair density.
Conclusion
Overall, FUE can be an effective and natural-looking solution for individuals seeking to restore their hair or improve the appearance of thinning hair. It is important to consult with a qualified hair restoration surgeon like Dr. Colin Hong to determine if FUE is the right treatment option for you and to discuss the potential results of the procedure.