Is Follicular Unit Extraction Right for You?

Hair loss can be a distressing and emotionally challenging experience for both men and women. While there are many hair restoration options available, one of the most popular and effective methods is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). FUE is a minimally invasive hair restoration technique that involves extracting individual hair follicles from the scalp and transplanting them to areas of hair loss. But is FUE right for you? 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the candidacy, benefits, risks and considerations of FUE to help you make an informed decision about whether this technique is the right choice for your hair restoration needs.

 

Who Is a Good Candidate for FUE?

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a popular hair restoration technique that can provide natural-looking results for those experiencing hair loss or thinning. However, not everyone is a good candidate for FUE.

A good candidate for FUE is someone who has:

Good hair density and healthy hair growth in the donor area (typically the back and sides of the scalp)

The ideal candidate for FUE will have a sufficient amount of hair in the donor area, as the hair follicles in these areas are genetically resistant to hair loss and will continue to grow even after they have been transplanted. 

The amount of hair needed in the donor area can vary depending on the size of the area that needs to be restored, but generally, a healthy amount of hair is needed for the procedure to be successful.

Hair loss or thinning in specific areas of the scalp

Individuals with certain medical conditions or who have had previous hair restoration procedures may not be good candidates for FUE. People with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, lupus, or blood clotting disorders may not be able to undergo FUE. 

Additionally, people who have had previous hair restoration procedures, such as strip surgery, may not be good candidates for FUE. It’s important to discuss your medical history with the hair restoration specialist during the consultation to determine if FUE is the right choice for you.

Realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure

It’s also important to keep in mind that FUE is not a one-time solution for hair loss and multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results. The hair restoration specialist will be able to provide a realistic expectation for the outcome of the procedure and how many sessions may be necessary.

 

The FUE Procedure

The Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure is a popular hair restoration technique that involves extracting individual hair follicles from the scalp and transplanting them to areas of hair loss. The procedure is performed by a hair restoration specialist, usually under local anesthesia, and can take several hours to complete depending on the number of grafts being transplanted.

During the Procedure

The FUE procedure begins with the hair in the donor area (typically the back and sides of the scalp) being trimmed short. The hair restoration specialist will then use a specialized instrument, such as a micropuncher or a motorized punch, to create small circular incisions around each hair follicle. The incision is made at the level of the skin, and the hair follicle is extracted directly from the scalp, without the need for a linear incision or a strip of tissue.

Once the hair follicles have been extracted, they are carefully examined under a microscope to ensure they are healthy and suitable for transplantation. The hair restoration specialist will then create small incisions in the recipient area, where the hair follicles will be transplanted. The hair follicles are then inserted into the incisions and carefully positioned to achieve the desired aesthetic result.

The FUE procedure is considered a minimally invasive hair restoration technique, as it does not require a linear incision or the removal of a strip of tissue. This means that the recovery time is shorter than traditional hair restoration techniques, and there is minimal scarring.

After the Procedure

After the FUE procedure, patients can expect some redness, swelling and scabbing in the treated area, which usually resolves within a few days. Stitches are not required, and the healing process is generally quick. The transplanted hair will typically fall out within the first two weeks, but new hair growth will begin to appear within three to four months.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of FUE

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a popular hair restoration technique that can provide natural-looking results for those experiencing hair loss or thinning. However, like any medical procedure, FUE has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of FUE:

• Minimal scarring: FUE does not require a linear incision or the removal of a strip of tissue, which means that there is minimal scarring. The small circular incisions made in the scalp during the procedure are typically less noticeable than the linear scar left by traditional hair restoration techniques.

• Faster recovery time: Because FUE is a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery time is shorter than traditional hair restoration techniques. Patients can usually resume normal activities within a few days of the procedure.

• Natural-looking results: The individual hair follicles that are transplanted during the FUE procedure are taken from the patient's scalp, which means that the results are natural-looking and indistinguishable from the patient's existing hair.

• No linear scar: The procedure does not leave behind a linear scar, which is one of the most common concerns for patients undergoing hair restoration.

 

Disadvantages of FUE:

• More time-consuming: The FUE procedure involves extracting individual hair follicles, which can be more time-consuming than traditional hair restoration techniques.

• More expensive: FUE is generally more expensive than traditional hair restoration techniques, as the procedure requires specialized equipment and a higher degree of skill.

• Multiple sessions may be required: The FUE procedure may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, which can be time-consuming and costly.

• Limited number of grafts: The FUE procedure can only extract a limited number of hair follicles in one session, which means that the results may not be as dramatic as traditional hair restoration techniques.

 

Is FUE Right for You?

It’s important to consult with a hair restoration specialist to determine if FUE is the right choice for you, based on your medical history, hair density, desired outcome and budget. The specialist will be able to provide a realistic expectation for the outcome of the procedure and how many sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

In the end, hair loss can be a distressing and emotionally challenging experience, and it’s important to choose a hair restoration technique that best suits your individual needs. FUE is a popular and effective option for many, but it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and consult with a hair restoration specialist before making a decision.

If you’re looking for an experienced and affordable FUE hair transplant surgeon in the Toronto area, Dr. Colin Hong is your best option. With over 35 years of experience, he’s one of the top plastic surgeons in the region. He offers competitive prices for all cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive procedures.

To learn more about FUE and schedule a consultation with Dr. Hong, please contact his office at (416) 222-6986 or email info@drcolinhong.com. When reaching out, please provide your full name, email and phone number so that we can get back to you ASAP.