Follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplants are performed by taking individual hair follicles from your skin and implanting them elsewhere in your body. This will make the hair in the new area look thicker. The FUE was intended to replace the “classic” follicular transplantation technique (FUT). This procedure was performed by taking an entire piece of skin or scalp along with the follicles and transplanting the skin into the target area. FUE has become more popular than FUT because a “hair plug” is less likely to appear on parts of the skin or hair that do not match the surrounding areas. It will also not leave a large scar like FUT.
The best candidate for a FUE hair transplant is someone with thinning hair or baldness who still has enough hair nearby to be used for a transplant. You may not be eligible for an FUE hair transplant if you do not have healthy or thick enough hair to transplant in the area of thinning or baldness.
How Much Does a FUE Hair Transplant Cost?
The final cost of an FUE hair transplant depends on:
- how much hair is extracted and transplanted
- how many surgeons are available in your area to perform this procedure
- how often your surgeon can do FUE hair transplants
- how experienced or demanding your surgeon is
You will probably have to pay for an FUE hair transplant out of pocket, as most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures like this. You should also cover prescription pain medications or other possible side effects that may result from the procedure. You should consider absenteeism for recovery when considering costs. This can mean 3 to 4 days at home. Most companies do not cover hair transplants according to medical license policies.
How does an FUE hair transplant work?
As you grow older, the three-phase cycle of hair growth and regeneration decreases until the follicles grow. This process is different for everyone. Some people start bald in their 20s, while others become bald much later in life. FUE hair transplants restore hair by replacing these old follicles with new follicles that are still able to grow hair. After the transplant, the follicles will be nourished by blood vessels and hair will begin to grow in the area that previously had thin hair or baldness.
Procedure for FUE hair transplant treatment or surgery
Your surgeon will shave the hair in the area where the follicles will be removed as well as around the transplant area.
Using a micro-piercing tool, they will remove the follicles from your skin.
Your surgeon will then make a series of tiny incisions with a needle or other small, sharp tool to insert the extracted follicles.
They will insert the follicles into the incisions.
Your surgeon will clean and bandage the area for recovery.
Targeted areas for treatment
FUE hair transplants are usually performed on the scalp.
They can also be done elsewhere in your body where the hair is thin or absent. FUE can be done on your hands, feet or even your genitals.
Are there any risks or side effects?
You will not experience FUE hair transplant marks other than tiny white dots where the follicles have been removed. These can fade over time. See your doctor if you notice any of the following rare side effects:
- symptoms of infection
- drainage or crust where surgery was performed
- pain or swelling around the site of surgery
- swelling of the follicles (bursitis)
- bleeding from the site of surgery
- numbness or tingling near the site of surgery
- transplanted hair that does not look like the hair around it
- baldness persists even after transplantation
What to Expect After FUE Hair Transplant Treatment
Recovery from FUE is fast. You may have swelling or discomfort for about 3 days. Here are some care instructions your doctor may give you:
Do not wash your hair or shower for at least 3 days.
Use a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo for a few weeks as soon as you start washing your hair.
Take a few days off from work to speed up healing.
Do not comb or brush your new hair for at least 3 weeks.
Do not wear hats, beans or other clothing that extends beyond your head until your doctor tells you that it is okay.
Do not do strenuous physical activity for at least a week.
Some hairs may fall out during the healing process. This is normal. You will probably start to notice a difference after 3 to 4 months.
Depending on the health of your transplanted hair, your hair may not grow as expected.
Preparing for a FUE hair transplant
Here are some things you may need to do before having a FUE hair transplant:
Do not smoke for at least one day before surgery.
Do not drink alcohol for at least 3 days before surgery.
Do not take aspirin or blood thinners for about 2 weeks before surgery.
Do not take vitamins or supplements for 2 weeks before surgery.
Try to avoid taking antidepressants for about 2 weeks before surgery.
Do not cut your hair before surgery.
Massage into the scalp for 10 to 30 minutes every day for a few weeks to increase blood flow to your scalp.
Take any medication, such as minoxidil (Rogaine), that your surgeon asks you to take. Perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests before surgery.
Why Us?
The hair transplant in our clinic is done under our name.
We have a team of specialized and experienced surgeons and staff who have practiced skills over time.
We do a detailed hair analysis to understand the proper condition of your hair
We make the right planning for implant distribution surgery and density.
Anesthesia, slit creation and extraction are performed entirely by specialized surgeons.
The implant is made by a surgeon at home.
Almost painless procedure.
The slits are made with cut blades to size according to the custom design for each patient.
The extraction was done using “drilling” – Our custom punches to offer you the best quality implants.
Try to keep the cross-section percentage <3%.
Minimum implant duration outside the body.
Counting implants at each stage of surgery.
First exit technique for implantation.
Extremely sound and modern theaters.
Proper monitoring and postoperative care.
All of the above steps help us ensure the best results for our patients…