When it comes to hair loss treatment options, hair transplant surgery is often at the top of the list. One type of hair transplant procedure that is gaining popularity is Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how FUE hair transplant works.
What is FUE Hair Transplant?
FUE hair transplant is a minimally invasive hair restoration procedure that involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting them to the recipient area.
This technique utilizes a special tool called a micropunch to remove individual follicular units with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. The removed hair follicles are then transplanted to the balding or thinning areas of the scalp.
Step-by-Step Guide to FUE Hair Transplant
The following steps summarize how FUE hair transplant works:.
Step 1: Consultation
The first step in FUE hair transplant is to consult with a hair transplant surgeon to determine whether the procedure is suitable for your needs and expectations.
During the consultation, the surgeon will examine your scalp, discuss your medical history and hair loss pattern, and provide you with a personalized treatment plan.
Step 2: Pre-Operative Instructions
Prior to the procedure, the surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your FUE hair transplant. These may include avoiding certain medications and supplements, stopping smoking, and refraining from alcohol consumption.
Step 3: Donor Area Preparation
On the day of the procedure, the donor area of the scalp will be shaved and cleaned. This is typically the area from which hair follicles will be extracted from.
Step 4: Local Anesthesia
To keep you comfortable during the procedure, the surgeon will administer local anesthesia to the scalp. This numbs the area and minimizes any discomfort or pain that you may experience during the procedure.
This anesthesia is local as opposed to general because it’s more targeted and less likely to have any side-effects that can occur with general anesthesia.
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Step 5: Follicular Unit Extraction
The FUE hair transplant procedure begins with the surgeon using a micropunch tool to extract individual hair follicles from the back of your scalp.
The micropunch used in the FUE procedure is a sharp tool that cuts around the follicular unit, separating it from the surrounding tissues while minimizing damage to the hair follicles. These are typically 1mm or less in diameter, leaving a small scar. Extraction usually takes two to four hours depending on the number of follicles required.
Step 6: Recipient Area Preparation
After the donor hair follicles have been extracted, the surgeon will then make small incisions in the recipient area, which is the area of the scalp where the hair will be transplanted to.
These incisions are made in a very precise manner so that the transplanted hair can be placed at the correct angle and direction, mimicking natural hair growth.
Step 7: Hair Follicle Transplantation
Finally, the extracted hair follicles are transplanted to the recipient area one at a time with the help of forceps. The transplanted hair will initially fall out within a few weeks, but new hair growth should occur within three months.
This new hair growth takes between six and twelve months to fully grow.
Step 8: Postoperative Care
Following the procedure, you will be provided with post-operative instructions to help you properly care for your newly transplanted hair follicles and scalp.
This will include information on how to keep the incision sites clean and how to apply any medications or creams that have been prescribed to you. You will typically be able to return to work within a week or two, but it can take up to a few months for complete healing and new hair growth to occur.
Benefits of FUE Hair Transplant
FUE hair transplant offers several benefits over other hair restoration procedures. These include:.
- Minimal scarring
- Faster recovery compared to other hair transplant techniques like FUT
- Less invasive and therefore less painful
Conclusion
FUE hair transplant is a minimally invasive hair restoration procedure that involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting them to the recipient area.
The procedure, though tedious, is relatively pain-free and offers a quicker recovery time compared to other traditional hair transplant methods such as FUT. If you’re interested in FUE hair transplant, consult a qualified hair transplant surgeon for a personalized treatment plan and to determine whether this procedure is suitable for your needs and expectations.
