FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
Hair transplantation is a surgical technique that removes hair follicles from one part of the body, called the 'donor site', to a bald or balding part of the body known as the 'recipient site'. The technique is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness, but it is also used in some cases to treat female pattern baldness as well. A hair transplant can be a wonderful solution to restore or enhance one’s hair line. There are several hair restoration and hair replacement solutions that have been available for some time. The two most popular methods include Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Hair Science Institute prides itself in providing FUE results that are completely natural looking, produce no linear scarring, and require a minimal recovery period, so patients can return to their regular routines in just a few days. Our hair transplant specialists specialize in FUE of the scalp, eyebrow, and beard.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
Although recovery can be painful and slow, the strip method or follicular unit transplantation (FUT) has been used for many years, and in some cases it is still used. In addition to visible scars from the transplantation incision, FUT has a higher risk of infection.
FUE (follicular unit extraction)
Follicular Unit Extraction is available to eligible patients looking for more permanent, natural results. FUE provides a less invasive and highly effective solution for hair transplantation for many patients. As hair transplant techniques have improved, so has patient experience. FUE’s highly popular technique is performed by using a small round punch to extract follicular hair units one at a time. FUE works on a microscopic level, extracting follicles (1-4 hairs per follicle) from a region of the head that has healthy hair and is “bald resistant,” most typically from the back of the head. A physician then implants these micro-hair grafts into targeted regions, producing the most natural, healthy results. Because FUE removes individual hair or follicular units “one at a time” from the posterior donor harvesting site, there is no noticeable linear scarring, such as that with FUT, or Follicular Unit Transplantation. The hair is taken from an area of the head that is resistant to baldness, usually the back and sides of the scalp. The extremely small wound left by the hair follicle extraction heals within a few days and is usually undetectable, even in areas where the hair has been cut shorter in order to perform the extraction. The extracted hairs are grouped in follicular unit grafts and then transplanted into the area experiencing hair loss. The hairs are placed into recipient sites, balding or thinning hair areas of the scalp, using expert precision. It is important to choose a highly skilled physician in order to ensure a successful hair transplant.
Types of FUE
FUE - Eyebrows
If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then consider eyebrows the frame. Full eyebrows can accentuate the eyes and help to provide insight into one’s personality. Eyebrow and eyelash transplants are a permanent and natural-looking way of restoring and improving existing eyebrow, or the lack thereof, in men and women. Donor hair is taken from a discreet donor location, typically the back of the scalp , and then our hair transplant specialists precisely embed each transplanted hair follicle into the eyebrow or eyelash with the tiniest of pinpricks, so that it safely replaces lost or thinning eyebrows or eyelashes without any linear facial scarring. The result is thick, real eyebrows and eyelashes that beautifully frame the eyes and help them to sparkle and shine. Result can be seen in 4-6 months.
FUE - Scalp
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) of the scalp offers a highly effective, permanent solution for people dealing with hair loss. FUE of the scalp is performed by using a small round punch to extract follicular hair units one at a time from bald resistant areas, usually the back and sides of the scalp. The extremely small wound left by the hair follicle extraction heals within a few days and is usually undetectable to the naked eye, even in areas where the hair has been cut shorter, in order to perform the extraction. At Hair Science Institute, our specialists provide patients with a safe, minimally invasive hair restoration procedure, giving people with baldness and thinning hair natural looking results in around nine months. Our transplant specialists will provide a minimally invasive procedures that does not disrupt every life using expert harvesting technique that allows for a faster procedure and less time in the physician’s office. Our unique FUE method works on men and women with all hair types.
FUE - Beard
Facial hair transplantation has gained more popularity and acceptance over the last decade. FUE offers the most modern, minimally invasive approach to beard transplantation. The procedure is done for the correction of facial areas with hair density deficit and also for the cosmetic enhancement of pre-existing facial hair. During a minimally invasive FUE beard transplant, carefully extracted healthy hair follicles are removed from a discreet donor area, usually a safe posterior area of the head under a local anesthesia, and meticulously implanted into the beard area. FUE beard transplants are completed in one to two sessions. Patients experience a fuller, more defined and symmetrical beard that enhances features and boosts confidence. Beard restoration requires artistry in order to ensure a natural-looking result. That’s because in comparison to scalp hair, facial hair is thicker, having twice the diameter with single or double follicular units. The advancement and refinement of procedure over the years has aided in achieving the optimal aesthetic results, with minimal side effects.Our hair loss specialists have mastered the the art of beard restoration for men and transgender individuals transitioning.
The Day of Surgery
On the day of a hair restoration procedure, the physician and patient will meet to clarify goals and expectations. This is where the physician will make recommendations for the most natural results for you now, while also considering the progression of goals over time with the natural aging process.
Depending on what you’ve discussed with your provider, this is when your donor area could be trimmed down and a local anesthetic administered. It can be a full day, so a sedative may be given as well to help you relax. You will be sitting or lying down for most of the day. The first part of the day your care will team will remove the hair from the donor site, typically the back of the head. As follicles are extracted, the technology we use keeps them chilled and bathed in a moist solution to optimize graft survival and provide you with the best outcome. The second half of the day, your care team will place those healthy, happy follicles into the recipient sites. You will be awake and be able to use a device to watch a movie, or read. Some of our patients even take a nap!
You will leave well prepared for how to take care of your newly transplanted follicles. Your at home care may include shampoos, medications, calming sprays, and sleeping instructions. Your medical team will set you up with your follow up appointments as well after hours contact information. We have made every consideration to ensure a very pleasant experience before, during and after your procedure.
And the donor hair area will be shaved that day by the physician or the day before by a hair stylist familiar with the physician’s requirements. Only the donor area will be shaved, and the remaining hair in the donor area is left untouched. The procedure will not begin until the patient and physician are satisfied and comfortable with the expectations of the procedure.
Presurgical Care: Preparing for your Procedure
Showering with a mild soap and shampoo containing anti-bacterial properties the evening before or morning of the procedure is generally recommended. After showering, no hair products should be used to style the hair or lotions or oils used on the areas where new hair will be transplanted. If a sedative is prescribed, the physician will give specific instructions on when to take it to ensure maximum efficacy. In some cases you may be instructed to arrive on an empty stomach if any form of sedation is required. Wearing a loose fitting button top on the day of your procedure, while not required, may help to protect from any sensitivity near the transplanted area.
Post Surgical Care
The donor area from which the grafts were taken are extracted with a small punch. Patients heal in this area within 7-10 days and hair will grow back, leaving little to no sights of a hair transplant. The recipient area where grafts were transplanted require extreme caution in the first two weeks following a surgical hair restoration procedure. Scabbing, itchiness, and swelling are not uncommon, but can be minimized with topical solutions provided by your hair support team. These include calming sprays formulated with a hypochlorous acid as well as scalp cleanse products that provide an optimal healing environment. Your Hair Science Institute specialist will provide you with strict instructions to follow to ensure a successful hair transplantation. Transplanted grafts may continue to fall out for the first two to three weeks, growing new hairs in around three to four months. Patients typically enjoy new growth within six months and enjoy full results within a year. Hair Science Institute specialists monitor each patient’s progress, providing them with solutions to maintain their hair growth and encourage continued health of the transplanted and donor area. The recovery process requires patience, and our specialists walk this journey together with the patient to ensure that patients reach their desired outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the FUE procedure like?
Using only local anesthetic, we use the SmartGraft device to gently extract individual follicular units (typically 1, 2 or 3 hairs) from the back of your head. These grafts may then be implanted into the balding area to regrow as thicker natural hair.
What kind of results should I expect?
Your new hair grafts will grow in the areas that are thinning, creating a fuller head of hair, restoring a more youthful appearance and confidence levels.
What is the recovery period like?
The minimally invasive SmartGraft procedure has a very short recovery period. You can typically return to work in a few days with very few activity restrictions.
Will there be a linear scar?
Absolutely not! You can wear any hairstyle you like without a visible linear scar.
Is FUE suitable for both men and women?
Yes. our FUE technique is a minimally invasive procedure and can be a viable option for both men and women looking to restore their hair. It can also be used for eyebrows and beards!
Do I have to get a buzz cut to have a FUE procedure?
No. If your hair is long enough, follicles can be harvested using our FUE technology by shaving small areas that can be covered by the hair above it.
When will my new hair start to grow?
The full impact of hair transplant surgery can be fully appreciated in about 12-15 months, thought depending on age, health, and post surgical care, patients may see results much sooner.. Immediately after your procedure, your follicles will go through several growth phases and the hairs they contain may shed before those follicles start producing stronger, thicker hairs.
Why should I consider FUE?
- A FUE procedure delivers excellent results in less time, and it’s ideal for both men and women.
- It allows for the artistry, efficiency and safety required for the best possible result.
- It can be used to extract follicles from other parts of the body as well, such as chest, back and face.
Will FUE work for my hair type?
YES! Our Providers use the SmartGraft device for patient FUE needs. This device works on all hair types.