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0 What is Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE?
This denotes a hair transplant technique referred to as Follicular Unit Extraction. FUE involves the removal of follicular units directly from your scalp to move them into locations where hair does not grow or is significantly thin. This procedure has increased in popularity over traditional Follicular Unit Transplantation due to its more natural look and the minimal scarring it may cause. Unlike FUT, where an entire strip of skin is removed, in FUE, individual follicles are obtained through the use of a micro punch that leaves minimum or no sign of extraction at all.
Safety of FUE
FUE is considered a relatively safe procedure; despite this, minor side effects are present: small white scars remain on the extraction sites. Rarest cases: infections or tissue necrosis may arise. Other temporary side effects include swelling. Follicular unit extraction hair transplant is typically uneventful; some mild swelling or soreness usually persists please, and sensitivity lasts for only a few days.
Ease of FUE
FUE is often performed in multiple sessions that last for 2 to 4 hours. There is the possibility of a “mega session” that lasts anywhere between 10 to 12 hours. This is an outpatient procedure, and you can return home on the same day. It’s possible to resume daily activities after surgery, though care should be taken not to wet the area or engage in strenuous activities for close to a week. A qualified dermatologist dealing with hair loss is to be consulted to draw the best results.
Cost of FUE
The cost of a hair transplant varies and can range from $4,000 to $15,000 for a single session, depending on how much hair is to be transplanted and the surgeon’s experience. If extensive procedures require multiple sessions, the cost can reach over $50,000. Most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic surgeries, including FUE hair transplantation. In this regard, patients mainly end up paying from their pockets.
Efficacy of FUE
Those who undergo hair transplantation generally witness the growth of hair during the third and fourth months. Of the relocated follicles, 10 to 80 percent are expected to thrive. Suitable candidates for FUE are those suffering from thinning or balding but with an adequate number of healthy hair available for transfer.
How Does A FUE Hair Transplant Work?
This could happen naturally with age, where hair growth cycles are reduced, and permanent hair is lost in the process. FUE hair transplants, therefore, replace those aging follicles with healthy follicles known to regrow hair.
FUE Procedure Steps
Preparation: The surgeon shaves the donor and recipient areas.
Follicle Extraction: Using a micropunch tool, individual follicles are painstakingly extracted.
Formation of Incision: Small incisions are created at the recipient site where the follicles are to be inserted.
Insertion of Follicles: The follicles obtained from the donor site are placed in the incisions.
Treatment Post Care: It is treated and dressed to heal
Regions of Interest for FUE
Although most individuals undergo FUE hair transplantation of the head, it can be undertaken in other body parts such as the arms, legs, and even the genital area in which they may not be growing.
Risks and Complications
Even though FUE typically leaves virtually no scarring, you should be aware of less commonly experienced complications, including:
- Signs of infection
- Abnormal discharge or scabbing
- Continued pain or swelling
- Folliculitis-inflammation of the hair follicles
- Bleeding where the donor graft was taken
- Numbness or paresthesia
- Poor hair growth or persistent hair loss
- What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery from an FUE hair transplant is typically uneventful; some mild swelling or soreness usually persists. Please take three days. You may be advised to follow these postop guidelines:
Avoid shampooing or bathing for at least 3 days.
Use a mild, fragrance-free shampoo when you start shampooing again.
Bruising, a few days off work to allow it to heal up.
Do not comb or brush the hair where the transplants are for at least 3 weeks.
Avoid the use of hats or beanies until cleared by your doctor.
Avoid strenuous activities for a week.
Most patients lose newly transplanted hair, and noticeable results can start to appear after 3 to 4 months. Considering the health of the hair that you have implanted, growth might not be as thick as expected.
