What is an FUE Transplant?

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a surgery used to transplant hair, typically used for balding men who wish to continue to wear their hair very short. In this procedure, single hairs are extracted from the back and sides of the head of whoever is receiving the transplant.

The follicles are then reinserted in the balding parts of the man’s scalp, allowing for a natural regrowth over a period of the following months. FUE is one of two popular choices for hair transplants: the other being the strip hair transplant method.

How It Works

The hair follicles are generally taken from the other parts of your body, such as the sides and back of the head. A hair follicle is usually around one to four hairs and they can be removed with the help of a 0.88mm to 1.2mm punch instrument.

The precise tool circles the skin around the individual hairs and pulls out the entire follicle. This separates the follicular unit from the surrounding skin, so it can later be re-inserted as a whole. The follicles are later inserted in the balding parts of the scalp at a very specific angle and placement, which will assure that the hair looks natural and realistic as it grows back.

You will be left with tiny circular puncture marks, leaving the scalp with a general redness. However, the puncture scars should be almost invisible.

Follicular Unit Extraction procedures can be done in multiple sessions or just one single long session – the amount of time needed depends on how many follicular hair grafts will be needed. For patients needing a smaller procedure, only a couple hundred follicles will need to be harvested and the process can be completed in a couple of hours.

However, for those needing larger area done, a couple thousands of hair follicles will be needed and it may be necessary to extend the process over a couple of days. You will begin to see results around four months and your hair will be mostly grown in by six months.

After twelve to fifteen months, you should have reached your maximum growth. The hair is meant to be permanent and should continue to grow back healthily throughout the rest of your life.

Follicular Unit Extraction vs Strip Surgery

Another popular option for hair transplants is the strip surgery. The strip surgery is done by removing a strip of the patient’s hair rather than single follicles.

Advantages of FUE

Unlike the strip surgery, FUE will not leave you with a large, permanent scar and the healing time is shorter. FUE only takes around a week or so to heal while strip surgery may be closer to a month. Moreover, FUE is also perfect for those who aren’t good healers, as the procedure is less invasive and requires less regeneration.

That being said, you will be able to return to your daily activities quicker with FUE, unlike surgeries that will sometimes require you to avoid many activities that could cause the scar to stretch.

FUE is ideal if the patient only wants a small amount of hair transplanted – for example, if they are only transplanting hair in the front of the scalp or the eyebrows. The procedure is also perfect as surgeons can pick which follicles will be the most desirable for regrowth.

Conclusion

The Follicular Unit Extraction is a surgery used to transplant hair follicles to those experiencing hair loss. It is performed by experienced surgeons who individually extract single hair follicles, typically from the back and sides of the head.

These follicles are then placed in the balding places, which promote hair growth, over the course of many months. What’s great is that this procedure is permanent and allows for healthy hair growth years after the transplant occurs. FUE is ideal for those who would like to wear their hair less than 2mm long as well as for those who have straight hair.