FUE Hair Transplant: Questions and Answers
Author: Alanna Brown
When facing hair loss and the plethora of possible restoration options, including FUE hair transplant, people are encouraged to ask several questions and do ample research on the subject. Most answers are available in medical journals, credible Internet sources, and certified hair restoration clinics. To help you along in this often overwhelming pursuit, here are some common questions and answers about the FUE technique:
What is follicular unit extraction?
Also known as FUE, this surgery is a minimally invasive hair restoration method in which the practitioner obtains donor hairs by excising individual grafts called follicular units. These tiny grafts consist of a naturally growing cluster of one to five hairs. The donor area with most hair transplant procedures is the mid-occipital scalp only. But with FUE hair transplant, this area expands to include fine caliber hairs from behind the ears or the nape of the neck. (These hairs improve the aesthetic of hairline design). Once the hairs are independently harvested, they are deposited into a holding solution until the time of implantation. The grafts are then implanted into custom, microscopic slits at the recipient site where they will take root and eventually grow new hair.
How fast does healing happen?
Since follicular unit extraction does not require any wound sutures—negating any staples or stitches—the healing period goes quickly. The donor region normally heals and sheds of all scabbing within seven days. The recipient region normally sheds of scabbing within one to two weeks. Although, shedding in this area can sometimes continue for up to eight weeks.
When does an FUE hair transplant yield new growth?
Most people experience new growth around four months post-operation. This brand new hair may seem wiry or strange in texture, because it takes about 18 months for it to cycle through a couple of growth phases and completely mature.
Who is considered a good candidate for this surgery?
A good candidate for follicular unit extraction is generally any person older than 24 who still has an adequate donor supply. Ideal candidates do not have an advanced stage of pattern baldness. In the event that they do, body hair transplantation (BHT) might be the only permanent restoration treatment. In either case, candidacy also requires no history of blood clotting irregularities, scarring propensity, or allergies to anesthesia.
Are there any complications with FUE hair transplant?
Though this surgery is considered safe and effective, it is possible for complications to arise—as with any type of operation. A novice surgeon, or one who prizes expediency over the quality of the work, might heighten the chances of complication. Complications of follicular unit extraction could also come from unforeseen physiological troubles, such as blood clotting problems, an unknown allergy, or infection.
About the Author
Author: Alanna Brown, content writer for DermHair Clinic
At DermHair Clinic, our goal is to impart the latest innovations for hair restoration, and to provide information on recent discoveries in the field.