Follicular unit excision (FUE) is a hair transplant technique during which surgeons harvest
donor hairs from the back of the scalp and implant them into thinning and balding areas. The FUE device can extract one follicle at a time. Each graft has 1-3 hairs, which will then be implanted strategically on the scalp and oriented at the hair's natural growth angle. The results are permanent and leave a new and natural-looking hairline.
The scars of the FUE technique are less visible than the linear scars from follicular unit
transplantation (FUT). FUE scars appear randomly around the scalp, making it an ideal option for men who wish to keep their hair short after the treatment. Candidates should have some hair remaining at the back of the scalp that can be harvested and used for the transplant. The treatment may not be suitable for everyone. Success will depend on the extent of their condition and their hair type.
The hair transplant procedure is lengthy and will take several hours to complete. Before the surgery, surgeons will administer a local anesthetic to numb the scalp. They trim the donor area and the transplant site before the FUE treatment. Surgeons use a microscope for the procedure to ensure accuracy and precision. First, doctors harvest the follicles using a micro punch tool. Once the hairs are removed, they make tiny incisions on the recipient area to create holes for their insertion. Once the strands are in place, the surgeon will clean and cover the site. The incisions should heal within the next few days.
Patients may experience some mild discomfort after their procedure. The transplanted hairs will be shed 3-8 weeks after the surgery, which is normal. Patients will notice regrowth after 2-3 months. Side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection.
Patients have reported 50% hair growth after five months and 80% growth at the 8-month mark. After the first year, hair strands should be thick and strong, and the final results will be visible after 12-24 months.
