28th Nov 2024

Things to Know About FUE Hair Transplant

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a technique used to retrieve grafts (hair follicles) and relocate them to areas of your body that have less hair or are completely bald. FUE is a technique that allows people with hair loss problems to have healthy, lush, and natural hair. In this method, grafts (hair follicles) are collected one by one from the back of the head, where the hair is the thickest, and then the hair transplant is performed using one of the implantation methods. FUE has gained popularity over the follicular unit transplantation (FUT) method, which resulted in the appearance commonly referred to as "hair plugs." Here are several things to know about FUE hair transplants:

1. Process

The duration of the FUE hair transplant operation ranges from four to six hours. It consists of three stages. During the first, the plastic surgeon extracts follicles from the donor area using a special tool called a punch. Typically, about 4,000 follicles are extracted during this operation. The second stage is preparing the scalp for transplantation. Using a scalpel, the doctor makes incisions into which the follicles will be transplanted. The quality and naturalness of the result depend on the experience and skill of the doctor. The density of the canals and the angle of hair growth play a major role. The third stage involves implanting the grafts into the formed canals. Following that, an antibiotic and bandages will be put on the scalp. It’s crucial to consider the natural angle of the hair when performing hair transplantation. As with other hair transplant treatments, you should prepare for hair loss shortly following the procedure. This is a regular procedure. Following this, new hair will start to grow in its place. The complete outcomes of the hair transplant can be expected 6–8 months after the procedure.

2. Recovery

Following the operation, you will be advised on how to wash your hair for the first 10 days. This procedure can be concisely described as follows: You should apply the moisturizing lotion provided to the transplant region and wait from 45 minutes to an hour. This lotion softens the crusts while also nourishing the recently implanted grafts. The lotion can then be washed off with warm, pressure-free water. Following that, it’s time to apply shampoo. This shampoo may be used on any section of the scalp. To effectively clean the donor region, massage it rather than rubbing. During the tenth wash, you should remove all the crusts from the transplant area, so you can start rubbing the shampoo in slowly after the 7th day so that they can gradually go away. This routine is crucial because prolonged crusting can obstruct hair follicles, preventing successful growth. In the timeframe from the first month to the third month, there will be a phase referred to as the shock loss period. During this period, 40–70% of the implanted grafts will fall out, which is completely normal. During the fourth month, your hair will start growing and the density will slowly increase. Usually, the expected result from the hair transplant procedure will be achieved within 12 to 18 months.

3. Cost

The cost of an FUE hair transplant varies depending on several factors, including the number of grafts needed, the experience of the surgeon, and the location of the clinic. In general, FUE hair transplants are more expensive than traditional hair transplant methods such as FUT. The cost can range from $4 to $10 per graft, depending on the above factors. However, some clinics offer financing options that help make the procedure more affordable for patients.

4. Advantages

FUE hair transplantation avoids leaving a huge scar on the donor area of the head, which is a significant advantage. Modest circular markings remain in the areas where the grafts were taken, and they are concealed even with a poor quantity of hair. Individuals who enjoy short haircuts might consider FUE hair transplantation. The second key benefit of the FUE technique is that it’s minimally invasive. This technique reduces stress on the body, allowing patients to return to normal activities faster. Most individuals may resume sports after 1-2 weeks and swim in non-chlorinated water. Some hair transplant specialists use sapphire blades for FUE transplanting. They have a firm and smooth surface, allowing for neater channels and less tissue injury. This aids in a quick recovery. Additionally, sapphire blades allow doctors to make more frequent incisions and modify their angle more accurately, resulting in a thicker and more natural hairline.