The Process of FUE Hair Transplant 

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is the process of replacing lost hair using healthy follicles from a patient’s or donor’s head. The follicles are taken from the back of the scalp, where hair grows in large volumes. 

The procedure is performed by certified anesthetics, and it is often successful if done right. However, it is crucial to choose an experienced professional for the best results. The procedure is newer than most hair restoration procedures, and if done by an inexperienced professional, it can lead to complications. 

The procedure is less invasive, but its healing time might be longer than that of FUT due to its intricate nature.  In this post, after speaking with Parsa Mohebi, we are confident to discuss FUE in detail to help you make an informed decision about it.

Who Can Use FUE Hair Transplant?

The FUE hair transplant is less invasive, making it a perfect procedure for most people suffering from hair problems. Good candidates for the procedure include:

• Ladies with thinning hair 
• A patient who has lost hair due to scalp injury or burns 
• Individuals with male pattern baldness 

However, it is worth noting that not all people can get a hair transplant even if they have a problem that requires it. The procedure may not be ideal for the following persons:

• Persons who don’t have enough hair sites to remove replacement hair. 
• Persons who have lost hair due to chemotherapy and other medical reasons. 
• Individuals who form thick and fibrous scars after surgeries
• Ladies with prevalent hair loss patterns throughout their scalp. 

FUE Hair Transplant Procedure 

Here is what you can expect when on your FUE hair transplant procedure. 

Design

First, the anesthetic will design the hairline, keeping the existing hairline and your expectations in mind. The design will include the estimated number of grafts required to create a desired natural looking hairline. 

Sedation 

The procedure is pain-free, thanks to sedation. The anesthetic will apply anesthesia on the scalp to ensure that the patient is comfortable during the transplant. 

Site Making 

The professional will make a site by making incisions in the areas where he will implant the grafts. Typically, the hair follicles are removed from the donor area and then placed in the site. 

Extraction 

The anesthetic gets hair grafts from the donor area and counts them to make sure they are enough to give you the desired hairline. 

Implantation 

The surgeon carefully places the follicles in the implantation site and makes sure they match the curvature of your existing hair. 

The whole procedure will take around eight hours, and the stitches will be removed after ten days or more. Please note that the doctor will cover the scalp with bandages or a piece of gauze for a few days.

Typically, you might have to visit the doctor up to four times to get a full head of hair. The sessions will be conducted several months apart. Therefore, it might take you up to a year to replace hair if you have lost a significant amount. 

How Much Does FUE Hair Transplant Cost?

The cost of FUE hair transplant procedure varies from one clinic to another. Typically, the cost is affected by different factors, including:

• The experience of the surgeon/doctor 
• The level of the patient’s baldness 
• The work that needs to be done 
• Type of FUE hair transplant to be used 

What to Expect after FUE Hair Transplant Procedure 

Most patients experience soreness on their scalps after the procedure, so don’t panic if it happens to you. Your doctor will provide effective medications. Some of the medications include:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines to help keep swelling down. 
• Painkillers 
• Antibiotics to reduce the risk of developing bacterial infections. 

Typically, you will need to take a few days off after the surgery. It takes several days for the scalp to heal, and working like that can affect your output. Please note that it is normal for the transplanted hair to fall within the first few weeks. Your doctor may recommend hair growth medications like finasteride to prevent hair loss during the healing period. 

Complications Associated FUE Hair Transplant 

The procedure comes with a few side effects, but that should not be a cause of worry because they are mainly mild. These effects include:

• Bleeding 
• Swelling of the scalp 
• Itching 
• Numbness near the treatment site 
• Loss of the transplanted hair 
• Bruising around the eyes 
• Infection 

What is the Long-term Look?

Generally, if the FUE hair transplant procedure is successful, the hair will start growing naturally in the treated areas. The hair may appear less or denser depending on the density of follicle used, hair curl, scalp laxity, and your hair quality. Please discuss the expected results with the doctor before you begin the treatment.