Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a method of hair restoration in which individual hair follicles are extracted from the back of the head under local anesthesia
. The extracted follicles are then transplanted to thinning or balding areas of the scalp
. This technique has become more popular than the traditional Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) procedure, as it is less likely to lead to a "hair plug" look, where sections of skin or hair don't match the surrounding areas
. The FUE procedure involves the following steps
:
- Donor Area Prep : The donor area is prepared, and hair is harvested from the back and side of the scalp where hairs won't fall out during the transplant
- Donor Hair Harvest : Hair follicles are extracted one by one using a micro punch that varies in diameter
. This process is more time-consuming than FUT but results in fewer scars
- Preparation of Harvested Grafts : The harvested grafts are prepared for transplantation
- Creation of Recipient Sites : Recipient sites are created in the thinning or balding areas of the scalp where the hair follicles will be transplanted
- Placement of the Hair Grafts : The hair follicles are transplanted to the recipient sites, ensuring a natural and undetectable appearance
FUE hair transplants have a high success rate, with 80% to 90% of the transplanted hair growing back
. The procedure is considered safe with minor possible side effects, such as tiny white scars where the follicles were extracted
. The transplanted hair continues to thicken and blend into the existing hair over time, restoring a natural appearance to the hair
