Follicular Unit Extraction

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What is the Follicular Unit Extraction Method?

fue hair transplant method

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) represents a modern iteration of the conventional Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) technique, wherein the implantation of follicular units into the recipient area remains consistent, ensuring a natural transplant growth without the appearance of “plugginess.”

The differentiating factor lies in the method of harvesting hair from the donor area. In contrast to FUT, which involves excising a strip of hair, suturing the area, and then dissecting follicular units under a microscope, FUE individually removes follicular units one by one. Consequently, no wounds require suturing, and microscopic dissection is unnecessary.

The FUE procedure entails using a 0.8mm – 1 mm punch around a single follicular unit to create a small circular incision through the skin. The follicular unit is gently extracted from the loose connective tissue underneath the skin. Once removed, no additional preparation is needed, and the small hole naturally heals over one to two weeks. This process is repeated numerous times until the desired number of follicular units are obtained, leaving the patient with multiple 0.8mm – 1 mm round white scars, as opposed to a linear scar associated with FUT.

Advocates of FUE emphasize less noticeable scarring and the absence of scalp tightness, a common issue in FUT due to tissue suturing. However, FUE has notable drawbacks, including the challenge of performing large sessions efficiently. The slow and tedious nature of extractions may necessitate multiple-day sessions for patients seeking significant coverage.

Advocates of FUE emphasize less noticeable scarring and the absence of scalp tightness, a common issue in FUT due to tissue suturing. However, FUE has notable drawbacks, including the challenge of performing large sessions efficiently. The slow and tedious nature of extractions may necessitate multiple-day sessions for patients seeking significant coverage.

A theoretical concern with FUE is the potential impact on long-term growth. During extractions, follicular units are gently torn from underlying tissues, and the absence of the deepest component of connective tissue beneath the follicles may lead to weakening over time. The novelty of this technique makes long-term outcomes uncertain.

Patients must also be aware that scarring is inevitable in the donor area, albeit in a different form. FUE results in numerous tiny round scars, which may be preferable or not, depending on specific patient characteristics, such as scalp tightness, scarring tendencies, and hair loss patterns.

In conclusion, while FUT has historically served its purpose, both the Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) technique and FUE offer superior results at a similar cost. Therefore, patients can receive more effective treatment and better outcomes with these advanced techniques.

The Four Stages of a FUE Hair transplant

Before an FUE hair transplantation, local anaesthetic is administered, so you won’t feel more than a slight pressure during the procedure

  1. A Micro Punch tool is used to cut a small circle of skin around the individual follicular unit
  2. The follicular unit (or graft) is gently prised away from the surrounding loose connective tissue under the skin
  3. The harvested grafts are sorted according to how many individual hairs in each follicle
  4. The grafts are then implanted into the balding area of the scalp

What is the difference between FUE and FUT?

There are a number of key differences between the FUT and FUE hair transplant methods.

Often called the ‘strip method’ or ‘strip surgery’, FUT hair transplants take large strips of donor hairs from the patient’s scalp. These strips of hair are then dissected under a microscope before being implanted into the balding area. In comparison, follicular unit excision (FUE) takes much smaller hair grafts from the donor area, not only making it quicker, but leaving most patients with much less scarring than those who have undergone FUT.

Why choose FUE over FUT?

  • During procedure, there is less pain involved in FUE than FUT. This is because no major, or large, incisions are required.
  • FUE is also a quicker than FUT. This is because no separations need to be made under a microscope as is needed with FUT. This means you can tailor your hair transplant around your busy schedule!
  • After the procedure, FUE typically has a much quicker recovery time when compared to FUT. This is because of the reduced scarring made by the 1mm punches. Patients are left with tiny scabs that quickly heal as opposed to large incisions made in the scalp.

Patient Testimonials

Aside from achieving fantastic results, we believe that keeping in touch with our patients before, during and after their hair transplantation procedure is paramount – it helps to keep our patients feeling calm and in control. We’re always on hand to provide guidance, support and aftercare advice. Time and again, our patients tell us that this is what sets us apart from other clinics.

You can read our great reviews of FUE hair transplants over on Google and TrustPilot

Felix
Felix
2022-03-04
Kevin was very helpful and put my mind at ease with all my questions before my surgery. I’ve visited serval hair transplant clinics and what they said to me just did not sound right and the price they were giving where outrageous and at one point I wanted to leave the hair transplant. However after speaking to Kevin and his team they have regain my confidence and courage to get this done. I would fully recommend Harley Street if anyone who is wanting to get a hair transplant.
Jake
Jake
2022-01-18
I would like to give a huge thank you to Kevin and the rest of the team for a wonderful experience. I am over the moon with the results already and the high level of professionalism the team showed throughout the day of my operation. I felt extremely comfortable and well looked after during my operation. The team were also very happy to answer any questions I had throughout the day and they continue to communicate daily with myself post operation which puts your mind at ease during your healing process! I would highly recommend going through hairtransplantliverpool if you are thinking of having a hair transplant, you will not be disappointed. Many thanks Jake
Louise Roberts
Louise Roberts
2021-11-19
After years of struggling with thinning hair I finally decided a permanent solution was required. Much research found hair transplant Liverpool and I started the consultation process. Kevin was very patient as I explored and questioned options that would fit my situation. We eventually settled on a two stage process with the assurance that they would be able to get a good level of coverage. A short trip to their Bury location and the process began. What an amazing team. Dr Kalra took lots of time designing the hairline and I was fully included in the process as I explained what I wanted and was then guided by his expert knowledge. The first stage was 2000 grafts and that sounded daunting. A bit of prep to prepare the donor area for taking the grafts was done with care as they shaved an area in between the top and bottom of my ponytail so that the graft area would not be seen afterwards as the shaved area grew out. Then the only slight pain as the numbing injections went in. 5 rounds of those but after the 2nd round things were quite numb. Having the grafts taken was not painful but I was aware as each was taken. Then a short break and on to numbing the front area ready for implantation. More injections but soon over and over to Dr Kalra to carefully make the 2000 incisions ready for the grafts to go in to. A short break again for lunch and a drink then on to a 3 hour implant session where the team took great care to place each of the grafts in to their new home. Slight pain towards the end as the numbing wore of on the donor area but a couple of paracetamol later and it was ok. Then before I knew it I was talking to Dr Kalra again about aftercare and receiving my care pack. That evening was a bit sore but easily managed by paracetamol and ibuprofen. I slept propped up in bed with a neck pillow and woke up to tightness in the donor and implant areas but no need for any more pain meds. Ok...it looked red and sore but keeping up with the aftercare helped and at day 5 I washed my hair gently. Now at day 6 and almost all tightness gone. There was a little swelling around my eyes but this passed in two days. A review is planned at 3 months then 2nd session at 6 months. I was extremely well cared for and initial results are looking very good. I will post some pics as everything settles down but I am very pleased so far and so glad I chose and trusted the
iraj ebra
iraj ebra
2020-01-17
I have been for hair transplant consultation with Kevin in Liverpool and I am please by his honest opinion and professional approach and expertise. highly recommended.
Dean Rolstone
Dean Rolstone
2020-01-12
Thoroughly recommend anybody considering having a hair transplant procedure to use Hair Transplant Liverpool based on my excellent experience with them. Had a brilliant consultation with Kevin who talked through the procedure and calmed my fears and nerves about the treatment. Big thanks to Dr. Nayak and his team for the professionalism and care given to me at the surgery and from then on. It's been 5 months since I had the procedure and I couldn't be any happier with the results.

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