Follicular unit extraction (FUE) represents a significant shift in baldness and hair loss treatment. It has resolved one of the major problems faced by patients when restoring hair with the aid of the oldest FUT technology without the need of deep wounds in the scalp, which takes longer to heal, and may leave scars that could last for years.
Follicular Unit Extraction has only more recently been used in Turkey as a new, advanced method to treat hair loss. It is one of the first countries to implement this non-surgical procedure and has quickly been developing the process and its effectiveness.
What is the FUE technique?
It is a method of extracting follicles from the donor area using a specialized extraction instrument (less than 1mm in diameter). This procedure is performed without a linear incision, unlike the traditional FUT method. This leaves little to none noticeable scarring on the scalp. With FUE hair transplant, there is minimal bleeding, and the recovery is usually completed within seven days. Follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area under local anesthesia which makes the procedure entirely painless.
Follicular unit extraction steps:
Donor graft extraction:
It begins with shaving the hair and cleaning the scalp well, followed by a marking of the forehead line of the scalp. The procedure is then performed as follows:
Local anaesthesia is applied. Thereafter, the specialist extracts hair follicles. The stage lasts for about 3 hours. Individual hairs are removed one by one. One out of four follicles is extracted in each 1mm to avoid leaving empty spaces of hair. This procedure is performed by using a hair transplantation micro motor, ranging in diameter from 0.6 mm – 0.95mm. Once the hair follicle bulb has been removed, follicles are examined carefully, and kept in a Hypo Thermoses solution at a temperature of 4 C, in order to slow down the metabolism process and keep the follicles in perfect condition.
Opening channels (incisions):
This is a very important stage whereby the the success and the required natural appearance of the procedure depend on this part of the process. The experience and proficiency of the doctor plays a vital role at this stage; it lasts for approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. Moreover, channels are opened under local anesthesia according to the length and size of the extracted follicles using special instruments. Opening channels requires a qualified surgeon with impeccable precision to determine the angles and directions accurately, in order for the hair to grow and takes its natural shape.
Implantation of the follicular units:
The follicular units are implanted manually one by one in the bald areas, taking into consideration the direction, angle and density distribution pattern of the existing hair in the recipient area. It takes 2 – 3 hours depending on the area of baldness.
After the procedure, the patient is given painkillers and antibiotics. Additionally, they must follow the instructions which differ greatly from Lateral Slit instructions in terms of the duration and procedures.
What does FUE technique provide?
A new technique method is usually judged by the facilities it provides, taking into account security and safety and the ultimate satisfying result that the patient can have.
FUE Hair transplant technique has many advantages, including:
It does not leave any visible scars. This technique depends on extracting follicles one by one, which makes the incisions minimal as well as invisible which only take a short period to heal.
The day after the procedure, the patient can return back to his/her daily routine. There is no need to stay in the centre under special care.
It preserves the density and aesthetic appearance of the hair in the donor area, where only necessary follicles are extracted.
The procedure is non-invasive, which leaves no scars and helps to live normally, unaffected.
The results are very accurate, which makes it impossible to distinguish between the original existing hair and the new transplanted hair.
Furthermore, FUE is the most popular technique in the hair transplant field.
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