FUE Hair Transplant
by Paul
A FUE hair transplant is one of the most natural-looking types of hair replacement when done by a qualified and skilled hair restoration surgeon. FUE stands for Follicular Unit Extraction. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is one of the methods that can be used to get donor follicles for a Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT).
While hair transplant surgery isn’t a method of hair loss prevention, for many it is an effective way to minimize the look of thinning hair and provide the look of thicker hair. In fact results from current FUE hair transplants can be quiet impressive when preformed by a skilled hair transplant surgeon. A follicular hair transplant won’t give you more hair than you already have, this hair restoration procedure simply redistributes your hair in a way that makes it look like you have more hair, often providing a new and natural-looking hair line.
FUE Hair Transplant for Women and Men
This can be an effective method of hair replacement for women and men. When it comes to modern hair transplant women are good subjects because hair loss in women usually results in a general hair thinning instead of the balding we see in men with androgenetic alopecia. With this type of hair transplant for women usually follicular units are moved to create an appearance of fuller hair, with an FUE hair transplant for men sometimes a new hair line is created as well. FUE hair transplants provide an effective receding hairline treatment for men who are good candidates for this type of hair restoration surgery.
This can be a very effective method of female hair loss treatment as well as male hair loss treatment for those who are good candidates. A consultation with a qualified hair restoration surgeon is the best way to find out if you are a good candidate for this type of procedure.
Follicular Unit Extraction vs Strip Harvesting
Follicular Unit Extraction
With strip harvesting for surgical hair replacement a strip of scalp containing healthy follicles is removed from the patients scalp to be used as the donor tissue. Follicular units — natural groups of 1 to 4 hairs — are taken from this donor tissue, or strip, then transplanted back onto the patients head where the thinning is occurring.
With FUE harvesting the follicular units are removed directly from the patients scalp then reinserted where the patient is experiencing thinning.
Advantages of FUE
- no linear scar, better for patients who want very short hair
- allows for quicker recovery with reduced pain or discomfort
- less healing time for the donor area
- useful if only a limited amount of grafts are needed
- possible to harvest fine hair from nape of neck to be used for receding hairline treatment or for an eyebrow transplant
Disadvantages of FUE
- the donor area covers a larger area of the scalp which can cause the hair to appear thinner in the donor area, and some follicular units may be taken from borderline areas meaning those hair implants may not be permanent (if the patient would have naturally lost them in time in their original location)
- not as many people are good candidates for this
- more chance for damage to the grafted hair follicle or inability to get the complete follicular unit
- overall smaller yield of successful grafts
- harder to get a natural distribution as larger follicular units are targeted but may not be as good for places like the hairline
For the best long term results consider incorporating other hair loss treatments with hair replacement surgery. Some doctors recommend the use of laser hair restoration, like a laser comb, to help increase healing after the surgery. Others will recommend taking a prescription medication like Propecia, or saw palmetto if you prefer natural hair loss treatment, to help prevent existing hair from thinning.
As with any hair replacement surgery it is important to know that not all people are suitable candidates for this type of procedure. Candidates need good donor areas on the back of the head and sides of the head where there is healthy hair growth. Before you commit be sure to discuss all the risks and benefits with your hair transplant surgeon to make sure this is the right form of hair loss treatment for you.
Finding a skilled hair transplant surgeon is another important part of the equation. If you need help finding an experienced, skilled surgeon check with reputable organizations like International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS). They can often help guide you in the right direction.
For those good candidates who choose hair transplant surgery, whether using strip or FUE hair transplant, the results can help increase self-confidence and enhance their appearance, which can be pretty life-changing as this is a permanent form of hair replacement that provides a natural look and feel.