Phases of FUE Hair Transplant Technique

There’s an increasing percentage of men and women suffering from irreversible hair loss all over the world. While there are several treatment options to salvage the hair, these treatments only inhibit hair loss and do not cure it. That’s why hair transplant has become a lasting solution to any hair loss.

Follicular Unit Extraction is a method that has added more success to the records of hair transplant as a solution to hair loss. Follicular unit extraction resolves it all, whether androgenetic alopecia, congenital alopecia, or alopecia areata. It also corrects mustache loss, eyebrows-eyelash loss, beard loss, to mention a few.

Are you wondering how the Follicular Unit Extraction technique does everything mentioned above and more? This post explains all the phases involved in the Follicular Unit Extraction hair transplant technique. Read along

What Exactly is FUE Hair Transplant Technique?

As its full name suggests, the follicular unit extraction technique is a method that extracts hair grafts from an area that’s replete to an area that is bald. Before this method of hair transplant, a portion of hair grafts was stripped off an area of the head, leaving visible and lasting signs. But with the FUE technique, using a micromotor and other automated devices, hair transplantation has become seamless, leaving little to no signs at all.

For people whose hair loss condition is suitable for hair transplant, follicular unit extraction is currently the most effective method. With minimal invasion on the hair skin, the procedure extracts hair follicles from the sides and back to areas lacking hair. It is a permanent solution, and the hair would be on the head for the rest of a patient’s life.

7 Phases of Follicular Unit Extraction Transplant Technique

The following are the phases involved in the successful execution of the Follicular Unit Extraction hair transplant technique:

Medical Photographs

You’ll almost guess this is an x-ray, but it isn’t. Before anything is done, pictures are taken of predefined positions with special cameras. The essence of this is to give a good backdrop for documentation and post-surgery analysis. Additionally, it serves as a collection that details all treatment steps for patients.

Marking and Determination of Donor Area

Here, the surgeon determines the area where the hair graft would be extracted. This area is then marked to aid precision for the extraction. The area is either wholly or partially shaved to get the perfect mark.

Extraction

Once the area is identified and marked, whether at the back or side of the hair with more hair, the surgeon applies local anesthesia so the patient doesn’t feel pain during the process. After this, the extraction begins, and about 1000 to 5000 follicular units are taken out of the donor area. The rough estimate for this is about 2000 to 10000 hairs, with each number varying per patient and the density of the donor area.

Preparation of the Follicular Units

After the extraction, the follicular units are preserved in a way that their vitality is retained. The proper preservation of these follicular units is key to the success of this whole process. It is also the only way the follicles remain alive as they are out of the skin.

Storage of the Follicular Units

Once these hair follicles are preserved, they are stored where they remain hydrated at all times. The temperature level of this place also affects the follicles. Therefore, it must be ideal from the moment they are extracted till the moment they are implanted.

Implantation of the Follicular Units

At this phase of the operation, the surgeon applies anesthesia to the implantation area. In addition to this, micro-orifices are created. After this, incisions are made around the area, receiving the hair with blades penetrating the area.

These blades contain sapphire crystals that give the penetration precision and required finesse, resulting in less damage to the scalp and limited bleeding. That’s essentially why the FUE method is characterized by less scarring and fast healing. With implanters, the follicular units are then placed in the area.

Post-Transplant Activities

This phase is usually the healing stage, where the transplant results show. Here, about 80% of hair transplants fall off. Don’t be dismayed. Once these hairs fall off, it leaves the roots firmly implanted, and it is from here new hairs grow.

This growth begins around the 4th month after the procedures. What gives assurance is that the transplanted hair is usually taken from an area with no genetic code that carries baldness. So, the chances the hair will fall off are slim and non-existent, thereby giving desired results.

How Long Do the Whole Phases Take?

The follicular unit extraction process takes a little more time than the other hair transplant technique. That is because the follicular units extracted from the donor area are implanted one after the other where they are wanted. That usually takes 5-10 hours of the day.

With the FUE technique, the patient doesn’t need bed rest after the surgery. Instead, they can leave the hospital a few moments later. In addition to this, there are caveats the doctor gives post-surgery, which must be adhered to strictly. The following is some of the caveats:

• Avoid driving because of the after-effects of sedatives used during the surgery.
• Don’t ever ignore your prescription labels. Instead, take what you’re given as often as stated.
• Take the RICE technique, which includes resting, icing, compressing, and elevating.
• Dying the hair shouldn’t be until after 2months of hair restoration
• Drink as much water as possible. Keeping yourself hydrated is essential.
• Avoid all forms of exercises or activities that’ll bring sweats during this period of restoration.
• Put a hold on drinking and smoking. It harms the hair.
• Ensure you don’t sleep flat but with your hair slightly elevated.

Final Words

From this article, you’ll have learned that the processes involved in the Follicular Unit Extraction hair transplant technique are seamless and less demanding both for the surgeon and the patient. As a result, it’s a good choice for lasting hair restoration.