Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
With Follicular Unit Extraction, each follicular unit is removed individually from the back of the head using a device called Safe Scribe™, created here at DiStefano. This device microscopically separates hair follicles from the skin of the scalp to remove each follicular unit while leaving it intact for transplantation.
While FUE is more time-consuming and costs approximately 25% more than an FUT transplant, FUE leaves no linear scar, which is often desirable for people who wear their hair extremely short.
How It Works
During the procedure, individual follicular unit grafts are excised one at a time. A small circular incision is made in the skin around the follicular unit. The graft is then extracted directly from the scalp. Typically, hair in the donor area is cut short or almost shaved so the hair restoration surgeon can easily access the follicles. In some cases, the procedure can be performed without shaving the entire donor area.
The small opening left behind after the follicle unit is extracted from the donor site heals in a few days.
Who Are the Best Candidates for FUE?
FUE is a good fit for patients who:
- Don’t want any visible scarring from the procedure
- Want to wear their hair any length after the procedure
- Want the most natural-looking results
- Want a thicker, fuller head of hair
- Want to return to work the next day
Recovery time is faster than you would experience with a traditional hair transplant. Once follicle units have been extracted, the small openings left behind heal in a few days.
Why Choose DiStefano?
While many surgeons use a similar method of follicular unit extraction with other tools, our practice’s methodology and tools are superior. More common techniques requires that all follicular units be extracted at the beginning of the procedure and then stored in a preservative chemical-often for hours. It is also thought that these other devices have a drying effect on the follicles, which can impact their viability. With our methods, each follicle is removed from the donor area and immediately transplanted to the host site. The result is higher graft yields because the grafts have a much higher rate of survival after transplantation.
Comparing FUT and FUE
Another effective means for transplanting hair from donor to host area is known as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) — a procedure we perform ourselves as an alternative for people who may not be the ideal candidates for FUE.
With the FUT method, the follicular units are surgically harvested from a strip of scalp that is removed from the back of the head. The incision is then sutured and leaves a small linear scar when healed. Technicians carefully remove the follicular units from the scalp strip by dissecting them under a stereo microscope.
How Many Grafts Do You Need?
Try out our hair graft calculator to get an estimate of how many grafts you may need to achieve your desired result. Simply select the areas you would like to work on. Please note this is a rough estimate; you will need to come in for a consultation to get an exact number.
Choose Gender:
Select The Areas of Hair Loss
Using the interactive graphic below, click on the areas that you believe are currently affected. (If using mobile, pinch to zoom to better select the areas)
You Will Need:
0 - 0 Grafts
After the Procedure
Soon after the procedure is completed, you can head home for some rest and relaxation. We’ll provide you with a post-op kit including simple instructions to help ensure the best possible outcome. These include:
- How to sleep
- How to protect your scalp from sun damage and other external conditions
- How to wash your hair
- And more
Your post-op kit also will include a scalp cleanser, a special shampoo and conditioner, and other helpful items. Plus, our team of transplant professionals will prescribe oral medication to help alleviate minor pain or discomfort.
What to Expect During Recovery Time
Not everyone heals at the same rate, but most of our patients report being able to return to work and other normal activities within a few days. Be advised that hair in the donor area will be short for two weeks or more as it is trimmed closely to the scalp.
How long will it take for hair to start growing in the host area? Typically within three to four months, with more aesthetically pleasing results visible after about six months. After about eighteen months, you’ll look as if no hair loss had ever occurred — just your previous, natural-looking self.
At DiStefano Hair Restoration Center, we’re here to support you from the initial consultation right through surgery, recovery, and beyond. Contact us today to learn if FUE is the right procedure for you.
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