Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a type of hair transplant done by taking individual hair follicles from your skin and moving them to another part of your body where hair’s thinner or absent.
FUE has become more popular than the follicular unit transplantation (FUT) procedure, which led to the “hair plugs” look.
Surgeons use micropunches to extract single follicles and move them, leaving behind almost no signs of extraction.
As you get older, the three-phase cycle of hair growth and regrowth shortens until follicles no longer regrow hairs.
This process is different for everyone. Some people start balding in their 20s, while others bald much later in life.
FUE hair transplants restore hair by replacing these old follicles with new follicles that are still able to grow hair.
After the transplant, the follicles will be nourished by blood vessels and begin growing hair in the area that previously had thin hair or balding.
Here’s how the FUE procedure works:
Your surgeon will shave down the hair in the area where follicles will be removed as well as around the transplant area.
Using a micropunch tool, they will remove follicles from your skin.
Your surgeon will then make a series of tiny incisions with a needle or other small, sharp tool where the extracted follicles will be inserted.
They’ll insert the follicles into the incisions.
Your surgeon will clean and bandage the area for recovery.
FUE hair transplants are most commonly performed on the scalp.
They can also be done elsewhere on your body where hair is thin or absent. FUE can be done on your arms, legs, and even your genital area.
Recovery from FUE is quick. You may have some swelling or discomfort for about 3 days.
Here are some aftercare instructions your doctor may give you:
Don’t wash your hair or shower for at least 3 days.
Use gentle, unscented shampoos for a few weeks once you start washing your hair.
Take a couple of days off work to help speed up healing.
Don’t comb or brush your new hair for at least 3 weeks.
Don’t wear hats, beanies, or other clothing that goes over your head until your doctor says it’s OK.
Don’t do any strenuous physical activity for at least a week.
Some hairs may fall out during the healing process. This is normal. You’ll probably start to notice a difference after 3 to 4 months.
Depending on the health of your transplanted hair, your hair may not grow back as thick as expected.
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