FUE Hair Transplant surgery

Surgical hair restoration is constantly evolving thanks to physicians in search of better options for their patients.

Follicular Unit Excision and Extraction (FUE) is a minimally invasive hair transplant method where individual hair grafts are harvested one at a time from the donor area—typically the back and sides of the head. To improve visibility and precision during the donor harvest step of this hair surgery, this area is usually shaved short.

FUE is often preferred over the traditional MDEE®️ method because it doesn’t leave a linear scar and generally offers a quicker recovery. For patients who do not want to completely shave the back and sides of their head, the Hidden Shave or No Shave FUE technique may be an option to consider.

Hidden Shave FUE or No Shave FUE are techniques in which only select and very small areas across the donor zone are trimmed in a way that’s concealed by the longer surrounding hair, or not shaved at all. This allows patients to maintain their hairstyle with no visible signs of surgery.

It’s ideal for those seeking a discreet option with minimal downtime, though it’s more time-consuming and best suited for much smaller sessions or touch-ups.

Here is an overview of the FUE hair surgery procedure:

DONOR AREA PREP

The first step of the FUE hair transplant procedure is prepping the safe donor area on the back and sides of the head, where the hair is DHT resistant and genetically programmed to grow for life, by shaving the hair short to prepare for the extraction of the follicular units.

DONOR HAIR HARVEST

Using the Safe System, which is a handheld motorized punch device, your hair transplant surgeon will extract individual hair follicles from the donor area one at a time. Follicular units are extracted using a 0.8 to 1 mm punch which makes a tiny circular incision around the top of the hair so that the entire hair graft can be directly extracted from the scalp. This method minimizes the scarring, leaving tiny, pinpoint scars that are camouflaged as the shaved hair begins to grow.

PREPARATION OF HARVESTED GRAFTS

Once harvested, the hair grafts are placed under the Ziering Scope and are meticulously trimmed, prepped, and placed in a specialized solution to keep them moist and vital. This process ensures optimal quality and survivability for each hair graft.

CREATION OF RECIPIENT SITES

Next, the Ziering surgeon will make tiny incisions at the proper angle and orientation in the balding and thinning areas of the scalp, following the overall hair transplant design discussed during the consultation. This step requires a blend of artistry and precision to achieve a natural-looking result that maximizes the use of the available donor hair while also creating sites that encourage the transplanted hair to grow in a natural, aesthetically pleasing pattern.

PLACEMENT OF THE HAIR GRAFTS

The final step involves the delicate placement of each hair graft into the recipient sites. Skilled hair transplant technicians work with precision, making sure that each graft is positioned and placed, matching the proper angles and orientation of the recipient site. Proper angle and orientation contribute significantly to the aesthetic outcome of the hair transplant. If the grafts are placed at incorrect angles or orientations, the newly transplanted hair may not blend seamlessly with the native hair. Gentle handling of the grafts is required to prevent damaging or crushing the grafts which could diminish graft survival rates.

FUE Hair Surgery Technology

The latest improvements in FUE instrumentation and techniques have made FUE transplants a lot more viable. That’s because we now have tools capable of harvesting more grafts with less damage and less scarring.

Recent improvements include:

Smaller punches that reduce scarring
Motorized punches that refine the way surgeons score the upper layer of skin
Restricted depth of scoring to better protect the follicular unit grafts
Understanding the need to limit excisions to prevent obvious scarring

The Ziering Medical team utilizes the “SAFE System” instrumentation for manual FUE hair transplant surgery. This specially designed instrument is a blunt, motorized dissection device that:

Isolates the follicular units from the surrounding area of the scalp
Allows the surgeon to extract follicular units directly from the scalp
Minimizes damage to follicles during extraction

Who is an ideal candidate for FUE hair surgery?

FUE hair transplants are suitable for a wide range of candidates but tend to be a preferred choice for younger men looking to have or maintain shorter hairstyles and who are looking to avoid the linear scar from MDEE® hair transplants. It is also a good option for any patient whose scalp is too tight or doesn’t have enough laxity for a strip harvest or MDEE® procedure. Because FUE procedures normally involve harvesting fewer grafts than MDEE® procedures, they are ideal for patients looking for smaller-scale surgical hair restoration or who have had previous hair transplant procedures and are nearing donor depletion.

It is important to note that FUE is not the most desirable option for most women. This is primarily because the procedure involves shaving the back and sides of the head to access the donor area. This necessity for a close shave doesn’t usually align with the preferred hairstyles of many women. Also, women tend to have a smaller donor zone with less density. Because an MDEE® hair transplant does not require shaving the entire back and sides of the head, it is commonly recommended for women who are good candidates for surgical hair restoration.

What to Expect During the FUE Hair Surgery Healing and Recovery Process

Following the FUE hair transplant, it’s normal to experience some redness and swelling in the treated areas. The day after the FUE procedure, patients are scheduled for a hair wash in our clinic and their first post-op check. All patients are advised to follow the Post-Op Care instructions, including avoiding strenuous activities and following a prescribed medication regimen.

And then the waiting begins. Understanding the timeline for hair growth post-FUE surgery is essential for managing expectations.

In the first few weeks, some of the transplanted hairs may shed. This is a natural part of the healing and recovery process, as the follicles prepare to enter the growth phase. You may have shed the hair, but you have not lost the hair bulb or root that was transplanted below the scalp. For the next 3 months, the transplanted follicles enter a dormant phase. During this time the roots are getting established beneath the surface. Early hair growth will appear around 3 – 4 months. This new hair is usually very soft and fine, but it will thicken as it matures over the next several weeks and months. From 6 – 12 months, the majority of patients experience significant hair growth. The transplanted hair continues to thicken and blend into the existing hair while also restoring balding and thinning areas. This process is so gradual that patients frequently comment that they begin receiving positive comments about their restored youthful appearance without anyone knowing that they have had a hair transplant procedure.

By the end of the first year, most patients are enjoying the full results of the FUE hair transplant. Understanding the timeline for hair growth post-FUE is essential for managing expectations, and individual experiences may vary. While FUE hair transplants deliver a permanent solution, ongoing hair loss management strategies may include a maintenance routine of non-surgical treatments and therapies to keep your hair healthy and prevent future hair loss. Embarking on a FUE hair transplant journey is a transformative experience that goes beyond just the hair restoration process and procedure. It’s about reclaiming confidence and embracing a renewed sense of self. With advancements in technology and the skilled hands of experienced surgeons, FUE offers a state-of-the-art solution for those seeking a permanent remedy for hair loss.

If you’re ready to take the first step towards a fuller head of hair and enhanced confidence, schedule a consultation with our experienced team.

FUE Hair Surgery Results

1606 Follicular Units, 1 FUE Hair Transplant, Showing Pre-Op and 18 Months Post-Op

7755 Total Follicular Units, 2 MDEE® + 1 FUE Hair Transplants, Showing Pre-Op and 24 Months Post-Op

2600 Follicular Units, 1 FUE Hair Transplant, Showing Pre-Op and 18 Months Post-Op

2115 Follicular Units, 1 FUE Hair Transplant, Showing Pre-Op and 7 Months Post-Op

2600 Follicular Units, 1 FUE Hair Transplant, Showing Pre-Op and 12 Months Post-Op

During your consultation, both MDEE® and FUE procedures will be reviewed so that you can make an informed decision with your Ziering surgeon when selecting your preferred donor harvest method. It is not uncommon for patients who require more than one hair transplant procedure to achieve their aesthetic hair goals to have both types of procedures. Sometimes the MDEE® procedure is performed first to achieve optimal coverage followed by an FUE procedure – especially if the patient no longer has the needed scalp laxity to safely do another strip harvest. Then some patients chose FUE hair restoration surgery for their first procedure because they want to wear their hair shorter, but over time may decide on MDEE® for their second procedure to maximize the graft harvest. Every Ziering hair transplant surgeon is experienced with both procedures and will customize your treatment plan to address your individual needs.

Our team is standing by to help you better understand the causes of hair loss and all of your treatment options. Click below to schedule a consultation.