FUE Hair Transplant in UK - Follicular Unit Extraction Surgery

What is Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE Hair Transplant?

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) refers to a method of hair transplant surgery in which clusters of healthy hair follicles are delicately extracted, typically from the back or sides of the head, and repositioned into areas of the scalp affected by balding or thinning.

In this procedure, a surgeon meticulously removes each hair follicle individually utilising a specialised tool known as an FUE punch trumpet. This implement creates minute punctures to secure grafts of skin that encompass 1-4 hair follicles. To prevent eliciting hair transplant trypophobia, the diameter of the punch trumpet is typically kept under 1mm.

FUE hair transplant technique can yield impressively natural results (as can be seen in our before-and-after gallery) and is well-regarded for its minimal recovery times and negligible scarring.

How does Follicular Unit Extraction Technique Differ from Follicular Unit Transplant?

The primary difference between Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) lies in the method of extracting the hair follicles.

In the FUT method, the surgeon removes an entire strip of donor skin from the back of the head and subsequently extracts the hair follicles from this strip. This particular process can leave a very distinct and noticeable linear scar along the rear of the head.

Contrarily, in the FUE technique, individual groups of hair, usually containing between one and four strands, are directly extracted from the scalp and relocated to the desired area, carefully mirroring the natural growth pattern. The FUE method typically leaves little to no visible scarring on the scalp.

The recovery period also constitutes a significant distinction between the two methods. With FUE hair transplants, the process involves minimal bleeding, and recovery is usually achieved within a week, with negligible side effects. On the other hand, FUT, due to the excision of an entire strip of the scalp, often demands weeks for the scars to properly heal.

In terms of overall results, FUE hair transplants are often considered superior, offering a high-quality, natural appearance to the hair, and outweighing the outcomes of FUT hair transplants.

What is the Procedure for FUE Hair Transplant?

An FUE hair transplant is a precise procedure that involves extracting and transplanting groups of one to four hairs, typically to the balding region of the scalp.

Extraction Phase: Initially, your surgeon will trim the hair in the area where the follicles are to be removed, as well as around the transplant region. Utilising a specialised extraction instrument less than 1mm in diameter, the surgeon will carefully extract groups of between one and four hairs. These clusters are generally taken from the sides of the head or the back of the neck.

Placement Phase: Following extraction, your surgeon will proceed to make a series of minute incisions using a fine needle or another small, pointed tool. These incisions are the locations where the extracted follicles will be implanted. The surgeon will then delicately insert the follicles into the prepared incisions, taking care to clean and bandage the area for recovery thereafter. In performing this intricate procedure, great attention is paid to implanting the hairs at just the right angle to imitate natural growth. This ensures that the newly transplanted hair integrates seamlessly with the surrounding hair and maintains a pattern consistent with natural growth.

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FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

If you require more information on Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), please read our most frequently asked questions:

What is Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE Hair Transplant?

The term “follicular unit” denotes a cluster of one to four robust hairs that originate from the scalp. In the FUE method, these units are individually extracted from the back and sides of the scalp. The primary goal of this procedure is to gather these follicles and relocate them to regions on the scalp that have experienced hair loss. This facilitates the growth of new hair in those specific areas.

What is the process of performing FUE?

The follicular units are collected in a random pattern from the scalp’s rear and sides. The hair restoration surgeon creates small circular incisions around the hairs and subsequently removes them from the scalp. Once an adequate number of follicular units have been gathered, they are meticulously implanted one by one into the designated target regions.

What are the benefits of FUE?

The FUE hair transplant provides various advantages, such as:

Due to the use of tiny incisions, scarring is minimal.
The small extraction sites heal rapidly, facilitating a swift recovery.
Activity restrictions during the recovery phase are fewer.
You can opt for short hair styles without concern about a linear scar on the scalp’s back.
The post-operative period with FUE typically involves less discomfort compared to the FUT method.

When can I expect to see results?

Results from an FUE procedure can become apparent around three months after the treatment, while complete results may become noticeable within 8-12 months or more. Our medical professionals will be readily accessible during the entire post-operative phase to address any queries that may arise. We might also propose additional treatments to expedite healing and enhance hair growth.

What is the duration of the recovery period?

FUE is a meticulously performed surgical technique that eliminates the need for scalpels, stitches, or staples. This minimally invasive procedure can generally be accomplished comfortably within a single day. The recuperation period for FUE is significantly swifter than that of previous hair transplant methods, resulting in minimal scarring and accelerated healing. The procedure employs a durable local anesthetic, and any slight pain or discomfort stemming from it can be effectively managed with over-the-counter pain relief medication. In a matter of a few days, most patients are able to resume their regular activities.