Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is an approach to hair transplant surgery that can offer patients significant benefits over the traditional “strip method” techniques used in Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) procedures.

Both types of hair transplant surgeries entail harvesting healthy hair follicles from a donor area and transplanting them to the thinning or balding areas of your scalp. As a result, your real hair should begin to grow again naturally and permanently.

What differentiates a FUE hair transplant, however, is the technique used to harvest the donor hair.

In a traditional FUT procedure, the surgeon removes a long strip of tissue from the donor area of scalp, then separates the donor strip into individual follicular units before transplanting them.

In a FUE procedure, the follicular units are extracted individually and directly from the scalp, typically using an automated system. The extraction method involves a number of tiny, round incisions or punctures scattered throughout the donor area. In some cases, FUE can also be used to harvest body hair as a donor site.

The technique used to harvest donor hair is important because it can have a major impact on both your experience and the results of your hair transplant.

Here are some of the key advantages of choosing a FUE procedure:

Virtually Undetectable Scarring

Unlike with FUT, FUE does not involve stitches or linear scarring, which is more likely to be obvious and difficult to conceal. While some degree of scarring may be inevitable with either harvesting technique, the prominence and appearance of those scars can differ significantly.

FUE patients can expect diffuse, circular scars throughout the donor area—so small, they’re practically undetectable with short hair or even a shaved head. This is because the follicle units are extracted with punch blades that are less than 1mm in diameter and are removed from the donor area in a more natural pattern (and not a long, unnatural line, as with strip harvesting methods).

As a result, the potential for noticeable scarring is dramatically reduced and results are extremely natural-looking. This can be an especially notable advantage for patients who wish to wear their hair short.

Advanced Technology

FUE hair transplants are performed with the assistance of automated devices and systems that make the process much quicker and help to yield superior results. The use of these advanced technologies allows for the least invasive, most precise hair transplant procedure available.

Less Discomfort

The level of discomfort reported with FUE hair transplant surgery is significantly less than with FUT procedures. Outcomes for FUE patients are typically very good and complications, very rare. Any discomfort and signs of surgery, usually last no longer than a week.

Faster Recovery

Because it is less invasive, there is minimal downtime with a FUE procedure. Generally, patients can return to work and resume normal activities the following day.

Affordability

Another benefit of FUE is that it offers greater cost-flexibility and affordability. It enables your surgeon to extract a greater number of hair follicles in a single session and the cost of your procedure is based directly on the number of hair grafts needed to achieve your desired results.

At Ohio Hair Restoration, you’ll find the latest, most advanced hair restoration techniques available. We can help you design the optimal hair loss treatment plan for your unique needs to give you the best possible results.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.