What is an FUE hair transplant?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant involves removing hair follicles from the skin and planting them on the scalp. It leads to the growth of hair in new areas which look thicker. FUE emerged as a substitute for the traditional FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) technique. The FUT technique involves extracting the entire piece of skin with follicles and then transplanting the required part.
FUE is a more chosen option than FUT as it does not provide a ‘hair plug’ look in which hair and skin do not match. Above all, unlike FUT, it does not lead to scarring.
You can undergo an FUE hair transplant if you have thinning hair or balding with enough hair nearby. But if you do not have enough healthy or thick hair, you are not a good candidate for this technique.
How does FUE hair transplant work?
With ageing, the three-phase hair cycle of hair growth and regrowth becomes short, and eventually, there is no hair growth. However, it differs from person to person. Some people experience balding in their 20s and others much later in life.
The follicular unit extraction hair transplants replace the old follicles with new ones still capable of growing hairs. The follicles, after the transplant, receive nourishment through blood vessels and start growing hair.
What is an FUE hair transplant procedure?
The procedure of FUE hair transplant involves:
- The area that needs transplantation and from where follicles are to be removed is shaved down.
- The micro punch tool is used to remove follicles from the skin.
- A sharp tool or needle makes multiple tiny incisions where the follicles must be inserted.
- Follicles are inserted into incisions.
- The target site is cleaned and bandaged for recovery.
The FUE hair transplants are performed on the scalp, but they can be performed on other body parts where hair is absent, including arms, legs, and genital areas.
What are FUE hair transplant side effects?
The follicular unit extraction hair transplant technique generally does not lead to any scarring other than white dots in the area from where area hair follicles are extracted, which fade away eventually. Other than that, if you experience any side effects, then contact your doctor.
FUE hair transplant side effects that you need to look for are:
- Infection
- Drainage or crust
- Pain and swelling
- Follicle swelling
- Bleeding
- Numbness or tingling
- Balding or thinning even after the transplant.
- Transplanted hair does not match the hair around.
When performed by experienced surgeons, FUE hair transplant side effects can be mitigated easily. Want to get the safest and most effective FUE hair transplant results? Contact the ALCS clinic. We have some excellent experienced surgeons for hair restoration procedures. Moreover, the infrastructure is well-equipped with advanced equipment and labs.
What to expect after an FUE hair transplant?
The recovery after the FUE hair transplant is quick. However, you might experience swelling and discomfort for around 3 days.
Your doctor may recommend you aftercare instructions such as:
- Do not wash your hair for about 3 days.
- When washing your hair, use gentle and unscented shampoo for at least a week.
- Try to take a few days off of work to make recovery faster.
- Try not to brush new hair for at least 3 weeks.
- Try not to wear a hat, beanies or other pieces of clothing on your head.
- Do not indulge in strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks.
During the healing process, it is common to experience hair fall. After about 3 to 4 months, you will start to notice the difference. As per the health of transplanted hair, you may not experience expected FUE hair transplant results.
How to prepare for a Follicular Unit Extraction hair transplant?
Here are some tips to prepare for an FUE hair transplant:
- Try not to smoke for 24 Hrs before the surgery.
- Do not consume alcohol for at least 3 days before the surgery.
- Avoid aspirin or blood thinners for around 2 weeks before the surgery.
- Vitamins and dietary supplements should also be avoided for 2 weeks before the surgery.
- Avoid taking antidepressants before the surgery for about 2 weeks.
- Do not get a haircut before the surgery.
- To increase blood flow, a scalp massage for 10 to 30 minutes is recommended daily.
- Your surgeon will recommend Echocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests before the test.
Following your doctor’s instructions is always best to make surgery safe and allow quicker recovery. In addition, it is best to keep your doctor aware of the medications that you are on.
Want more information about FUE hair transplant? Then contact the ALCS clinic. These are some of the top doctors with years of experience. You can get the most effective treatment for hair fall here. So, if you have a hair fall issue, book your appointment now!
