What is FUE and how does it work?
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a technique used in hair transplantation. In this technique, hair follicles are removed one by one and placed on the transplanted area. The process usually includes these steps:
Determination of the Donor Area: The donor area with healthy and permanent hair follicles is determined. The donor area is usually the hairy areas on the back of the neck or on the sides.
Local Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to the donor area and the recipient area. This ensures that the procedure is performed painlessly.
Removal of Hair Follicles: FUE procedure is performed by removing hair follicles one by one with microsurgical instruments. At this stage, hair follicles are carefully removed using a special tool (usually a micromotor or manual tool).
Preparation of the Recipient Area: Holes or channels are opened in the area where the hair will be transplanted. This step is carried out meticulously to ensure planting at the correct angle and density.
Transplantation of Hair Follicles: The extracted hair follicles are placed in carefully prepared recipient areas. This procedure is done by paying attention to the correct angle and natural hair growth direction.
Healing Process: After the FUE procedure, small crusts and redness may occur in the areas where hair is transplanted and removed. The healing process is usually completed within a few weeks and hair begins to grow naturally.
The FUE technique is considered a less invasive option in hair transplantation and generally offers a faster recovery time. Additionally, it is a preferred technique because the scars are minimal. However, the FUE technique may not be suitable for everyone and another technique may be recommended depending on the individual situation of the hair transplant candidate. Therefore, it is important to consult a hair transplant specialist.
How is the FUE technique different from other hair transplantation techniques?
The FUE technique has some important differences from other hair transplantation techniques. Here are some features that distinguish the FUE technique from other hair transplantation techniques:
Graft Retrieval Method: In the FUE technique, hair follicles are taken one by one from the donor area, while in some other techniques, hair strips are cut and removed (for example, FUT technique). While there are no stitches or scars in the FUE technique, a scar usually remains in the FUT technique.
Scar and Healing Process: FUE technique is a less invasive method because the grafts are removed one by one. This makes the healing process faster and scars are usually minimal. With other techniques, there is often a longer healing process and significant scarring may occur.
Procedure Time: FUE technique may take longer than other techniques. Because removing follicles one by one is a time-consuming process. In other techniques, such as the FUT technique, cutting the hair strip can be done more quickly.
Hair Transplantation Intensity: FUE technique allows more precise work in the area where hair transplantation will be performed. Transplanting the grafts one by one provides greater control to achieve natural-looking results. In other techniques, the transplantation of grafts can be done in a more limited way and in groups.
Donor Area Adequacy: FUE technique offers the flexibility to use hair follicles in the donor area in a larger area. Because each follicle is removed one by one, the requirement that the donor area be homogeneous is less important. In other techniques, the donor area may be more limited and homogeneous hair quality may be required.
FUE technique is a method chosen by taking into account the individual condition, hair quality and preferences of the hair transplant candidate. Each hair transplant technique has advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consult with a hair transplant specialist to determine the most appropriate method.
What kind of surgical procedure is the FUE technique?
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique is considered a surgical procedure. The procedure involves removing hair follicles and placing them in the area to be transplanted. Here are some features of the FUE technique as a surgical procedure:
Local Anesthesia: FUE procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is used to numb the donor area and recipient area. This ensures that the procedure is performed painlessly. It is not necessary to use general anesthesia.
Graft Extraction: The main stage of the FUE process is the removal of hair follicles one by one. This procedure requires making small incisions on the scalp. A special tool (micromotor or manual tool) is used to remove the grafts.
Preparation of the Recipient Area: The area where the hair will be transplanted is prepared by opening holes or channels. This step is important to ensure that the grafts are transplanted at the correct angle and density. Opening the canals is also a surgical procedure.
Graft Transplantation: The extracted hair follicles are placed in carefully prepared recipient areas. This step also requires a surgical procedure and attention is paid to the correct angle, natural hair growth direction and density.
Healing Process: After the FUE procedure, small crusts, redness and slight swelling may occur in the hair transplanted and removed areas. The healing process may take several weeks due to the nature of the surgical procedure.
The FUE technique is considered less invasive than some other hair transplant techniques. However, it is important to remember that it is still a surgical procedure. It is important that the procedure is performed under the control of an experienced hair transplant specialist and in a suitable medical environment. Additionally, since it is a surgical procedure, it is necessary to consider the potential risks and recovery process.
Is general anesthesia required for the FUE technique?
No, general anesthesia is not required for the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique. The FUE procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is used to numb the areas called the donor area (the area where healthy hair follicles are located) and the recipient area (the area where the hair will be transplanted).
Local anesthesia temporarily numbs the nerves in the hair transplantation area. In this way, pain or discomfort during the procedure is minimized. Local anesthesia is usually administered by injection.
Using local anesthesia in the FUE technique ensures that the patient is conscious. That is, during the procedure the patient is awake and able to communicate. This makes it easier for the surgical team and the patient to communicate and change positions as necessary during the procedure.
General anesthesia is a type of anesthesia in which the procedure is performed by putting the patient completely asleep. General anesthesia is not required for the FUE technique, because it is possible to perform the procedure under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia may be a safer option and minimizes the potential risks of general anesthesia.
However, in some rare cases or upon special requests, there may be situations where the patient prefers to be under general anesthesia. In this case, the general anesthesia method can be evaluated by the hair transplantation team working together with the anesthesiologist.
As a result, local anesthesia is generally preferred for the FUE technique and does not require general anesthesia. However, each patient is individual and the hair transplant specialist will determine the most appropriate anesthesia method in line with the patient’s condition and preferences.
How is hair transplantation done with FUE? What is the step by step process?
Hair transplantation with the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique follows a process that includes the following steps:
Determining the Donor Area: In the first step, the donor area with healthy and permanent hair follicles is determined. Generally, the hairy areas on the nape or on the sides are chosen as the donor area.
Local Anesthesia: The donor area and the recipient area (the area where the hair will be transplanted) are anesthetized with local anesthesia. This ensures that the procedure is performed painlessly.
Extraction of Grafts: Hair follicles are removed from the donor area one by one using microsurgical instruments. At this stage, hair follicles are carefully removed using a special tool (usually a micromotor or manual tool). During the harvesting of the grafts, minimal incisions or holes occur.
Preparation of the Recipient Area: Holes or channels are opened in the area where the hair will be transplanted. This step is carried out meticulously to ensure planting at the correct angle and density.
Transplantation of Grafts: The extracted hair follicles are placed in carefully prepared recipient areas. During the transplantation process, the correct angle, natural hair growth direction and density are taken into account. This allows the hair to gain a natural and aesthetic appearance.
Healing Process: After the FUE procedure, small crusts and redness may occur in the areas where the hair is transplanted and removed. The healing process is usually completed within a few weeks and hair begins to grow naturally.
The FUE procedure can usually be performed in a single session or multiple sessions, depending on the patient’s degree of hair loss, hair transplantation goals and the condition of the donor area.
Every step is meticulously studied by an experienced hair transplant specialist and his team. FUE technique is a procedure that requires attention and precision to obtain natural results. Therefore, it is important to trust the specialist who will perform the procedure.
Does hair transplanted with the FUE technique look natural?
Yes, hair transplanted with the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique usually has a natural and aesthetic appearance. There are several reasons for this:
Precision Transplantation of Grafts: In the FUE technique, hair follicles are taken one by one and carefully placed in the area to be transplanted. This is achieved by taking into account the natural growth direction, angle and density of the transplanted hair. Experts pay attention to the aesthetic details in hair transplantation and place the grafts in harmony with the natural hair line.
Micro Size of Grafts: Grafts used in the FUE technique are generally individual hair follicles. This ensures that the transplanted hair has a thinner and more natural appearance. The micro size of the grafts gives a natural hair appearance to the transplanted area.
Selection of Donor Area: In the FUE technique, donor hair is generally taken from the nape or the hairy areas on the sides. These areas usually contain permanent hair and are genetically more resistant to loss. Therefore, the quality and natural appearance of the donor hair is an important factor affecting the transplantation result.
Healing Process: The healing process after the FUE procedure allows the transplanted hair to grow more naturally. During the healing process, crusting and redness may occur, but these temporary side effects disappear over time. The transplanted hair grows naturally and develops in accordance with the hair growth cycle.
When the above factors come together, hair transplanted with the FUE technique generally provides a natural, permanent and aesthetic appearance. However, results may vary depending on the person’s current hair condition, the quality of the donor area, and personal factors. Collaborating with a good hair transplant specialist is important to achieve the desired results.
How many grafts can be transplanted with the FUE technique?
The number of grafts that can be transplanted with the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique varies depending on the quality of the person’s donor area, hair transplantation goals and the experience of the surgical team. The number of grafts is determined depending on the hair density, coverage area and desired results.
Generally, between 1,000 and 4,000 grafts of hair follicles can be transplanted in one session with the FUE technique. This number corresponds to approximately 2,000 – 3,000 hairs on average. However, in some cases, fewer or more grafts can be transplanted.
The width of the donor area, hair follicle density and health status are factors that affect the number of grafts that can be transplanted. For example, it may be possible to transplant fewer grafts in people with limited donor space. Additionally, the size of the area to be transplanted and the current hair condition may also affect the number of grafts.
When planning hair transplantation, the experience and expertise of the surgical team is also important. An expert hair transplantation team has experience in accurately evaluating the donor area, collecting grafts effectively, and performing the transplantation at the correct angle and density.
As a result, the number of grafts that can be transplanted with the FUE technique varies depending on individual factors. After evaluating the patient’s condition, the hair transplant specialist can determine the most appropriate number of grafts and create a personalized hair transplant plan.
How long can the FUE technique last?
The duration of hair transplantation performed with the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique may vary depending on various factors. These factors may include:
Number of Grafts: Hair transplantation time varies depending on the number of grafts to be transplanted. If more grafts are to be transplanted, the procedure time may be longer. Generally, transplantation of 1,000-4,000 grafts can be performed in one session.
Length of Hair: The length of the hair can also affect the processing time. While the removal and placement of grafts may be faster in a person with short hair, the separation and transplantation of grafts in a person with long hair may take more time.
Condition of the Donor Area: The donor area, the area where the hair follicles are taken, may affect the procedure time. The density and easy accessibility of the hair in the donor area may provide a faster process for removing the grafts.
Experience of the Surgical Team: The experience of the surgical team performing the procedure may also affect the duration. An experienced team can complete the process faster and more effectively.
In general, a hair transplant procedure performed with the FUE technique can take between a few hours and a few days. Smaller diameter transplants can usually be completed within a few hours, while larger diameter transplants may take multiple sessions or longer.
The procedure time is determined depending on the patient’s needs, degree of hair loss and preferences. The hair transplant specialist can give more specific information about the procedure duration after evaluating the patient’s condition.
What is the recovery process like after the FUE procedure? How long can it take?
The recovery process after the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) procedure usually varies between a few weeks and a few months. It takes some time for the healing process to be completed and the results to be fully seen. Some points to consider after the procedure are:
First Few Days: During the first few days after the FUE procedure, there may be redness, crusting and slight swelling in the forehead and transplanted areas. This is normal and usually subsides within a few days. Your physician can give you suggestions and recommend some medications to reduce the discomfort in this process.
First Week: During the first week, crusts and redness may continue. During this period, the transplanted hair may shed slightly, which is a normal process. It is recommended to limit physical activities and avoid heavy exercises in the first week.
First Month: During the first month, the transplanted hair may shed more. However, this loss is a temporary process and new hair growth usually begins within a few months. During this period, it is important to avoid sun exposure and protect the scalp.
First Few Months: During the first few months, new hair is expected to grow in the transplanted areas. This process happens slowly and gradually. The new hair will grow in line with the natural hair growth rate.
First Six Months – One Year: Between the first six months and a year, the hair will become denser and develop. The results are fully revealed during this period and the transplanted hair acquires a natural and permanent appearance.
The healing process can vary from person to person, and everyone’s experience may be slightly different. The healing process varies depending on the patient’s general health condition, body reaction and surgical techniques.
Your hair transplant specialist will inform you about post-procedure care instructions and follow-up appointments. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and have regular check-ups during the recovery process.
Is the FUE procedure painful? Do I need to use painkillers?
The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, so the feeling of pain is usually minimal during the procedure. Local anesthesia provides regional numbness during the removal of hair follicles from the donor area and application to the transplanted area.
The most common sensation that may be felt during the procedure is a pinprick sensation when the anesthesia injection is given. However, usually this feeling lasts a few seconds and then the procedure area becomes numb.
After the FUE procedure, there may be slight discomfort, tightness or tenderness in the procedure areas. This discomfort is usually mild and can be controlled with painkillers. Your doctor may recommend appropriate painkillers or mild analgesics to provide relief after the procedure.
Although the FUE procedure is generally associated with minimal pain, each individual’s pain threshold and experience may be different. Some people may experience mild discomfort during or after the procedure, while others may feel almost no pain. Anesthesia and painkillers are used to reduce possible discomfort during and after the procedure.
Your hair transplant specialist will explain to you in detail what to expect during and after the procedure. Additionally, he or she will guide you on appropriate pain management strategies.
Will there be any scars in the hair transplanted areas after FUE?
After the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) procedure, minimal scars may remain in the hair transplanted areas, but these scars are usually too small to be seen and may decrease with the healing process.
The FUE process involves removing individual hair follicles from the donor area. During this process, special tools called microholes or punches are used. These tools drill small diameter holes, usually ranging from 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm.
The size and distribution of the holes depend on the skill of the surgeon performing the procedure. An experienced surgeon tries to minimize scars by making small holes. The holes in the transplanted area heal over time and can usually be seen as small white dots. These spots usually become less noticeable as the hair grows.
Additionally, the healing process after the procedure may also affect scar formation. During the healing process, the scars diminish over time as the skin renews and heals. The healing process may vary from person to person, but is usually completed within a few weeks to a few months.
As an important note, scar formation always varies depending on the person’s skin structure and healing ability. In some people, the scars become almost invisible, while in others they may be more noticeable. Skin color, skin type, genetic factors and appropriate care, as well as the experience of the surgical team, can also affect scar formation.
Your hair transplant specialist can provide post-procedure care instructions and suggestions to minimize scars. Additionally, careful planning before hair transplantation, correct selection of the transplantation area, and careful execution of the procedure can help minimize the formation of scars.
What kind of care should be done after FUE?
Following a proper care routine after the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) procedure can support the healing process and help you achieve the best results. Here are the recommended care steps for hair transplantation after FUE:
First Days:
It is recommended not to wash your hair for the first 48 hours after the procedure. It is important to avoid water contact with the treatment areas during this period.
You may be given a bandage or a special cap to use after the procedure. The purpose of this is to protect the procedure areas and reduce the risk of infection. You should follow your doctor’s instructions.
During the first few days, you should avoid direct sunlight and excessive physical activity.
Healing Process:
It is important to keep the scalp clean during the healing process. During the healing process, you can gently wash the procedure areas using a shampoo recommended by your doctor.
You should avoid excessive friction or trauma to the procedure areas. You can use a soft cloth instead of a towel to dry your hair gently.
During the healing process, you should use a hat or sunscreen products to protect yourself from direct sunlight.
During the recovery process, it is important to avoid smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages, and other habits that negatively affect health.
First Weeks:
You should avoid excessive physical activities, heavy sports and exercises in the first weeks. These can damage hair follicles or affect the healing process.
You should use medications as recommended by your doctor. These may be painkillers, antibiotics or other medications.
You should avoid trauma, such as touching or scratching the procedure areas, for the first few weeks.
These recommendations are a general care guide and each individual’s situation may be different. It is important to follow your physician’s specific care instructions and recommendations. If you have any concerns or problems during the recovery process, it is important to contact your doctor.
What activities should be avoided after FUE?
After the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) procedure, it is recommended that you avoid certain activities to support the healing process and protect the health of the hair transplanted areas. Here are the activities that are not recommended to be done after FUE:
Extreme Physical Activities: You should avoid excessive physical activities for a while after the procedure. Intense physical exercises such as strenuous sports, weight lifting, and running can increase blood flow in the hair transplanted areas, which may affect the healing process. You should act in accordance with the activity level recommended by your physician according to your post-procedure instructions.
Friction and Irritation: You should avoid activities that may irritate the skin in the hair transplantation areas. For example, by combing or brushing the hair harshly, you can create friction on the hair transplant areas. Therefore, you should avoid damaging the treatment areas by gently combing or brushing your hair.
Sun Exposure: You should avoid excessive sun exposure after the procedure. Sunlight can irritate treatment areas and burn or discolor your skin. You can use a hat or sunscreen products to protect yourself from direct sunlight after the procedure.
Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages can negatively affect the healing process. Smoking can affect the circulatory system, reducing the delivery of adequate oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Alcohol, on the other hand, can prevent blood clotting and slow down healing due to its blood thinning effect. Therefore, it is important to stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption after the procedure.
Trauma and Impacts: You should avoid activities that may cause trauma or impact to the hair transplanted areas. For example, you should avoid sports or activities that involve harsh contact with your scalp. Such impacts may damage the transplanted hair follicles and negatively affect the results.
Each individual’s recovery process may be different, so it is important to follow your physician’s specific instructions. It is important to get detailed information from your doctor about what you should do after the procedure.
What are the risks when performing hair transplantation with the FUE technique?
Although hair transplantation with the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique is generally a safe procedure, there are some risks, as in every surgical procedure. The specialist and his team performing the procedure take precautions to minimize these risks. Here are the possible risks during hair transplantation with FUE procedure:
Infection: As with every surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection after the FUE procedure. This risk is minimized by taking appropriate sterilization and hygiene measures. If the transplantation areas are not properly cared for or if infection-related symptoms are not noticed, infection may develop. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and be careful about symptoms after the procedure.
Bleeding: Very rarely, bleeding may occur during the FUE procedure. Surgeons use appropriate techniques and control bleeding to prevent bleeding before and during the procedure. To reduce the risk of bleeding, it is important to discontinue or not use blood thinners before the procedure.
Donor Area Damage: Rarely, damage may occur in the donor area (usually the nape area) where the hair follicles are removed during the FUE procedure. This is often due to lack of surgical experience and skill. With properly harvested follicles, the donor site usually heals well. This risk is minimal in procedures performed by a specialist surgeon.
Graft Damage: Hair follicles (grafts) taken during the FUE procedure may be damaged during or after the procedure. This can have an impact on the health and growth of the transplanted hair. This risk can be reduced with careful procedures performed by an experienced surgeon.
Temporary Side Effects: Temporary side effects may occur after the FUE procedure. These may include things like mild pain, swelling, redness, and crusting at the procedure sites. These side effects are usually short-term and disappear with the healing process. You can manage these side effects by following the instructions given to you by your doctor.
These risks are generally rare and are minimized in FUE procedures performed by an experienced surgeon. It is important to discuss the risks and possible complications with your doctor in detail before the procedure.
Is the FUE procedure permanent? Will the hair fall out again?
Hair transplanted with the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) process is generally permanent. When hair follicles are taken from the donor area and transplanted, they carry genetically permanent hair follicles. Since these roots are generally taken from areas that are not prone to shedding, the transplanted hair is less likely to fall out.
However, an important point that should not be forgotten is that the normal hair cycle continues after hair transplantation. Hair naturally grows, rests and falls out. The transplanted hair also follows this cycle. Some hair may experience shedding after the procedure, this is a normal process and is called “shock shedding”. However, new hair follicles begin to grow over time and settle permanently.
Even if shedding occurs after the FUE procedure, the transplanted hair follicles are usually permanent. This means that the majority of transplanted hair grows back permanently without falling out. However, there may sometimes be different growth rates between transplanted hair and it may take several months for the desired results to be fully seen. It is important to be patient throughout the healing process and follow the care instructions your doctor gives.
In general, hair transplanted with the FUE procedure is likely to be permanent, but the results may vary from person to person due to individual factors and genetic factors.