Hair transplant procedures known as follicular unit extraction (FUE) include the removal of individual hair follicles from the patient’s skin and the subsequent implantation of those follicles in another part of the patient’s body. This will give the impression that the hair in the new region is thicker than it actually is. The follicular unit transplantation (FUT) technique was intended to be replaced by FUE, which stands for follicular unit extraction. Since this technique is less likely to result in a “hair plug” look, often known as portions of skin or hair that don’t match the surrounding areas, FUE has become more popular than FUT in recent years. In addition to this, unlike FUT, it will not result in a significant scar. The ideal candidate for a FUE hair transplant is a person who is balding or experiencing hair thinning but who still has sufficient hair in the surrounding area to be used for the transplant.
How much does a FUE hair transplant cost?
The price per session for a FUE hair transplant ranges from $4,000 to $15,000. The price of a multi-session operation could reach $50,000 or higher. How much hair is removed and transplanted as well as the availability of FUE surgeons in your area will determine the final cost of the surgery. A FUE hair transplant is probably something you’ll have to pay for out of pocket as most health insurance policies don’t cover aesthetic treatments like this. Prescription drugs for pain and other potential adverse effects of the treatment will also need to be covered. When calculating the cost, you should take recovery time off of work into account. This may entail spending 3–4 days at home.
How does a FUE hair transplant work?
As you become older, the three-phase cycle of hair growth and regrowth becomes shorter until the follicles no longer regrow hairs. This occurs because the hair follicles become less active. Everyone will go about doing this a little bit differently. While some people begin to lose their hair in their 20s, others don’t begin to do so until much later in life. During a FUE hair transplant, these old hair follicles are removed and replaced with new follicles that are capable of continuing to produce hair. Following the procedure, the follicles will be nourished by blood vessels and will start developing hair in the area that had previously been balding or had sparse hair.
What Is the FUE Hair Transplant Procedure?
The FUE hair transplant technique is a non-surgical, minimally invasive method that can be carried out in an outpatient setting. The operation itself can take anywhere from four to eight hours, and the normal recuperation period lasts between one and two weeks. The FUE hair transplant method involves the removal of individual hair follicles from the donor region by the surgeon. The back of the head is typically chosen as the donor location because it contains a significant number of robust hair follicles. When the hair follicles have been extracted, the next step is to transplant them into the area that will receive them. In most cases, the area on top of the head or the front of the scalp will serve as the recipient. It is not unusual for individuals to feel some swelling and bruising around their eyes after having the FUE hair transplant operation performed on them. In most cases, these unwanted symptoms disappear after a week. It is also usual for the transplanted hair to begin falling out between two and three weeks after the procedure. Within three to six months, the new hair will start to start growing back in.
Is FUE Hair Transplants Right for Me?
FUE hair transplants are a procedure that is effective for both male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness. In addition to restoring eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard hair. If you are thinking about getting a FUE hair transplant, we strongly suggest that you discuss your options with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is board-certified in plastic surgery and has expertise with FUE hair transplants.
How Do I Choose a Surgeon for My FUE Hair Transplant?
Selecting a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with experience conducting FUE hair transplants is crucial if you’re thinking about getting one. Asking the following questions will help you choose a surgeon:
- View the before-and-after images of earlier patients.
- Concerning the surgeon’s knowledge of FUE hair transplants.
- With regards to the surgeon’s FUE hair transplant treatment success rate.
What Are the Risks of FUE Hair Transplants?
FUE hair transplants are a type of hair restoration that are minimally invasive and carry a low risk of problems. The most typical complication is an infection, which in most cases can be remedied with the use of medicines (antibiotics). Other potential problems include, but are not limited to:
- Numbness
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Swelling
- Itching
When Can I Expect to See Results from My FUE Hair Transplant?
Depending on the individual, the growth of new hair might take anywhere from three to six months. It may take up to a year to see the complete results of a FUE hair transplant.
How Long Do FUE Hair Transplants Last?
FUE hair transplants are a long-term solution to the problem of thinning hair. Once the new hair has begun to grow, it will carry on doing so for the rest of your life as it always has.
What to expect after a FUE hair transplant
Recovery following FUE is rapid. You may have swelling or discomfort for around three days. Here are some possible aftercare instructions from your doctor:
- Do not shampoo for at least three days.
- Use gentle, unscented shampoos for the first several weeks of hair cleaning.
- Take a few days off from work to expedite recovery.
- Do not brush or comb your hair for at least three weeks.
- Do not wear hats, beanies, or other headwear until your doctor gives you the all-clear.
- Avoid vigorous physical exercise for at least one week.
There may be some hair loss during the healing period. This is typical. After 3 to 4 months, you will likely begin to see a difference. Depending on the health of your transplanted hair, it may not regrow as thickly as anticipated.
Preparing for a FUE hair transplant
Before having a FUE hair transplant, you might need to undertake the following things:
- Stop smoking at least one day before the surgery.
- Give up alcohol at least three days before your procedure.
- For approximately 2 weeks before to surgery, avoid using aspirin or other blood thinners.
- For two weeks before your surgery, stop taking any vitamins or nutritional supplements.
- Attempt to stop taking antidepressants two weeks before your surgery.
- Avoid getting a haircut before the procedure.
- For a few weeks, massage your scalp for 10 to 30 minutes each day to improve blood flow there.
- Take any drugs that your surgeon instructs you to take, such as minoxidil (Rogaine).
- Perform blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) before operation.
Things to Know After FUE Hair Transplantation
The recovery period fully differs from person to person following the FUE hair transplantation technique, which is recommended in hair transplantation. After a year, the stages of redness, itching, crusting, and excessive shedding that begin on the day of the hair transplant process and last for about 10-15 days are totally over. After receiving a FUE hair transplant, patients can resume their normal routines and find employment within a few days. Hats should not be worn in extremely cold or intensely sunny conditions, so it is advised that you stay inside. Within 15 days of the procedure, the hair transplanted should be treated very carefully and attentively. Within a maximum of 9 days, the grafts either cling to the scalp or become fixed. After this time, the hair either roots, grows volume, or becomes fastened to the scalp, or the roots become loose and the hair begins to fall out. Within two to eight weeks, the transplanted hair begins to shed suddenly; this is known as shock shedding. There is no need to worry, though, because in a few months, new root growth will start to appear in the hair. Between 6 and 9 months following the operation, nearly all patients experience excellent outcomes.
Conclusion
If you are thinking about getting a FUE hair transplant, we strongly suggest that you discuss your options with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is board-certified in plastic surgery and has expertise with FUE hair transplants. These doctors are able to provide answers to any queries you may have and assist you in determining whether or not a FUE hair transplant is the best option for you.
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