Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a method of hair
transplantation based on the collection of hair follicles in the donor region
one by one without creating a linear incision. The harvested follicular unit
grafts can be removed directly from the back and sides of the scalp using a
small, round, 7 mm staple-like instrument. This minimally invasive method of
removing and implanting hair follicles one by one is an advanced hair
transplantation method that offers maximum density without causing any linear scarring
in the donor area.
Who Is This For?
Treatment Duration
4 to 8 hours.
Potential Risks & Side Effects
Recovery Time
Success Rate: 90-95%.
Alternative Treatments
How Does it Work?
Follicular Unit Excision is an effective hair transplant
technique that is gaining popularity among different patients. The difference
between the FUE and FUT technique is in the extraction process. FUE hair
transplant is a minimal invasive method in which your hair follicles are
harvested – using a special micro punch – from the donor to the receiving area
while you are under local anesthesia. Your surgeon can extract 500 to 5000
grafts in one session. Hair follicles
are usually harvested from the back and sides of your head, but if the number
of follicles that will be extracted is not sufficient, your surgeon can also
extract the follicles from your beard or chest.
Your scalp skin will fully recover in a number of days post-surgery. Patients usually prefer the FUE technique because the approach minimizes scarring.
For your online consultation, we will kindly ask you to send your photos as shown in the Photography Guide down below, so we can evaluate your case.
What Does FUE Hair Transplant Surgery Involve?
Each and every FUE Hair Transplant surgery is tailored to suit every individual’s needs, preferences and the clinic’s best practices. But the procedure normally includes the following 7 stages:
1. Consultation for FUE hair
transplant
First things first, an online consultation (between you and FUE Hair Transplant specialist) will be conducted –this is done in order to make sure that you’re a suitable candidate for the hair transplant surgery. You will be asked to send some pictures of your face and head (from the top, front, left, right, and back angles). After a Hair Transplant specialists reviews your pictures, you will be told the approximate number of grafts that you need. During the online consultations, expect the following questions:
It is during this consultation that your surgeon will learn
about motivation, expectations, and goals –in regards to the surgery.
2. Planning your trip and
choosing the clinic
When you decide to have a hair transplant, our first step
will be to present to you several detailed options of clinics and doctors.
After you have chosen your preferred clinic and doctor, we will then set up an
operation date and arrange your trip. All the dates are set according to your
preferences!
This surgery is usually performed in the morning or
afternoon, so we always recommend that you arrive in Turkey a day before the
surgery –so that you can have enough time to rest.
3. Final Consultation with Your
Surgeon
When you arrive at the clinic, you will have a face-to-face
consultation with your hair transplant surgeon. Part of the discussions will
be about your expectations and goals. After this, the surgeon will make an
illustration of what to expect by drawing marks of your new hair line.
4. Medical Examinations
Before the surgery commences, your surgeon will conduct
physical and blood tests to make sure that you are in a good health state.
Every patient is required to undergo medical tests so as to ensure that nothing
can hinder the success of the surgery.
5. Preparation for Surgery
To make you feel comfortable during the surgery, your
surgeon will give you local anesthesia. Your surgeon will also shave the donor
area, but some surgeons prefer performing the procedure without shaving the
donor area. If you have Trypanophobia (fear of needles), you should let us know
so that we can offer you doctors who can give you anesthesia without using
needles.
6. FUE Hair Transplant Surgery
When the preparation phase is done, your surgeon will start
the procedure. Expect your surgeon to follow these steps during the surgery:
a) Extracting of the grafts:
While you are still anesthetized, your surgeon will extract
hair grafts one by one, then he/she will place them in a container filled with
a special solution that helps keep the grafts alive.
b) Making the incisions:
Upon completing the extraction
process, your surgeon (or a team of expert technicians) will begin to make
incisions – on the recipient area – using a microblade and 0.6 to 1.0 mm
special micro punches. The incisions will determine the growth direction of the
hair, and they will have an angle to make a consistent pattern for a natural
look.
c) Implantation of the grafts:
Hair grafts are inserted into the
recipient area soon after the incisions are made. Hair transplant surgery can
take between 4 and 8 hours, and it is performed on the same day. To avoid
boredom, we have seen some patients read a book, watch a movie or take a nap
during the surgery. Considering that the surgery is quite lengthy, you will
have breaks during the surgery.
Your surgeon can offer you PRP
treatment as a complementary procedure so as to accelerate the healing process.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment is usually performed during the
transplantation or after the grafts are implanted.
7. Check-up after the operation
When the transplantation is over, the
nurses will cover your head with bandages, and they will give you meds in case
you feel any pain or discomfort. If you have travelled just to have this
treatment, we will make sure that you spend the night in a 5-star hotel after
the surgery. We will also transport you to the clinic on the following day for
medical review with your surgeon. It is during this review that your surgeon
will give you instructions you need to carefully follow during the recovery
period.
What Should I Expect after FUE Hair Transplant?
a) First 2 weeks:
It is normal to feel some bits of pain
in the first 2 days after the surgery —so there is no need to be alarmed. You
should also expect your scalp and forehead to be tender, red or swollen in the
first 2 weeks post-surgery. Some patients notice pimples on the recipient area.
Scabs will be given to fall off in the 2nd week after the surgery –this is
normal and we urge you not to panic when this happens.
b) Between 2nd and 8th
week:
During this period, expect 90% of
your transplanted hair to fall off. This is an ordinary occurrence that happens
in 95% of the time. Some of the natural hair located next to the transplanted
hair can also fall off; this situation is known as ‘shock loss’. Shock loss is natural and temporary, and surgeons
consider it as part of the recovery process.
c) 2nd and 6th
months:
What happens between the 2nd and 4th month is regarded as the steady phase of the recovery. Expect 5% of your new hair to begin to grow during this period. From the month 4 up to month 6, you should expect 20% to 25% of the transplanted hair to start growing.
d) Between 6th month
to the 1st year:
Between the 6th and 9th month, expect to see 75% of the
transplanted hair to start growing. At this point, the hair will be getting
denser and thicker.
After month number 9, an additional 20% to 25% of new hair
will begin to grow. In some instances, it may take up to 18 months for the hair
to fully grow.
Things You Should do Before Surgery
FAQ
Is FUE Hair
Transplant Painful?
You may feel pain or soreness after the procedure is done.
However, your surgeon may prescribe painkillers to relieve this pain and
discomfort.
Does FUE Hair
Transplant Leave a Scar?
Considering that the FUE technique requires hair units to
be removed one-by-one, there is no linear scalp scar is created in the donor
area.
Is FUE Hair
Transplant Permanent?
Since transplanted hairs will behave as they are in the donor area, it is not guaranteed that a hair transplant will last forever. But your new hair will probably stay with you for a very long time.
Our team will dedicate their effort and time to help you choose the clinic best for you. Our goal is not just to find ‘a doctor’ for you, but to find ‘the right doctor’.