Hair Transplantation: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplantation offers aesthetically pleasing results without scalpels or sutures. This technique leaves no linear scarring, making it particularly suitable for individuals who favor shorter hairstyles. With expedited recovery times and virtually imperceptible results, FUE enables patients to restore their hair and confidence with minimal interruption to their daily activities.

Achieve Naturally Fuller, Healthy Hair with FUE

You can trust your hair restoration journey with Shari Reitzen, MD, a Double-Board-Certified ENT Specialist and Facial Plastic Surgeon. Dr. Reitzen’s expertise ensures the highest level of precision and care throughout your procedure, giving you the confidence to achieve natural-looking results. With her deep understanding of facial aesthetics, Dr. Reitzen tailors each treatment to suit your unique features. Book a consultation with us today and take the first step toward restoring your hair with a trusted expert.

What is FUE?

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair transplantation technique that has gained significant popularity over the past few decades. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the extraction of individual hair follicles from a donor area, typically the back or sides of the scalp, and their transplantation to balding or thinning areas. This method contrasts with the traditional Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) technique, which involves removing a strip of scalp tissue. FUE offers numerous advantages, including reduced scarring, faster recovery times, and natural-looking results.

Advantages of FUE

Minimally Invasive: FUE does not require large incisions, resulting in less trauma and quicker recovery.
Reduced Scarring: The tiny punch incisions heal with minimal scarring, making it ideal for patients who prefer short hairstyles.
Natural Results: The ability to precisely control the placement and angle of each transplanted follicle ensures a natural appearance.
Versatility: FUE can be used to transplant hair to various body parts, including the scalp, eyebrows, and beard.

Am I a Good Candidate for FUE?

FUE is indicated for patients experiencing various forms of hair loss, including:

Androgenetic Alopecia: The most common type of hair loss in both men and women, characterized by a receding hairline and thinning crown.
Traction Alopecia: Hair loss caused by continuous pulling or tension on hair, often seen in individuals who frequently wear tight hairstyles.
Scarring Alopecia: Hair loss resulting from scarring conditions like lichen planopilaris or discoid lupus erythematosus.
Hairline Reconstruction: For patients seeking to alter or refine their hairline for aesthetic reasons.
Eyebrow and Beard Restoration: FUE can also be used to restore or enhance eyebrow and beard hair.

The FUE Procedure

A thorough preoperative scalp evaluation (donor area density, scalp laxity, and hair characteristics) is essential to determining a patient's suitability for FUE.

Preparation

On the day of the procedure, the donor area is trimmed to facilitate the extraction of follicles. Local anesthesia is administered to both the donor and recipient areas to minimize discomfort.

Follicular Unit Extraction

The extraction phase involves the following steps:

Punch Incision: A small, circular incision is made around each follicular unit using a specialized punch tool, typically ranging from 0.7 to 1.0 mm in diameter.
Extraction: The follicular units are carefully extracted from the scalp using forceps. The process is meticulous to ensure minimal trauma to the follicles.
Storage: Extracted follicles are stored in a specialized solution to maintain their viability until transplantation.

Follicular Unit Implantation

The implantation phase involves:

Site Creation: Small incisions are made in the recipient area where the follicles will be transplanted. These sites' angle, direction, and density are crucial for achieving natural-looking results.
Transplantation: The extracted follicles are carefully placed into the recipient sites. This step requires precision to ensure proper depth and alignment of the hair follicles.

Hair Transplantation Before & After

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Postoperative Care

Immediately post-surgery, there will be redness and swelling. Mild redness and swelling are common around the donor and recipient areas and typically subside within a few days. Tiny scabs may form at the graft sites and should not be picked off; they will naturally fall off within a week or two.

Activity Restrictions:

Patients should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for the first few days
Sleeping with the head elevated can help reduce swelling

Hair Care:

Avoid washing the hair for the first 48 hours
Use a gentle shampoo as instructed by the surgeon when washing hair is permitted
Pat the scalp dry with a soft towel, avoiding any rubbing or friction

Scalp Care:

Apply any prescribed topical treatments to the scalp as directed
Avoid scratching or picking at the scalp to prevent dislodging grafts

First Few Weeks

Transplanted hair may shed within the first few weeks, known as “shock loss,” which is a normal part of the process. New hair growth typically begins within 3-4 months. Initially, the hair may appear fine and thin but will thicken over time.

Long-Term Care

The transplanted hair will blend seamlessly with the existing hair, providing a natural look. The full results of the procedure can take 12-18 months to be visible. Patience is key as the hair gradually grows and matures.

Ongoing Hair Care:

Continue using gentle hair care products
Protect the scalp from excessive sun exposure
Follow any long-term medication or treatment plans recommended by the surgeon, such as minoxidil or finasteride, to support hair growth

Complications and Management

While FUE is generally safe, potential complications include:

Folliculitis: Inflammation of the hair follicles, which can be managed with topical or oral antibiotics.
Cysts: Formation of cysts in the donor or recipient areas, often due to trapped grafts, which may require drainage.
Shock Loss: Temporary loss of transplanted or existing hair, which typically resolves over time.

Why Choose Shari Reitzen, MD, for FUE in the Upper East Side?

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) represents a significant advancement in hair restoration techniques. Its minimally invasive nature, reduced scarring, and ability to produce natural-looking results have made it a preferred choice for both patients and surgeons. While it has its limitations and potential complications, ongoing advancements in technology and technique continue to enhance its efficacy and outcomes.

Dr. Shari Reitzen, a Double-Board-Certified ENT Specialist and Facial Plastic Surgeon brings unmatched expertise and precision to FUE hair restoration. Patients in the Upper East Side choose Dr. Reitzen for her meticulous attention to detail, personalized care, and producing superior, natural-looking results.

Schedule a visit today to experience the difference.