Follicular Unit Extraction is the method of hair transplantation where, instead of taking out a piece of skin with all of its hair, individual grafts are harvested one by one from a larger area in the scalp donor. This avoids a large visible scar, which is why it is the most popular method of hair transplant worldwide.
Who is eligible for follicular unit extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant?
FUE hair transplant is ideal for people who have smaller bald areas on their head. Typically in one session, around 2500-3000 grafts can be safely harvested from the scalp. If more than this is taken, the scalp donor area can start appearing empty. Remember that in FUE, the density of the scalp donor area is reducing. Which is why it is important not to overdo the harvest.
For individuals who need a large number of grafts, a combination of FUT and FUE would give the required grafts from the scalp donor area.
What if I need a larger number of grafts but don’t want the scar of FUT surgery in Bangalore?
In this case, FUE can be done from the beard and chest. In such cases around 5000-6000 grafts can be taken in total. However it is important to remember that beard and chest grafts are inferior to scalp grafts.
How is FUE hair transplant done?
- The doctor anesthetizes the scalp.
- The doctor uses a micro-punch tool to extract individual follicular units from the donor area. These holes are 0.8-0.9 mm in diameter and heal with pinprick scars.
- The doctor drills minuscule holes on your scalp, where the hair loss has occurred and inserts the follicular graft units.
- A disinfecting solution is gently applied to your scalp.
Is there any suturing needed in FUE hair transplant?
As the holes made are very small, no suturing is necessary.
Is the Follicle Extraction Hair Transplant method scarless?
While no surgery can ever be truly scarless, that name has been used for this technique because the scalp heals so well and these tiny dots are scattered over the scalp and are not seen even when the hair is very short. Hence, there is no noticeable scar.
What is the transection rate?
In Fue as the grafts are being removed one by one, it is important to know the direction and angle of the hair. It is also important to use a proper instrument so that the graft is not damaged while removing. When the graft is damaged it is called transection. Worldwide, the transection rate in FUE ranges from 5-10%. At the Venkat Center in Bangalore, we are proud to have a transection rate of just 1-2%. Transected grafts are never implanted. Only viable grafts are implanted.
What is the difference between FUE and DHT and DHI?
They are essentially the same. The underlying method of transplantation involves harvesting the grafts one by one without a large scar. Various marketing names have been given to this surgery.
Will my donor site become thin by this method?
If done improperly, then YES. It is important to remember that, if more than 1 in 4 hairs are harvested from the donor area, then it can start to appear thin. This means that since there are 12,000 grafts in the permanent donor area, the maximum that can be harvested by FUE is 3,000. Also, these grafts should be spread properly with normal hair in between. If grafts are taken next to each other, then patchy scarring can occur which looks worse than a FUT scar. It should be remembered that dots look whitish and hence, will be visible if too many units are extracted.
This is a mistake often made by inexperienced or overenthusiastic surgeons. It is important to get your surgery done by an experienced professional.
Advantages of FUE Hair Transplant
- It is almost painless, as the holes heal within a day.
- There is no suture used, and hence less after care.
- There is no linear scar. The scars heal with pinprick dots, and hence even a very short hairstyle can be maintained.
Disadvantages of FUE Hair Transplant
- The donor area has to be trimmed to be able to perform this procedure.
- It is more time-consuming than FUT.
- The damage rate can be higher than in FUT.
- Overharvesting can cause a bad donor area. For larger graft requirements combining FUT and FUE is a better option.
How much does a FUE procedure cost?
The cost of FUE procedure varies depending on several factors, including:
- The number of grafts required.
- The experience and expertise of the surgeon.
- The location where you are getting it done.
You can visit our hair transplant cost calculator to determine how many grafts you would need.
FUE hair transplant at Venkat Center, Bangalore
At Venkat center, what we do differently is, that we ensure the harvested grafts do not spend too much time outside the body. It is our aim to implant the grafts within 30 minutes of harvest. We achieve this by,
- Having an effective harvest
- Sorting grafts quickly
- Harvesting small batches at a time.
- Simultaneous harvest and implanting
Ready to take the first step towards a rejuvenated and confident appearance?
Venkat Center for Skin ENT and Plastic Surgery offers the revolutionary Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant method to restore your hair with precision and natural-looking results. Unlike traditional hair transplantation techniques, FUE involves the meticulous extraction of individual hair grafts from a larger donor area rather than removing a strip of skin with hair follicles.
At Venkat Center, we understand the impact that hair loss can have on your self-confidence and overall well-being. That’s why we offer the expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to perform FUE hair transplant procedures, providing you with a personalized solution to address your specific hair restoration needs.
Conclusion
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a highly advanced technique of hair transplantation that provides natural-looking results. It’s suitable for people who have small bald areas on their heads. However, it’s important to consult a doctor to determine if you are eligible for this procedure. The cost of this procedure varies depending on several factors, including the number of grafts required and the experience and expertise of the surgeon.
About The Doctor
Dr. Aniketh Venkataram was trained in hair transplantation by Dr. Venkataram himself. He is an expert in FUE with a very low transection rate. He has contributed chapters to Dr. Venkataram’s books as well as presented numerous talks on the subject.
Dr.Aniketh has also written a revolutionary article on Understanding the role of torque and RPM in Fue hair transplantThis article, for the first time, outlines the physics involved in harvesting hair transplant grafts, and helps surgeons achieve an effective transplant without causing hair transection.
