FUE and Hair Loss: Everything You Need to Know
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is one of the many hair restoration services currently on the market. Even with so many options available, though, you’re likely hearing more about this than other methods lately. This is because new technology is constantly improving upon the already superior approach. If you’re considering FUE, though, you obviously want to know as much about the process as possible. Keep reading – we’ve got you covered.
What is FUE?
Follicular unit extraction is a form of hair restoration that includes harvesting individual hair follicles and transplanting them onto other areas of the body. When looking at the history of hair regeneration, the process is relatively new when compared to other procedures. Even with this being the case, though, it’s proven to be one of the most effective.
Strip harvesting (aka FUT or Follicular Unit Transplant) has been the traditional method of hair transplantation over the years, but the results were unpredictable, and patients were left with obvious scarring. FUE is far less invasive, and the utilized follicular units are nothing more than 1-4 strands of hair carefully removed from the donor site. This is far less damaging than removing entire sections of scalp – the process used in strip harvesting.
After the FUE procedure is complete, your hair will be fuller. While haircare professionals like Ali Alhashemi have found great ways to make your hair appear fuller, FUE actually goes the extra mile by implanting your own follicles into your scalp. Of course, not every procedure is right for everyone. If any of the following applies to you, though, FUE might be your best choice.
- Other methods fall short: There are shampoos, pills, injections and countless other hair restoration methods out there. If none of them are working for you, FUE may be your best choice.
- Hair loss is significant: Many answers to hair loss – even when successful – only prevent further hair loss. There aren’t many options that can replace hair that’s already lost. If you’ve lost a significant amount of hair, FUE could be the best method that takes you back to your former glory.
- Prior strip harvesting: If you’ve formerly had a strip harvesting procedure, you may have been unsatisfied with the results. If this is the case, FUE may be able to succeed where others have failed. Additionally, this procedure can sometimes be used to hide scarring from former strip harvest procedures.
- Healthy hair remains: FUE is successful because it takes healthy hairs and transplants them onto your balding areas. This means you’ll need some healthy hairs to start with, and these are usually taken from the side and back of the scalp.
When men want to look better and feel more confident, they buy new clothes or start daily workout routines. Unfortunately, there wasn’t always a method for looking better when losing hair. FUE has changed that.
Benefits of FUE
For most guys, simply having their hair back is reason enough to invest in FUE. If you’re one of those fellas who needs a multitude of reasons, though, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a short list of the benefits of FUE:
Quick Healing
Since FUE is the less-invasive method of hair transplantation, the recovery time is much shorter. Avoiding scalpels and sutures definitely goes a long way. Restrictions on most activities don’t last more than a few days, and full healing can take as little as a week.
Natural Look
Since FUE utilizes your own hair and doctors transplant follicular units at the same angle current hair is growing in, it’s next to impossible to recognize former hair loss. This procedure is as natural as you’re going to get in the realm of effective hair restoration.
Minimal Pain
Local anesthesia is used during the FUE process to ensure minimal pain during transplantation. And since you’re not literally having a piece of your scalp ripped off and sewn or stapled up, discomfort even after the procedure is minor. Mild analgesics can be used to manage any pain following the procedure.
Increased Donor Sites
In an ideal world, every guy would have great follicles on their scalp to transplant to their bald spots. Unfortunately, this isn’t a perfect world. A total lack of hair or even damage from strip harvesting can make it next to impossible to harvest appropriate grafts. Speak to your surgeon, though, since it may be possible to harvest grafts from your beard, abdomen or chest.
The benefits of FUE are numerable, but these are no doubt some of the most popular. If you want to learn a few additional benefits – along with countless other methods for being as manly as possible – check out our BSG Mag.
Differential Processes
While follicular unit extraction is certainly one of the most promising hair restoration methods we’ve ever seen, it’s important to realize that not all procedures are created equal. Every FUE provider will apply local anesthetic, harvest follicular units from the donor site, prepare your transplant area to receive the follicles and individually place these units into your scalp.
When it comes down to it, though, the real difference rests in the “extras.” At Barber Surgeons Guild, for instance, the day starts out with a professional haircut to ensure your transplant fits perfectly with your desired style. Afterwards, the doctors use ARTAS robotic FUE technology to ensure the best donor follicles are chosen and transplanted with the utmost precision. Keep in mind, most FUE is still done with handheld devices.
If this wasn’t enough, BSG also utilizes platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to assist in hair growth as well as regenerative medicines such as ATPv. Professional athletes utilize this technology to recover from injuries quicker, and the same reasoning applies after your procedure. PRP injections will increase blood circulation to the donor area and stimulate hair growth. This means better results and an even faster healing period.
Results of FUE
If you were to ask elite hairstylist and humanitarian Mark Bustos about finding new opportunities, he’d tell you that discovering them requires taking a risk. While we’d typically agree, it’s worth pointing out just how many new opportunities can open up after having a hair transplant. Of course, it’s important to know what to expect after the process so you’re not caught off guard.
The first thing to happen following your procedure – and typically the most surprising – is that your implanted hairs will fall out. Don’t turn on the waterworks just yet – this is completely normal. New hairs will start to grow in their place in about three months. After this point, your hair will continue to grow and thicken.
By the end of the year, you should be able to see the full results of your endeavors. The best part is that the results are permanent. You typically don’t have to undergo multiple procedures, and the BSG maintenance plan ensures your new “do” continues coming in at an awesome rate.
Get The Process Started!
Follicular unit extraction might not be the simplest hair restoration service to pronounce, but it certainly is the most effective at getting back an awesome mane of hair. It’s perfectly all right to accept thinning hair with graciousness, but a lack of effective treatment options can no longer be used as an excuse. To learn more about FUE hair restoration, specifically Robotic Assisted FUE, check out all the services at Barber Surgeons Guild!
