Follicular Unit Extraction

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What is the Follicular Unit Extraction Method?

fue hair transplant method

Follicular unit extraction is a new modification of standard follicular unit transplantation. The planting of follicular units into the recipient area is identical in both techniques and, thus, both offer transplant growth without “plugginess”.

The difference is found in the method of harvesting the hair from the donor area. Instead of excising a strip of hair, suturing the area together, and then dissecting the follicular units underneath a microscope, the follicular units in the FUE method are removed from the scalp individually, one by one. Therefore, there is no wound to be stitched and there is no need for microscopes.

The follicular units are removed by placing a 1 mm punch around a single follicular unit and cutting a small circle through the skin around that follicular unit. The follicular unit is then grasped and gently pulled away from the loose connective tissue surrounding it underneath the skin.

Once it is removed, no further preparation is necessary. It is ready for implanting. The small hole left behind is left to heal in by itself which it does over one to two weeks. This process is repeated hundreds of times until the desired number of follicular units are obtained. Rather than having a white, linear scar as with standard follicular unit transplantation, the patient is left with numerous 1 mm round white scars.

Proponents claim the advantage is less noticeable scarring and no tightness of the scalp (because no tissue has been brought together and sutured as in standard follicular unit transplantation).

Although good in theory, follicular unit extraction does have some major drawbacks. One of the greatest is that not every patient scalp is amenable to follicular unit extraction. In these patients, the follicular unit tends to tear while it is being teased out of the skin. Damaged follicular units will not grow as well, if at all. Frequently, a test procedure is recommended to check whether the patient’s follicular units remain intact during extraction.

Another major problem is that is difficult to perform large sessions. The extractions are slow and tedious. Patients desiring large sessions may have to return multiple days rather than a single day as during standard follicular unit transplantation. (unlike the DHI hair transplant technique which is performed the same day)

The capacity for long term growth is a theoretical concern. During extractions, the follicular units are gently torn from the underlying tissues. The deepest component of the connective tissue beneath the follicles tends to be absent in these grafts. Its absence could possibly lead to weakening of the follicular unit over time.

Since this is a new technique, hair transplant surgeons cannot be sure of the long term results. Finally, patients must understand that they will get scars in the donor area either way. Follicular unit extraction leads to hundreds or thousands of tiny round scars in the back of the scalp. Whether that is preferable to a linear scar is debatable.

This would particularly affect:

  • Patients with limited donor material remaining due to tightness of the scalp,
  • Patients who tend to heal with wide scars after suturing,
  • Patients with loss of eyebrow or moustache hair that require follicular units of a particular size,
  • Patients in the military who must keep their hair in the donor area very short.

Conclusion

It is our opinion that standard follicular unit transplantation used to be useful, however the DHI technique and the FUE technique are far superior with a similar cost, so in essence, patients are getting better treatment, better results for the same price.

Patient Testimonials

Aside from achieving fantastic results, we believe that keeping in touch with our patients before, during and after their hair transplantation procedure is paramount – it helps to keep our patients feeling calm and in control. We’re always on hand to provide guidance, support and aftercare advice. Time and again, our patients tell us that this is what sets us apart from other clinics.

You can read our great reviews of FUE hair transplants over on Google and TrustPilot

Ryan A
Ryan A
04/10/2023
My experience so far has been very good. The staff were professional and friendly and put me at ease. The day went really smoothly - after the injections the whole procedure was pain free. Would recommend this practice.
Abbigayle Pace
Abbigayle Pace
29/09/2023
I would like to thank James who has been amazing leading up to my surgery always answering my queries and getting back to me straight away. The day of the surgery the girls were so lovely and nice and made me feel very comfortable before and during the surgery. I am currently 5 weeks post off and so far everything going well thank you Harley street
Jammiedodger 62
Jammiedodger 62
26/05/2023
I had my hair transplant in April and can honestly say the experience was the most pleasant. Everyone was professional and went to their utmost to make me feel comfortable and relaxed especially when they could tell how nervous I was. The skill of my surgeon and accompanying medical was without question the best. I healed quickly and near pain free due to their recommendation and knowledge. I would recommend harley Street to anyone considering a hair transplant and also to just arrange a call even if you're unsure as they will answer all your questions clearly and highly informative.

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