FUE hair transplant

 

 

 

 

Hair transplant surgery offers an effective solution for many people suffering from hair loss.

There are two main methods of hair transplant: Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).

Of the two, FUE has gained a lot of attention recently, but there are some misconceptions about it.

In this column, we'll take a deeper dive into the key questions about FUE.

 

 

 

Does FUE have a lower engraftment rate than FUT?

The grafting rate of FUE hair transplant is highly dependent on the skill of the surgeon performing the procedure and the patient's personal condition.

Traditional FUT methods involve making a skin incision in the hair-rich occipital region to harvest hair follicles, which has the advantage of harvesting many follicles at once and hence, yielding a high engraftment rate.

However, there is a misconception that FUE methods have a lower engraftment rate than FUT methods because each follicle is harvested individually.

 

In fact, FUE grafting rates have steadily improved with advances in technology, and recent studies have shown that when performed by a skilled practitioner, FUE grafting rates can remain very high.

For example, a study published in 2021 reported an average engraftment rate of over 92% for FUE methods, which is not behind that of FUT methods.

However, non-invasive methods are absolutely dependent on the skill of the surgeon, so be sure to choose a surgeon who can give you the best results.



 

 

Is the FUE method more likely to damage follicles?

In the FUE method, the hair follicles are harvested individually using a punch tool.

This is a very precise operation, and there is a risk that the follicles may be damaged in the process.

However, with advances in technology, this risk has been greatly reduced.

When performed by a skilled doctor using a high-resolution microscope and precision tools, the rate of follicle damage can be minimized.

 

For example, modern FUE techniques use a fine punch of no more than 0.9mm to 1.0mm to harvest the hair follicles, which minimizes damage to the tissue around the follicles.

In addition, the follicles are stored in a long-term preservation solution after harvesting and then planted in the transplant site, which can increase the survival rate of the follicles.

Thanks to these technological advancements, the misconception that FUE methods have a higher rate of follicular damage is fading away.

 

 

 

Does the FUE method leave the back of the head looking empty after surgery?

One concern with the FUE method is that when a large amount of hair is harvested, the harvested area may appear temporarily empty.

While this may be true if a concentrated amount of hair is harvested from one area, this is not usually the case.

The FUE method harvests hair evenly over a large area, which prevents the harvested area from appearing empty.

 

After harvesting, the hair in the surrounding area will grow back and fill in the gaps naturally.

In the weeks following surgery, hair will grow back and the harvested area will gradually regain its natural appearance.

Therefore, experienced doctors use careful planning and careful harvesting methods to minimize these issues.

 

 

 

Is it hard to create the direction of the follicles with the FUE method?

 

Because each hair follicle is harvested and transplanted individually, it is important to know the exact orientation and angle of the follicle before transplanting.

If the follicles are orientated incorrectly, the transplanted hair may grow unnaturally or at an odd angle.

However, a skilled surgeon will maintain the natural orientation of the hair follicles when harvesting them and will take into account the natural direction of hair growth during transplant.

A specialist who uses a high-resolution microscope and understands the direction of hair growth and the characteristics of the scalp can accurately orientate the hair follicles to achieve results that maintain a natural hairline and density.

 

 

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of FUE methods?

FUE hair transplant has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

 

One of the biggest advantages is that no incisions are made, so no large scars are left behind, which can be a big plus, especially for patients who prefer a shorter hairstyle.

Recovery time is also shorter, less painful, and a quicker return to normal activities than with incisional methods.

 

However, the disadvantages of the FUE method are that it takes longer and can be more expensive than the FUT method.

Also, if you need to transplant a large amount of hair, the FUE method alone may not be suitable.

Therefore, it is important to choose the right method for your situation and goals.

 

 

 

Conclusion

FUE hair transplant has a number of advantages and disadvantages compared to the FUT method, and the suitability of each method will depend on the patient's condition and goals.

FUE grafting rates, follicle damage rates, whether the back of the head looks empty after surgery, and follicle orientation issues are all variables that can vary depending on the surgeon's skill and advancements in technology.

 

Patients considering hair transplant surgery should have a thorough consultation with a specialist to determine which method is best for them.

An optimal treatment plan that takes into account the individual's scalp condition, hair loss progression, and hair characteristics is key to achieving a successful outcome.

Ultimately, choosing the best hair transplant method for each patient's situation is crucial to achieving a successful outcome.