FUE Hair Transplantation

Follicular hair extraction (FUE) technique, also known as FUSE (Follicular Unit Separation Extraction) or Wood’s method is the latest and fast becoming, the most popular method of hair transplantation. In this method, the follicular units (hair roots) are extracted as individual units and then transplanted, the advantage being minimal or no visible scarring in the donor area. As the hair follicle is narrowest at the surface, one needs to use small micropunches, 0.6- 1.0 mm, causing minimal injury to the skin of the scalp and therefore no scarring. On the day of the surgery, the hair in the donor area at the back of the head is trimmed to about 1 to 2 mm length. The planned area in which the hair roots are to be transplanted is marked with a marker pen. The patient lies with the face down on the operating table. The scalp is cleaned and a local anaesthetic is applied to it. Your surgeon may choose to give you oral or intravenous antibiotics before and for a few days after the procedure. Once the local anaesthetic has taken effect, the surgeon takes out grafts from the donor area using fine micropunches. The grafts are stored in saline solution and then grafted in the planned area.

You can go home the same day

You may have mild pain and itching for a few days which can be easily controlled with pain killers and antihistamines.
Mild swelling and scab formation on the scalp with improve slowly.
Wear a soft cap (discuss with surgeon) for about a week and protect your scalp from the sun and dust. Do not wear any hard caps or hats till discussed with your surgeon.
Spray your scalp with a gentle antiseptic solution and water for two weeks after the surgery. This will help get rid of the scabs and keep the area clean. Can shampoo normally after that, but do not rub the area with hand or towel.
Take the antibiotics if prescribed.
Sleep with the head elevated on pillows for one week to help reduce the swelling.
Do not do any strenuous exercise for about two weeks.
Avoid alcohol for two weeks as it delays the healing.

Advantages of FUE method

No stitch technique and atraumatic procedure, so no scarring in the donor area.
So you can keep your hair short if preferred.
Quick post-operative recovery.

It is important to get this procedure by a well trained team under the supervision of a trained cosmetic surgeon. A sterile technique should be used to avoid infection.

FUE Hair Transplantation