FUE – Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant
Undetectable results, minimal scarring and discomfort
The advancements in hair restoration over the past 25 years have been remarkable. Today, we have reliable and effective medical treatments capable of stopping or reversing hair loss in numerous cases. Moreover, contemporary hair transplant techniques have progressed to such an extent that, when expertly executed by the skilled team at Follicle HT Clinic, the outcomes can be both impressive and seamlessly natural.
In a follicular unit transplant, the hair utilized is your own, which means it will grow just as your natural hair does, allowing for regular washing, brushing, trimming, dyeing, and styling as with any other hair. Under microscopic examination, it’s observed that hair grows in natural clusters, typically comprising one to four hairs, known as follicular units (FUs). By exclusively employing single follicular unit grafts, Follicle HT ensures results that not only appear entirely natural but are also generally lasting.
Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE, is a minimally invasive technique for harvesting hair follicles from the safe donor areas at the back and sides of the scalp. We can safely extract thousands of follicles with extremely low transection rates using state-of-the-art technology, including specialized hybrid punches measuring less than 1mm in diameter. For most patients, FUE hair transplant is associated with minimal discomfort and downtime, yielding natural and virtually undetectable results.
Ideal candidate for an FUE hair transplant
The ideal moment to contemplate a hair transplant is when you observe your reflection in the mirror or a photograph and realize that the hairline you see doesn’t align with how you feel or the image you desire to present to others. Individuals, regardless of gender, experiencing noticeable hair loss, maintaining good overall health, and without underlying medical conditions warranting further evaluation or treatment are suitable candidates for hair transplantation.
While FUE surgery does leave tiny scars in the donor area, at Follicle HT Toronto, approximately 80% of our male patients prefer FUE hair transplant in Toronto because it is minimally invasive and does not leave a linear scar. This generally allows one to cut the hair at the back and sides of the scalp short or even shave without issues of donor scar visibility.
How it works
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) refers to a technique of harvesting donor follicles from the back and sides of the scalp for transplantation to the hairline and other areas. With the FUE technique, follicles are removed one by one using a small punch. The donor sites are so small that they do not require stitches, but rather heal over on their own within a few days.
At Follicle HT, we do not use automated or robotic extraction systems. Our surgeons and highly experienced expert team extract each and every follicle by hand for maximum precision. Once the follicular units have been harvested, we utilize microsurgical instrumentation and high magnification to place the grafts into the hairline and the areas of the scalp or face that are bald or thinning.
Donor area preparation
Upon entering the procedure room, trimming and preparation of the donor area at the back and sides of the scalp will begin. Only a narrow strip of hair is trimmed for individuals undergoing an FUT procedure, while those opting for an FUE hair transplant procedure will have a larger area prepared.
Anesthesia
Following that, you will be placed face down on a table resembling a massage bed, where local anesthesia will be administered. Hair transplantation procedures are conducted under local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia; hence, intravenous administration is seldom necessary for our patients. While this phase of the procedure may cause some discomfort, most patients find it to be minor.
Harvesting the grafts
Once the scalp is fully anesthetized, the surgeon and their team proceed with the meticulous process of graft harvesting. This intricate procedure is conducted under magnification to ensure the precise selection and extraction of each delicate hair follicle. For individuals undergoing a FUT procedure, the donor area is attentively sutured using our “trichophytic” technique, which promotes hair growth directly through the scar, minimizing its visibility. In the case of an FUE procedure, stitches are unnecessary as the donor sites are less than one millimetre in diameter and will naturally heal within a few days.
Recipient site creation
After the grafts have been harvested and our team begins preparing them for implantation, the doctor will administer local anesthesia to the recipient areas where the follicles are transplanted. This may cause a few minutes of minor discomfort. Following this step, your surgeon will craft the recipient sites and determine your new hairline. This is the stage where the artistic aspect of the procedure unfolds, showcasing the surgeon’s expertise and experience. We replicate the natural angle of hair growth to achieve seamless, natural results.
Recipient site creation tool
There are number of different instruments to create a recipient site to receive the follicle unit transplants. One of them is to use 20 gage hypodermic needle, that creates 0.9mm recipient site, which is ideal for the single follicle unit grafts previously harvested.
Implanting the follicular units
Following the establishment of the hairline, the team dedicates several hours to the precise implantation of individual follicular units into the recipient sites meticulously crafted by the surgeon. At Follicle HT, we employ a blend of pre-made sites and “stick and place” methods, enabling us to achieve maximal precision, refine details, and make micro-adjustments throughout the process, thus ensuring a completely natural outcome.
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Benefits of FUE hair transplantation
Enjoy a permanent solution to your hair loss problem
When performing FUE surgery, we select follicles from the “permanent donor area” at the back and sides of the scalp. This means that the transplanted hairs are expected to grow as they did in their original location for the rest of your life. For most male patients, the results of FUE hair transplantation are permanent.
Minimal Downtime
The FUE procedure is minimally invasive with no linear scar at the back of the scalp and no need for sutures. The donor sites are less than 1mm and generally heal over within 2-3 days with minimal discomfort.
No Linear Scar
FUE surgery is sometimes marketed as a “no cut” or “no scalpel technique” which in our opinion is potentially misleading to patients. While it is true that FUE does not involve a long, linear incision and does not require stitches, it does leave very tiny scars that in some patients, can be visible if the hair is cut very short or shaved. In most patients however, the hair in the donor area can generally be cut to a fade, or even shaved with little or no visible scarring.
Improved Appearance and Self-Confidence
The goal of FUE surgery is a completely natural and undetectable result that restores not just your hairline, but your self-confidence. The transplanted hair is your own, and can be washed, cut and styled however you wish. You can swim and play sports and face the world with your old confidence.
Scar Revision and Optimization
At Follicle HT Toronto, our hair transplant physicians are board-certified in head and neck and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. They are trained and experienced in the most advanced techniques for scar reconstruction, revision and camouflage. FUE hair transplants can be used to correct scarring of the scalp, eyebrows and moustache and beard areas and can be used to correct scarring caused by previous FUT strip surgery procedures.
In our hands, FUT strip surgery performed using trichophytic techniques generally results in a fine-line scar that is only 1-2 mm thick and is often virtually undetectable. In some cases, particularly among patients who have undergone multiple strip surgery procedures elsewhere, donor scar visibility can be an issue. At Follicle HT, we can utilize FUE techniques to transplant directly into old FUT scars in order to camouflage and conceal them. Other techniques that can be used to improve old scars may include re-excision and closure or scalp micropigmentation.
FUE Recovery Timeline
Day 1
Upon leaving the clinic, a gentle gauze dressing will cover the donor area. No dressing is applied directly to the grafts; however, you’ll be instructed to maintain cleanliness and moisture in the recipient area using a gentle spray bottle. Minor swelling and discomfort may occur, and you’ll receive comprehensive instructions to manage these symptoms.
Day 2
The dressing covering the donor area will be taken off. You might experience continued mild discomfort, swelling, and redness, which can be alleviated using the medications provided. You can return to non-physical work and resume your usual low-impact daily activities.
Day 3 to 5
You might observe the swelling reaching its peak at this point. Some patients may experience swelling extending to the eyelids and cheeks, resulting in a puffy appearance. However, this occurrence is normal and consistently resolves within a few days. You can begin gently washing your hair as instructed.
Day 5 to 6
The swelling will diminish, leaving only slight discomfort. Top of Form
Day 7 to 10
You can begin washing your hair as usual, gently massaging the grafts with your fingers to help remove any remaining scabs and resume light exercise.
Day 14-21
Any remaining scabs and crusts will have disappeared completely. While most of the donor hairs may have shed along with the scabs, the follicles remain present and dormant on the scalp. You can gradually reintroduce more rigorous exercise and resume swimming.
Months 3-6
You will begin to notice the gradual growth of the transplanted hairs. Patience is key!
Month 12-18
You will witness the complete impact of your hair transplant procedure.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
We encourage you to arrange an in-person or virtual consultation with one of our surgeons. This way, we can tailor a hair restoration treatment plan for you.
Results
The transplanted hair follicles typically initiate growth within approximately 2-3 months. Some of our patients opt for medical treatments such as topical minoxidil (Rogaine) or injections to stimulate graft growth and prevent further loss of surrounding non-transplanted hair over time. Most patients observe a significant improvement within 4-6 months, while the complete effect of the transplant procedure may take 12-18 months to manifest fully. It’s important to note that the transplanted hair is your own and will continue to grow indefinitely. You can freely cut, style, use products, swim, and participate in sports and other activities as usual.
28 year old man who had 2100 follicular units by FUE. The results are about 3-4 months post-op.
38-year-old male shown following placement of approximately 3700 Follicular unit in two sessions.
32-year-old man shown approximately one year following 1800 follicular units obtained via FUT.
FAQ
How painful is FUE hair transplant surgery?
We utilize local anesthesia to conduct hair transplantation procedures in a comfortable, fully accredited outpatient clinic. Our techniques typically result in minimal discomfort, eliminating the need for general anesthesia. To further reduce any discomfort, patients are provided with oral pain medication and light sedatives. We employ advanced techniques for administering local anesthesia, resulting in most patients experiencing only minimal pain. During the procedure, patients often listen to music or podcasts, watch Netflix, or simply relax.
How much time does FUE hair transplantation surgery take to complete?
An FUE hair transplant usually takes approximately 4 to 10 hours to finish, depending on the number of grafts needed. For instance, a session involving 2000-2500 follicular units may take up to 10 hours. While it is a lengthy procedure, all our patients find it comfortable and calming. Throughout the day, patients typically enjoy listening to music or podcasts, watching Netflix or movies, or simply unwinding. We offer lunch, snacks, and ample breaks to ensure a comfortable experience.
Is FUE hair transplant permanent?
In males, hair follicles are harvested from the permanent or “safe” zones located at the back and sides of the scalp, ensuring that transplant results are typically permanent. In females, results are also enduring or permanent, although the donor area may be less reliable compared to that in males. Over time, non-transplanted hair may be lost in the surrounding areas. Therefore, some patients may opt for a second procedure to address progressive hair loss in the transplant region.
What is the downtime after an FUE hair transplant?
We typically advise taking at least 2-3 days off, although many patients can handle phone calls, emails, and computer tasks on the first day after the procedure. Some individuals even manage business calls or work on their laptops or phones during the procedure! Usually, within about a week, any swelling and redness subside, rendering the transplant virtually undetectable. Light exercise and other activities can be resumed within 5-7 days, while we suggest refraining from strenuous exercise and swimming for 2-3 weeks.
What is the cost of FUE hair transplant?
The overall cost of an FUE session varies based on several factors, such as the number of follicles to be transplanted, any prior procedures, and the characteristics of both the donor and recipient sites. Follicle HT does not charge per graft, unlike some large commercial clinic chains. Instead, we encourage individuals to consider the procedure comprehensively, focusing on the desired outcome. Additionally, Follicle HT offers assistance to patients seeking financing options.
Why choose Follicle HT for your hair transplant procedure?
Ultimately, the decision of where to undergo your hair transplant procedure is a personal one. At Follicle HT, our goal is to ensure complete patient satisfaction. We achieve this by delivering state-of-the-art follicular unit hair transplant surgery in a comfortable, fully accredited surgical facility, adhering to the highest standards of comfort and safety.
Dr. Korman and Dr. Solomon aim to attain exceptional results for their patients. They will assist you in determining the most suitable techniques to achieve the optimal balance of coverage, density, and natural appearance for your hair transplant. Our doctors will personally oversee every aspect of your journey, from the initial consultation to the procedure itself.
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Our Hair Loss Self Evaluation tool can help you decide if a hair transplant is the right procedure for you.
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At Follicle HT, our philosophy is that modern hair transplantation is a freedom granting procedure. We strive to help all our patients look and feel their very best by having the full range of options available.
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