FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT

In the hair transplant procedure there are two primarily technique being used: FUT method (follicular unit transplantation) and FUE method (follicular unit extraction).  The FUT method involves removing a small strip of tissue from the back of your head from which follicles will be extracted. The follicles are harvested from the strip before being implanted individually to the recipient area. This technique results in a  linear scar in the back of the head.  FUE is the modern technique of hair transplantation and this method is more advanced. FUE is a method that involves  extracting individual hair follicles from a donor part of the body which is usually the back and the sides of the head. These individual follicles are then implanted in the recipient area. At  our clinics we offer different methods of FUE and we have one of the most experienced and reputable surgeons in Turkey.

FUE Hair Transplant Process 

At WorldClinica, hair transplantation candidates are carefully assessed and analyzed by our professional medical team prior to the surgery. Our surgeon will design a surgical plan for you which lays out where your new hairline will start and its shape. Your new hairline is designed to complement your features and to give you a natural and aesthetic outcome. Your preferences and wishes will also be taken into consideration. Next, the donor area is established, which is usually located on the back of the head.  It takes approximately one hour to prepare the patient. Photos of the patient are taken, and the hair is shaved prior to the procedure. Afterwards, donor site is anesthetized with local anesthetics. FUE hair transplant is a three-stage procedure which involves extraction of follicles, creation of incisions and implantation;

1. Extraction

The hair grows in natural groupings of usually one to four hairs that are called graft units. During the FUE procedure, individual follicles are being removed one by one using a tool under local anesthesia. The extraction of the follicles is performed with help of a micro surgical extraction tool that is less than one millimeter in diameter. The extractor places the tool over the hair and align with the direction of the hair growth, then insert it and creates a round incision. The graft is then being separated from the surrounding tissue and extracted directly from the scalp. It is of upmost importance to use extreme surgical precision to ensure the best possible growth. At this stage, the patient is laying on the face on a special bed and the medical team ensures that the position is comfortable. This part of the procedure takes 2 – 3 hours, depending on the number of grafts to be extracted.

2. Recipient site incisions

Small incisions are created on the recipient area using a small blade, under local anesthesia. The follicles are then placed into the pre-made incisions. The incision part is the most important stage in the success of a hair transplantation due to the fact that incisions determine the angle, direction and density of hair follicles to be implanted. Thus, extremely high precision and skills are required by the surgeon. While the surgeon is performing the incisions in the recipient area, the already extracted follicular units is placed in a storage solution to prevent damage to the follicles. This phase of the procedure takes between 40-60 minutes, in which the patient is lying on his back.

3. Implantation

Finally, the follicles are being placed carefully into the pre-made incisions. Hair follicles should be placed at the skin-hair angle of 40-45 degrees and at the right direction of natural hair growth. If the follicles are transplanted perpendicular to the scalp, it will result in an unnatural pluggy look. Moreover, it is not recommended to implant multiple follicles at the very front line, as this would create an unnatural appearance. Multiple grafts are placed in the upper and posterior regions of the head. It will take 2 – 3 hours to complete the implantation, depending on the number of grafts.

Advantages of FUE Hair Transplant

• No visible and permanent linear scar
• Faster healing time, minimal postoperative discomfort
• Larger harvesting area
• Less risks of complication
• Ideal for those who will wear short hair
• A very high number of grafts can be extracted in one session

Recovery and results

Following a FUE hair transplant, the patient can expect mild swelling in the forehead area the first few days, which usually begins on day three and will completely dissolve in a few days. The patient also develops small blood crusts at the transplanted area and these are expected to fall out completely 10 days after the procedure.

Patients are expected to resume their daily activities within 48 hours of the surgery, however strenuous activities need to be avoided for up to 4 weeks following your surgery. Shedding of the implanted hairs is to be expected within a couple of weeks after the procedure, and will then begin to re-grow after 3-4 months. The final results will typically be seen 12 months after the procedure, however by the fifth to sixth month the patient can expect to see considerable new growth. At WorldClinica we provide all patients with an after-care kit that includes necessary supplies such as shampoo, foam, neck pillow, antibacterial cream, pain-killers and antibiotics.