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Procedure

Hair transplant - FUE

Table of contents:

What does FUE mean?

FUE is the abbreviation for the English term Follicular Unit Extraction or for follicular unit extraction. The individual hair follicles are removed one by one, from different locations on the scalp and transplanted to the problem areas. This video explains all the steps in a nutshell:

After 8 to 12 months you will start to see the first results of hair growth:

This is the result, 11 months after a FUE hair transplant.
This is the result, 10 months after a FUE hair transplant.

With this method, the donor area is shaved, allowing the grafts to be harvested faster and more efficiently. Baby hairs are also trimmed short.

Usually the FUE method is used in the following cases:

  • FUE (with shaving): especially for large areas (more than 1500 grafts)
  • If you have slightly thinner hair.
  • When you want a very natural looking result.
  • We no longer use the FUT technique (Follical Unit Transplantation), this is an outdated technique. This will leave you with a large scar.
Possible areas that can be treated.

How does a hair transplant work using the FUE method?

Your head will be prepared before the start of your treatment. Markings are applied, usually the back of the head is shaved and then the donor area is anesthetized.

When will I see the results of a hair transplant?

A hair technician marks the desired receiving area for the hair transplant.
Step 1: Determining the hairline and defining the treatment areas

Based on your feedback, the hair technician will apply the necessary contours and markings to your scalp with a marker.

Step 2: Removal of the grafts

After preparing and locally anesthetizing the donor area, the “harvesting” of the grafts begins. During this phase, you will lie on your stomach and the technician will use a 0,3 mm micro drill to harvest the grafts one by one. This takes approximately two hours, depending on the number of grafts that can or need to be harvested. The removed grafts are checked and prepared for implantation.

Hair technicians at work. They remove the grafts at the back of the head with a micro drill and tweezers.
Step 3: Opening the incision channels

During this phase you lie on your back. This time the recipient area is locally anesthetized. In this zone we will make incisions in the direction of hair growth.

A hair technician opens the channels around the hairline in the receiving area.
Step 4: Implanting the grafts

The grafts are implanted back into the incisions one by one.

After 2 days:
Grafts are implanted into the canals one by one.
  • You must visit the clinic for the first washing and aftercare. The bandage is gently removed and your hair and scalp are washed with water and a mild shampoo.
  • Avoid strong shower jets, but let the water drip gently over your head. Gently pat dry (do not rub).
  • Avoid physical exertion or exercise during the first week because your body needs time to recover. This limits the risk of injury or bleeding. 
  • During healing, some small scabs may form and you may experience some minor swelling in transplanted areas. If scabs form, they usually disappear within 7 days. 
Step 5: Aftercare

After the hair transplant, your scalp is treated and bandaged. In addition, our hair technicians will provide you with useful instructions on how to care for your scalp in the coming days. After a few days you can wash your hair gently.

After about 3 weeks:
It's a wrap! After the hair transplant, a bandage will be applied to protect your scalp in the following days.

Advantages of the FUE method

  • This method works faster than DHI.
  • This method is slightly cheaper than DHI due to a lower material cost.
  • Permanent result
  • Barely any scars visible
  • The donor area remains unchanged
  • Very natural result
  • A minimum of sensitivity during and after the procedure
  • Maximum grafts can be removed
  • No stitches required
  • Ideal for treating small areas, areas with little hair density or scars.

Possible side effects and disadvantages

  • Your head may feel tender and slightly swollen after the treatment.
  • in very rare cases infection may occur. That is why we give antibiotics both before and after the treatment as a precaution.
  • In rare cases, shock loss can occur, causing the hair to fall out temporarily. This is because the scalp has been under stress during the treatment.
  • For large areas it is a lengthy process.
  • More bleeding possible because incisions need to be made in the recipient area.
  • Slightly more scarring possible compared to the DHI method.
  • The quality of the grafts can decrease due to the use of the micro drill and because it takes longer for them to be reimplanted.
Before and after treatment, photos are taken to document progress and results.

Who is not a suitable candidate for a hair transplant with the FUE method?

The FUE method is less suitable for people with very curly hair, thin hair or frizzy hair. These brittle hairs are easily damaged during the process.

Who is dealing with the following matters:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Blood thinners
  • Diabetes