Follicular unit transplant, sometimes known as follicular transfer is a method to obtain hair follicles that belong to various hair groups, to be used to be used for hair transplants. It involves the removal of hairs from one area of the head and transferring hairs to the scalp. Hairs from one area are removed , and the rest of the hairs on the head remain. Follicular units, also known as FUE, are hairs that come from the opposite part of scalp. Strip harvesting, on the other hand, is the process of removing hairs from the scalp and the surrounding areas and keeping them in place.
In the typical FUE procedure the surgeon makes an incision on the hairline, from one temple to the next across the hairline. After the incision is made, the surgeon removes a strip of skin that is found in between scalp hair and the dermis. The strip is then folded back, secured to a tiny piece of elastic, and then taken for the visit to the hospital. The strip is separated gently and hair follicular units are taken out of these tiny openings.
The procedure for transplantation of follicular units is based on several factors that include the general health and age that the person is in, as well as the health of the donor region and the degree of the hair loss condition. After the strip is removed and the scalp is covered in a dressing , and antibiotics are given to the whole patient. A tiny hole is left , which allows fresh blood to flow into the scalp. The donor area is thoroughly cleaned to prevent infection, and the procedure can commence.
There are instances where the follicle unit transplanted is not able to grow hairs in the areas you want. In these instances the doctor might opt for follicular unit or cutting off to the skin on the subject. This would require another dose of antibiotics in order to kill any bacteria, as well as a local anesthetic to perform the procedure and the last thinning and fading of the wound.
Following the procedure the scalp can feel uncomfortably. It is possible to experience a temporary reduction in the amount of hairs that grow in the area however, they will return to normal within one week. In all cases it is recommended that you visit a doctor is required to be examined as the wound could result in infection.
When you’ve successfully completed your restoration process there may be minor discomfort. But, when you begin to see your hair grow back, it will disappear completely. Additionally, the outcomes may differ from person to person. This is due to variations in body type skin color, hair type and loss pattern.
The next stage of the healing process is the application of a dressing. It is usually made of cotton and designed to cover the scalp that has been harvested. It is also necessary to rest frequently (blood suction) to eliminate any blood that is not needed and medications is prescribed to prevent infections. Additionally, the harvesting procedure itself is performed under anesthesia, and you are not able to operate a vehicle or other device during this time.
The last stage is the process of healing. The scalp is covered with an appropriate dressing. The dressing helps protect the scalp and reduce the loss of hair. Following the procedure, you can enjoy longer-term relief from receding hairlines as well as other visible marks.
A hair transplantation procedure does not happen overnight. It starts by harvesting hair follicular units. The harvesting process takes place while the follicles still grow and haven’t fallen out. After harvesting, the follicular unit is put in a plastic bag and is covered with a new dressing. The bag is designed to allow new hair to grow in the bag while the hair that was in the bag is removed.
The next stage of the procedure is actually the transplant. The scalp is covered with a thin scar, which will create the hairline. The thin scar will be visible to the naked eye and it is this invisble scar that creates the hairline.
Following the removal of the follicular unit scalp is treated with a specific antibiotic. The antibiotic is administered orally and helps maintain the development of the follicular unit which was removed from the patient’s scalp. It could take several weeks before the treatment is completed. In this period, the patient is advised to avoid any kind of treatment for hair loss. The final few days following the first visit to the clinic in which you received your transplant can also be used to prepare your hair follicles to be used in the future fue procedures.