What is the FUE technique?
The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique is a type of hair transplantation that involves the direct harvesting of individual follicular units that may contain between one and four hair follicles. It is therefore a non-invasive technique.
Why is it performed?
The FUE technique, in most cases, is performed in cases of alopecia or excessive hair loss that affects both men and women. It is called alopecia when more than one hundred hairs are lost per day. On the other hand, the FUE technique was born as a result of the dissatisfaction of patients due to the obvious scar inherited from hair transplantation with the FUE method (Follicular Unit Transplantation).
What does it consist of?
The FUE technique is performed with a hollow cylindrical punch with a diameter of approximately 0.8 mm, called a “punch”, which extracts the follicle from the donor areas, usually on the back and side of the head, by connecting it to a suction motor that suctions it. The follicle can be extracted manually or by machine, depending on the surgeon. Subsequently, after applying anesthesia, incisions are made in the receiving area. Finally, during the grafting phase, the area undergoing autotransplantation is constantly cleaned and moistened with a special solution to promote follicle insertion. This is a real surgery that is usually completed in two days, with daily sessions lasting 7 to 8 hours, with a maximum of 1,500 follicular extractions per day.
How to prepare for the procedure?
Before the procedure, a specific protocol is followed. Photographs are taken of specific parts of the head, which will serve as testimony of the change. It is also required to shave the scalp in both the donor and recipient areas and to locally anesthetize the patient.
What to do after the operation?
After the surgery, the physician will perform the necessary checks to ensure that the transplant has been carried out optimally and satisfactorily and, once completed, the treated area will be washed. For one week, the patient will have to wash his hair with a special shampoo prescribed by the dermatologist. During the following two weeks he/she will not be able to play sports and for approximately two months he/she will not be able to do any kind of activity in the water. The scars, generally not very evident, are small and multiple, corresponding to each individual specimen.