The Complete Guide: FUE Hair Transplant

The FUE procedure's duration depends on the number of grafts needed. Typically, it can take between 4 to 10 hours. If the procedure involves transplanting more than 2,500 grafts, known as a mega-session, it may be scheduled over two days. The length also varies if a non-shaving method is used, which can be more time-consuming.

Common complications include swelling, bruising, itching, and pain. Risks also involve bleeding, numbness of the scalp, and "shock loss," which is a temporary loss of hair post-surgery. Managing "shock loss" effectively often involves resuming or starting prescription medication for about six months after the surgery.

Initially, the transplanted hair may appear like stubble. The new hairs grow gradually for 2 to 3 weeks before entering a resting phase, during which most of the hair shafts fall out. The hair will then start growing normally after about 2 to 3 months, entering the active growth phase.

At 8 to 10 months, the hair will be at its longest and thickest as the hair follicles reach maturity. The final results of hair transplant surgery are typically seen around one year after the procedure, though it can take up to 18 months.

After the FUE procedure, patients should wash their hair twice a day for the first 4 days. Sleeping in a semi-sitting position at a 45-degree angle is recommended to minimize swelling. A neck pillow is provided to prevent accidental movement of the grafts during sleep. Normal daily activities can be resumed after the 4th day ,but strenuous exercise should be avoided for a full week following the transplant.

A hair restoration procedure is designed to be a long-lasting solution. While the transplanted hair follicles may thin over time as you age, they are likely to continue producing some hair for the rest of your life. If further thinning occurs, your hairline won't recede in the same pattern as your natural hair loss did before the transplant. Types of hair transplants:

1. Follicular Unit Transplantation (Traditional FUT): A strip of scalp is removed, and hair follicles are transplanted to balding areas. It provides more grafts in one session but leaves a linear scar.
2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Individual follicles are extracted and implanted, leaving minimal scarring and allowing faster recovery but can be time-consuming.
3. Direct Hair Implantation (DHI): Hair follicles are extracted and immediately implanted using a Choi Pen, offering precise placement but at a higher cost.
4. Robotic Hair Transplant (ARTAS): A robot assists with FUE, improving precision and consistency, though it’s more expensive and less widely available.
5. Body Hair Transplant (BHT): Hair is taken from other parts of the body when scalp donor hair is limited, though texture may differ.
6. Scalp Reduction: A section of bald scalp is removed, and the remaining skin is stretched to cover the area, but this invasive method is rarely used today.

FUE provides benefits like minimal scarring, faster recovery, and precise graft placement. On the other hand, FUT can yield a higher number of grafts in a single session and may be more cost-effective for extensive hair restoration, but it does result in a linear scar.

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a type of hair transplant that involves taking individual hair follicles from your skin and moving them to another part of your body where hair is thinner or absent.

Some individuals are concerned that the transplanted hair might not appear natural, the procedure might be ineffective, or that it will be obvious to others that they've undergone a hair transplant. Additionally, some people question whether hair transplants are worth the financial investment. However, numerous patients who have undergone hair transplants often express in their reviews that it has significantly boosted their self-esteem and confidence, considering it one of the best decisions they've made.