FUE hair transplantation is a method that does not require stitches, unlike THE FUT method in which hair grafts are obtained one by one from the donor region. Hair follicles are removed with specially designed punches of 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and 1 mm in diameter. It involves taking the roots out of the body one by one after superficial incisions made around the root with punches.
The most important difference from THE FUT method, which is the classic hair transplantation method, is that there is no need for a stitch after the roots are removed. Thus, as soon as there is a visible scar on the back of the head, the results will be more natural as the removed roots will contain much less tissue. It will be the best hair transplantation approach for the scar on the back of the head.
Hair transplantation was first used with the FUE method in 2002, but damage occurred to a significant part of the mould roots limited to 400-600 graft numbers. For this reason, it was only used in small areas. With the 3-Step FUE technique developed by Dr Harris in 2006, the damage rate decreased to 3%, but the number of grafts still available did not reach the desired numbers. Since 2009, with the standardization of punches, the increase in experience and the use of automated FUE methods, both the number of grafts in THE FUT method has been reached, and the damage rates in experienced hands have reached negligible numbers.
Today, with the modern FUE method, the numbers allowed by the amount of hair in the donor area of the patient can be quickly taken. Since the removed roots will not be replaced, the number of grafts to be taken should be determined. If excessive dilution is performed in the donor area at the back of the head, it may combine with small scars after the procedure and cause undesirable appearance.
FUE STAGES
First of all, the person should be evaluated by the doctor who will perform the procedure in terms of his/her compliance with the FUE method, health problems and expectations, if any.
The procedure should be carried out later. Hair density and hair structure in the donor region should be evaluated with a specially designed densitometer, and the number of roots that can be taken should be calculated.
Hair transplantation will take place in 2 stages, first of all, removal of the roots and then transplantation. The whole procedure will be performed under local anesthesia and painlessly. After oral sedation, the combination of Lidocaine (Xylocaine) and long-acting Bupivacaine (Marcaine) is used as a local anesthetic and block anesthesia is performed. Thanks to the new anesthesia technique developed by our doctor, it guarantees a safe and long-term effect. The experience of the physician who will perform the procedure has a critical role in pain control. The procedure will take 7-9 hours to the number of grafts to be taken and will be completed in a day.
Determination of the depth and width of the channels where the hairline and hair follicles will be placed is the main factor in obtaining natural results. It is the most important factor that positively affects the result of obtaining the roots alive and transplanting them alive.
Process in FUE Method
It will take approximately ten days for the incisions to heal in the area where the roots are taken and for the shells to fall off in the transplanted areas. The transplanted hair will start after two months as in FUT method and will be completed in 12 months.
FUE-Art
Dermatological experience is the use of different auxiliary graft removal techniques for different skin regions of the patient. In short, the method is modified according to the patient. Individual skin differences, hair thickness and structure differences, the number of grafts needed and patient expectations determine the FUE method to be applied. In this way, without adhering to a method or a single rule, the method and result are individualized for those with hair thinning or baldness problems. Only in this way can natural results be achieved that are efficient and meet patient expectations.
1. Taking hair follicles alive and transplanting them alive.
2. The hairline is the creation of root depths and angles with a high technological skill that will ensure that the result is 100% natural.
3. Providing maximum volume with lateral-slides.
4. Swelling and bruising do not occur after the procedure.
Advantages of the FUE method
1. It does not leave a longitudinal scar behind the scalp.
2. The healing process is faster in the nape part where the hair is removed.
3. There is no postoperative exercise restriction.
4. There is much less discomfort in the area where the hair is removed after the procedure.
5. Allows the use of alternative donor areas.
Disadvantages of the FUE method
1. Hair should be cut short before the procedure.
2. If there is a transplanted area, it cannot be covered with the patient’s hair.
3. When done in inexperienced hands and with inappropriate tools, dead hair follicles will likely be damaged while being removed and transplanted.
4. When the roots are removed carelessly, the remaining residues may cause cysts.
Three-stage FUE technique
It is a different FUE technique that prevents damage to the roots in relatively difficult root removals. With the sharp tip of the Punch specially designed in this technique, first, the upper part of the skin is scratched, then the hair graft is released with the blunt part, and it becomes ready to be removed from its place for hair transplantation, and finally, the grafts are removed undamaged with the help of special pliers.
2-point FUE punch is used to remove grafts.
It is a suitable method for patients who may have difficulty in hair transplantation due to skin structure, and its results are much better than other techniques.
Robotic FUE
The aim of hair transplantation with robotic FUE is to remove the roots with an improved robot method. Thanks to the computer program, the marked hair follicles are taken by the robot. Hair transplantation is performed simultaneously. Suitable for doctors who have not yet gained experience.
FUE with the help of automatic rotating tools
It is based on the use of specially developed auxiliary rotators in obtaining roots with FUE. While the skin structure provides faster graft removal in suitable patients in shorter periods, it may increase graft damage in those whose skin structure is not suitable. For this reason, the skin structure of the patient should also be evaluated in terms of FUE technique to be used before the procedure.
Risks of hair transplantation
Hair transplantation is an application that ultimately concerns the skin and has no complications other than local procedures related to the skin. Another reason for the risky situation is the unnatural result of insufficient hair transplantation, and your doctor’s experience, knowledge and skills will play a critical role in this regard.
One of the issues to be considered in FUE hair transplantation is the ‘follicle transection rate’ called FTR, which is to prevent hair follicle damage while receiving grafts. The ‘follicle transection rate’ of the procedure performed by inexperienced physicians and technicians is relatively high.
A presentation was made at the 2013 Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) in San Francisco. This rate has been shown to be 70% in inexperienced hands.
Another critical issue in FUE hair transplantation is the recommended number of grafts. Some clinics offer very high graft numbers to attract patients, while others believe smaller numbers are safer. Most clinics offering 5000, 6000, 7000 grafts know that patients will never find the actual number of grafts.
RİCHNESS OF DONOR HAİR AREA
Another critical issue is the ‘donor hair economy’, where most clinics receive a high number of grafts, especially in young patients, without thinking that they may need two sessions in the future. Not only do they increase their income, they also gain fame as a clinic that gives their patients high graft counts.
Another marketing tool in FUE is related to the diameter of Punch. Punch sizes should be selected correctly according to the follicle diameter of each patient, thus avoiding unnecessary transection. The ideal size ranges from 0.8 to 1 mm. Smaller diameter ends increase transection.
Manual Punches, contrary to what some clinics say, have no scientific basis. The only way to be sure when choosing the right clinic for the patient is to choose an experienced and honest doctor and team dedicated to the field of hair surgery, which deals with all these parameters with a scientific approach.
Precautions to be taken before hair transplantation:
Stop taking the following medicine one week before hair transplantation, as it may increase bleeding during the procedure.
Aspirin Anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins B or E, a Blood thinner, Ibuprofen, Herbal medicine
You can resume these medications two days after the procedure.
Smoking narrows the blood vessels and reduces blood flow. Carbon monoxide in the smoke reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Therefore, it prolongs healing and negatively affects the result. You should avoid smoking at least one week after the procedure. Inform your doctor about any medication or health conditions that may affect surgeries such as allergies, bleeding disorders, sleep disorders, asthma, high blood pressure, respiratory problems, diabetes, psoriasis, history.
Consult a doctor one day before hair transplantation before taking any prescription medication. If you are using Finasteride or Propecia, you can continue with your dosage as usual.
Minoxidil or Rogaine should be stopped one day before the procedure and restarted two weeks later.
You don’t have to shave your hair before you come. Patients undergoing FUE will be shaved in the morning of the procedure. Hair should not be cut for at least two weeks before the PROCEDURE, so the hair in the donor area will hide the stitches. Let us know if you have special dietary needs, and we will provide you with food in line with these needs between the procedures.
Before starting the process
Take a shower in the morning and wash your hair thoroughly using your regular shampoo. Do not apply spray, gel or other shaping products. If you are using a hair prosthesis, wig or other products, please remove them and do not reuse them after the procedure.
Wear loose, comfortable pants and a shirt with buttons or zippers on the front. Eat breakfast and drink plenty of water on the morning of the procedure. We’ll provide lunch and snacks.
Although hair transplantation is performed under local anesthesia, you will be given a mild sedative to relieve you. You should not drive for 24 hours.
Other important things to know before the procedure
Your relatives will not be able to see you during the procedure. However, they can visit you at lunch or the end of the process.
Precautions to be taken after hair transplantation
For five nights after hair transplantation, you need to sleep on two pillows to keep your head up.
If you feel pain in the donor area, take the painkillers given to you. Take antibiotics as prescribed to protect against infection.
The next morning after hair transplantation, the bandage will be removed at the clinic, and the postoperative care process will be fully instructed.
We will show you how to wash your hair for the first healing process. On the days after hair transplantation, you should wash your hair in the morning or evening, as shown in the clinic.
After hair transplantation, you should not drink alcohol for three days, and you should not smoke for two weeks.
Wear a sun-protected hat for three months after hair transplantation, when exposed to strong sunlight for more than 30 minutes.
You can resume your daily work one or two days after the hair transplantation process.
Limited exercise activities such as walking can be done in the first week. Avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks after hair transplantation.