FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) Why Recovery Is Making It So Attractive
Follicular unit extraction, known as FUE, offers unique recovery and benefits. For people who are curious about all the pros and cons of a hair transplant surgery, a Google search will quickly show FUE before and after pictures of celebrities that you recognize.
Photos of Elon Musk’s, Elton John’s, and Jason Alexander’s admitted or supposed hair transplants do much to promote them. Even women are now choosing permanent hair restoration procedures. Why is FUE recovery making this hair transplant technique so attractive?
FUE is less invasive, more impressive
Have you ever wondered how busy professionals in the public eye manage to have hair restoration surgery and don’t miss a beat? One day they’re thinning, the next their hairline and crown have thicker, luscious locks, and it seems like magic.
FUE isn’t magic. It’s not a “next day” type of procedure, but it IS impressive.
The advanced methods used by hair specialists for today’s clients make FUE hair transplants less invasive, less traumatic, and more realistic-looking than ever.
Those same technique upgrades also make downtime fast. That’s why people seem to have hair transplant results more quickly today. It’s also why people in the public eye or just people seeking discretion are choosing this approach for their hair restoration. In this article, we’ll divulge why and how this treatment is so advanced. In Toronto, choosing the Toronto Hair Transplant Clinic (THTC) for your FUE hair transplant is an excellent start on the journey to a quick recovery and lasting results.
FUE Hair Transplant: What does it involve?
When performing FUE, the THTC uses NeoGraft or SmartGraft systems. Both are top-of-the-line digitally assisted hair transplant technologies. They use smart technology to help assess the scalp and select optimal hair follicles for harvesting. The device reduces the risk of human error and fatigue when performing this meticulous and labour-intensive work. With the benefit of controlled pneumatic pressure, tiny follicle units can slide out of the scalp smoothly, without pulling or twisting and with less scalp trauma. The gentle, efficient method for extraction also means less risk of damage to the graft itself. You have a limited number of valuable hair follicles for transfer, so you’ll want to protect each and every one.
With digital systems, your grafts can be implanted sooner, keeping them viable and improving “take rates”. Follicles are extracted one by one from the back and sides of the scalp. That’s where DHT-resistant hairs reside and are most resilient (DHT is the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness). Despite being transplanted to the area where male pattern baldness typically occurs—the crown and hairline—these hairs remain resistant and don’t fall out in their new locale because of their resistance to hormones linked to hair loss.
The benefits of follicular unit extraction to restore hair include:
- The take rate is over 90% for most patients
- The procedure is minimally invasive (no scalpels, stitches, or staples required)
- The results appear scar-free and natural without a long scalp incision
- FUE causes minimal discomfort
- The recovery time is measured in days instead of weeks
Past Methods
A follicular unit transplantation (FUT) hair transplant, still used for some patients today, requires a piece of donor scalp to be excised, then transformed into grafts. That leaves a scar, no matter how carefully the incisions are made. It also requires a minimum of 2 weeks to see the incision closed. The scalp is naturally sensitive and is affected by regular head movement. Understandably, a significant wound on the scalp can produce considerable discomfort while healing.
Today’s Hair Transplant Methods
The new FUE restoration methods are discreet, and recovery is relatively quick. Only tiny micro-incisions are made, and they close rapidly with no stitches required. The donor punches are typically less than 1 mm in diameter. They are shallow as well, and modern devices help prevent tissue injury.
Because scarring is negligible, there is almost no evidence that hair transplant surgery even took place. Many patients return to work within a week without their co-workers suspecting a thing. They’ll only know if you tell them!
No bandages or wound care are required. Patients are advised to rinse their scalp with clear water and take simple steps to prevent infection. A soft hat often allows people to carry on with their daily activities discreetly.
Recovery is virtually painless. While there may be some mild discomfort and temporary swelling following treatment, the openings develop little scabs quickly, which fall off roughly 5 to 7 days afterwards.
The post-op instructions are easy to follow. Your surgeon will provide you with an instruction booklet outlining the protocol following your hair transplant surgery. All surgical clients will be given a phone number to reach our medical professionals with concerns, even after hours.
The main areas of concern following FUE are keeping the surgical area clean and promoting optimal healing. Because the extraction sites generally close within a few days, the patient doesn’t have to spend much time caring for the area. We recommend that you be consistent attending follow-up appointments so your surgeon can ensure that you’re healing as expected and can provide ongoing support.
Is FUE Cost-effective?
In Toronto, FUE comes with a slightly higher price tag than strip harvest (FUT) methods. Most people want to ensure that their financial investment will provide lasting benefits and hair that they can enjoy for years down the road. You may wonder if choosing an a-traumatic, minimally invasive hair restoration can still offer permanent results. It certainly can, yet it’s important to note that you won’t see the anticipated outcome overnight. With any technique, there will be a dormant period of a few months where there is no apparent hair growth. While less invasive methods mean recovering fast, the wait for new, growing hair can never be rushed.
Rest assured, you’ll see wispy new strands sprouting up by 4 months post-op, then fuller, exciting hair growth by 8 to 9 months. Between your procedure day and the one-year mark, you’ll need plenty of patience.
When hair transplant surgery is done right the first time by a reputable professional, the need for revisions is vastly reduced. Complications due to poor technique or aftercare are rare, but they could prolong recovery times. That means that your time invested in selecting a great surgeon will help ensure that your recovery is optimal.
Why Choose the THTC?
With an excellent reputation and a client base as diverse as the city we serve, the THTC offers multiple surgical and non-surgical treatments to grow and maintain hair, including FUE.
Contact us at the Toronto Hair Transplant Clinic today for your no-obligation FUE hair transplant consultation. We look forward to exploring options with you.
