How Does Hair Transplant Work?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves removing hair follicles from a donor area and implanting them into the recipient area. The hair transplantation will restore hair growth in the balding or thinning areas, resulting in a fuller head of hair.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair transplant technique. FUE hair transplant surgery involves removing individual hair follicles with a circular punch tool from a donor area and transplanting them into tiny incisions in the recipient area. This minimally invasive method leaves minimal scarring and allows for a faster recovery time.
Hair transplant surgery has become an increasingly popular solution for men and women experiencing hair loss. If you are interested in having a hair transplant and are curious about how does hair transplant work with the FUE method, we have you covered.
We have outlined the steps involved in FUE hair transplant.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
The initial consultation is a critical step in the FUE hair transplant process. This one-on-one meeting with a hair transplant specialist will help both you and the specialist to determine if the procedure is the right solution for your hair loss. By the end of the consultation, you should have a clear understanding of the FUE hair transplant procedure, your suitability as a candidate, and the outcomes of the surgery.
During your initial consultation, the specialist will examine your scalp and ask questions to determine the cause of your hair loss. They will also evaluate the donor area, typically the sides and back of your scalp, to assess hair follicle quality and density. This information will be used to determine if FUE hair transplant is the best method to meet your hair transplant goals and expectations.
The hair transplant specialist will then explain the FUE hair transplant procedure in detail. This will include the steps involved, the length of the hair transplant surgery, and your anaesthesia options. They will also outline the expected recovery process to ensure you are fully prepared for the procedure.
The initial consultation is the perfect time to raise any questions or concerns you have about FUE hair transplants. The specialist will address your concerns and provide additional information to ensure you are well-informed and confident about your decision to undergo hair transplant surgery.
Step 2: Shave Area for Transplantation
Before your FUE hair transplant procedure, you will need to shave the donor area. This is important as it allows for improved visibility of hair follicles, easier hair follicle extraction, and minimises the risk of infection. You will typically need to shave the donor area the day before your hair transplant.
You can also choose to shave your entire head of hair. Many patients prefer to do this as it gives their head a uniform appearance during the healing process. To determine the best option for you, you can chat with your hair transplant specialist.
Step 3: Individual Hair Follicles Removed 1 by 1
During the FUE hair transplant procedure, individual hair follicles will be extracted from the donor area. By removing the hair follicles one by one, the FUE hair transplant method ensures precision and a controlled extraction process. This results in minimal scarring and a faster healing time.
The FUE hair transplant procedure will be performed by an experienced surgeon. The surgeon will use a specialised circular punch tool to create incisions around each follicle and ensure the follicle remains intact and viable for transplantation. A skilled surgeon is required to perform this precise procedure to achieve natural-looking results.
The FUE method can also be performed by a robotic FUE hair transplant system, such as the ARTAS system. The robotic system will use sophisticated algorithms to identify and precisely extract the hair follicles from the donor area. An experienced surgeon is still required to ensure the successful execution of the procedure.
Step 4: Grafts Placed into Tiny Cuts into Scalp
Once the hair follicles have been removed from the donor area, the surgeon will create tiny incisions in the recipient area. The extracted and prepared hair follicles are then carefully inserted into the recipient sites. Over time, these implanted hair follicles will start growing new hair and restore hair density and coverage.
The angle, depth, and direction of the incisions and hair follicle implantation are extremely important. The surgeon needs to ensure that the implanted hair follicles mimic the natural hair growth pattern. This will ensure that the transplanted hairs will blend seamlessly with the surrounding hair and achieve natural-looking results.
Hair Transplant
Pulse Light Clinic is the leading provider of hair transplants in London.
At Pulse Light Clinic, our surgeons utilise the FUE hair transplant method and ARTAS robotic hair restoration. Our FUE hair transplant procedure is an effective way to restore hair growth and improve the appearance of thinning or balding areas. With minimal scarring and a fast recovery time, our FUE method is a popular choice for those seeking a natural-looking solution to hair loss.
Book a consultation with us to discuss the FUE method for your hair transplant.
FAQs
Is hair transplant surgery painful?
FUE hair transplant surgery is performed under local anaesthesia and sedation, so patients should not feel any pain during the procedure. It is common to experience mild discomfort after the surgery, but this should only last for a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
What is the success rate of a hair transplant?
FUE hair transplants have a high success rate, with most patients experiencing sustained hair growth in the recipient areas. In general, you can expect 85% to 95% of implants to successfully grow. There are certain factors, such as continued hair loss and age, that can affect the results of a hair transplant.
How long does it take to recover from a hair transplant?
The FUE hair transplant method allows for a fast recovery. You can expect to recover within a few days to a week after your hair transplant surgery. It is important to follow the correct hair transplant aftercare, such as avoiding strenuous physical activities, to ensure a successful and quick recovery.
Will my transplanted hair look natural?
FUE hair transplants provide a fuller, natural looking head of hair. The surgeons will precisely implant the hair follicles to match the natural hair growth pattern. This ensures that the implanted hair follicles blend seamlessly with the recipient area hair and achieve natural-looking results.
How many grafts do I need for a successful hair transplant?
The number of grafts needed for a successful hair transplant will depend on the size of the recipient area. For example, a hairline hair transplant may require between 500 to 1800 grafts, whereas a crown hair transplant will require up to 2500 grafts. The hair transplant specialist will provide an estimated number of grafts required to achieve your desired results during the consultation.
