FUE
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a groundbreaking hair transplant technique that has transformed the field of hair restoration. Unlike traditional methods, such as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), FUE is minimally invasive, leaves no linear scar, and offers a quicker and more comfortable recovery time. At Bauman Medical, we specialize in FUE, constantly utilizing the most advanced technology and techniques to deliver natural, lasting results tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
FUE involves the extraction of individual follicular unit grafts, as small as a single hair follicle, from the Donor Area—typically the back or sides of the scalp—using a tiny motorized device. These follicles are then artistically and meticulously implanted into the thinning or balding areas of the scalp. When performed with artistry and precision, this method allows for a natural hair growth pattern virtually indistinguishable from the patient’s naturally existing hair.
- No Linear Scar: FUE does not leave behind a long linear tell-tale scar common with older, outdated techniques.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves small, precise incisions, leading to faster healing and minimal discomfort.
- Natural Results: FUE enables the strategic angle, orientation, and position of each follicle, ensuring a natural hairline and density.
1. Evaluation and Planning:
- Initial Assessment: During your evaluation, Dr. Bauman or a team member will consider your degree of hair loss, donor area, scalp condition, overall health, preventative regimen, and hair restoration goals to determine if you are a good candidate for FUE.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Dr. Bauman will help you design the hairline and develop a customized treatment plan detailing the estimated number of grafts and procedures needed.
2. Preparation:
- Donor Area Preparation: The Donor Area is identified, and local anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure.
- Recipient Area Preparation: The Recipient Area where follicles will be implanted is anesthetized to ensure a painless experience. Dr. Bauman will artistically create the recipient sites, determining each eventually transplanted graft’s angle, orientation, and position.
3. Follicle Extraction:
- Precise Graft Extraction: Under high-powered microscopic magnification, individual follicular units, as small as a single hair follicle, are carefully extracted from the donor area. Care is taken to minimize trauma to the scalp and preserve the health of the surrounding follicles.
- Storage: Extracted follicles are stored in a specialized solution and temperature to maintain their viability until implantation.
4. Graft Preparation and Quality Control:
- Quality Control: Each graft is examined, counted, and sorted under a microscope.
- Classification: Grafts are categorized and separated based on the number of hairs per follicular unit, aiding in strategic placement during implantation.
5. Follicle Implantation:
- Designing the Hairline or Crown Swirl (Cowlick): The recipient areas are meticulously designed to complement and blend seamlessly with your natural hair growth patterns.
- Implantation Process: Each follicle is carefully implanted into the recipient area, with precise control over the angle, orientation/direction, and depth to provide natural hair growth.
6. Post-Procedure Care:
- Immediate Aftercare: Detailed aftercare instructions are provided to ensure optimal healing, comfort, and graft survival.
- 24-hour Post-Op: Upon returning to the office the next day, the transplanted areas are examined and treated in order to achieve optimal hair growth and quick cosmetic recovery. Many patients will visit the office each day for a post-op scalp wash until they are completely healed.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
1. No Linear Scar:
- Discreet Results: FUE leaves no linear scar, allowing for greater flexibility in hairstyles post-procedure.
- Minimized Trauma: The extraction sites heal quickly and are virtually undetectable, even with short hair.
2. Quicker Recovery Time:
- Faster Healing: The minimally invasive nature of FUE results in less downtime and a more comfortable and quicker return to normal activities.
- Less Discomfort: Patients typically experience less discomfort and swelling, making the recovery process more comfortable than more traditional hair transplant procedures.
3. Precision and Customization:
- Selective Harvesting: FUE allows for the selective extraction of follicles, optimizing the donor area’s appearance and ensuring high-quality grafts.
- Natural Hairlines: The precision of FUE enables the creation of natural-looking hairlines/temples that are tailored to each patient’s unique facial structure.
4. Ideal for Various Hair Loss Cases:
- Versatility: FUE is suitable for a wide range of patients, including those with a tight scalp or limited donor area.
- Flexibility for Future Procedures: The absence of a linear scar makes FUE a repeatable procedure, with greater access to donor follicles, and is therefore ideal for patients with progressive hair loss.
5. Combination with Other Treatments:
- Enhanced Results: FUE can be combined with treatments like PRP therapy, exosome therapy, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or medications to enhance results and promote hair growth.
What is FUE?
FUE, or Follicular Unit Extraction, is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique that involves extracting individual follicular units as small as a single hair follicle and implanting them in areas of thinning or balding.
How is FUE different from FUT?
Unlike FUT, FUE does not involve removing a strip of scalp, meaning no telltale linear scar and a quicker, more comfortable recovery time.
Does FUE leave a scar?
FUE extraction sites are virtually undetectable, even with short hair.
Who is a good candidate for FUE?
FUE is ideal for individuals who prefer short hair, want to avoid a linear scar, or have a tight scalp or limited donor area.
How long is the recovery period?
- Most patients can return to normal activities immediately, and return to light exercise within a few days, with full healing taking about a week.
- Cosmetically, the recipient areas take about a week to completely recover to the naked eye.
How does FUE work for Body Hair Transplantation BHT?
FUE can be used to harvest hair from other parts of the body, such as the beard, chest, or legs, when scalp donor hair is limited.
What is the success rate of FUE at Bauman Medical?
With our advanced techniques and experienced team, FUE at Bauman Medical has a high success rate, with graft survival rates well exceeding 95%.
Advanced Technology:
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use the latest FUE technology, including robotic assistance when necessary, to enhance precision and reduce the risk of follicle damage.
- High Magnification: Our use of high magnification throughout the procedure ensures that each graft is extracted and implanted with the highest level of accuracy.
- FUE Pioneer: Dr. Bauman was among the first surgeons worldwide to routinely perform FUE procedures in his hair transplant practice. He was the first to present, demonstrate, and teach successful FUE techniques at ISHRS Orlando Live Surgery Workshops over twenty years ago. He was also the first to perform and broadcast a live FUE hair transplant procedure online for the general public to view. Over the years, he has been designing and utilizing FUE devices such as the Bauman MINDEX, Neograft, ARTAS, Smartgraft, and many others for two decades and continues to advance the technique. He has personally transplanted millions of grafts in his practice, Bauman Medical.
Expertise in Hairline Design:
- Customized Hairlines: Dr. Bauman is renowned for his expertise in designing natural-looking hairlines that complement the patient’s facial structure and age.
- Attention to Detail: Every aspect of the hairline design, from the angle to the density, is meticulously planned to achieve the most natural results.
Comprehensive Aftercare:
- Dedicated Support: Our commitment to patient care extends beyond the procedure itself. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, follow-up appointments, and ongoing support to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Post-Procedure Treatments: We offer additional treatments, such as PRP therapy and low-level laser therapy, to enhance healing and promote hair growth after FUE.
FUE is a revolutionary hair restoration technique that offers significant advantages over traditional methods, particularly in terms of avoiding a telltale linear scar and providing a quicker recovery time. At Bauman Medical, we are dedicated to offering the highest standard of care in FUE procedures, ensuring that our patients achieve the most natural-looking, long-lasting results possible.
If you’re considering hair restoration and want to learn more about FUE, schedule an evaluation at Bauman Medical. Our team is here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and to help you achieve the hair restoration results you desire.
