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Follicular Unit Extraction
Over the years, medical experts have been researching to create hair loss treatments that have minimal impact on patients. Follicular Unit Extraction is one such procedure that has no scalpel and no strips- ensuring it is a minimally invasive hair transplant procedure. Follicular Unit extraction, also referred to as FUE, has become one of the most successful treatments for hair loss. The National Hair Institute has a team of hair loss professionals that will perform Follicular Unit Extraction to a high standard.
The National Hair Institute is one of Australia’s leading hair loss clinics and offers two hair transplant procedures for male and female hair loss sufferers. Follicular Unit Extraction is often chosen as it is less invasive for patients and provides satisfying results.
This relatively new technique enables hair surgeons at the National Hair Institute to extract grafts individually from the scalp. As a small round punch is used to make a small circular incision around the hair follicular unit, patients do not feel any pain.
To learn how you can obtain the Follicular Unit Extraction procedure from the National Hair Institute, call (03) 9699 7733 or submit an enquiry form.
What is Follicular Unit Extraction?
Follicular Unit Extraction, also recognised as FUE, is a relatively new hair technique that involves the extraction of grafts individually from the scalp. In this hair transplant procedure, a small round punch around 1.00mm in length is used to make a tiny circular incision around the follicular unit. From here, the follicular units are then plucked from the scalp. Because of the techniques used in the Follicular Unit Extraction procedure, the need for a linear incision at the back and sides of the scalp results in an inevitable scar. This scar can be covered by surrounding hairs and will be unnoticeable shortly after the procedure.
Sometimes, Follicular Unit Extraction and Follicular Unit Grafting are viewed as two totally separate procedures but the reality is not so. Follicular Unit Grafting, also referred to as FUG, involves the surgical removal of skin from the back and sides of the scalp. The strip of skin is microscopically dissected into follicular units which are then implanted back into the balding areas.
Follicular Unit Extraction harvests each individual 1,2,3 and 4 hair grafts from the back and sides of the scalp, rather than the strip of follicular units. After being extracted, each follicle is examined under a microscope and further trimmed of non hair bearing skin if required for successful results. The hairs are then re-implanted into the tiny incisions in the balding areas. So effectively, once the hair grafts have been extracted from the scalp, the implantation procedure is much the same as FUG.
In reality, when a comparison is made between Follicular Unit Extraction and Follicular Unit Grafting what is actually being compared is the linear strip extrusion versus the individual graft extraction with Follicular Unit Extraction. As Follicular Unit Extraction doesn’t leave a scar, it is often chosen by those who wish to wear their hair very short at the back and sides.
The Process
The Follicular Unit Extraction procedure at the National Hair Institute is completed by a number of professionals. Before a hair transplant, a patient will undergo an assessment to ensure Follicular Unit Extraction is the right procedure for their needs. After the patient is aware of the advantages, disadvantages and the transplant procedure, the hair loss treatment will go ahead.
The Follicular Unit Extraction process:
- The donor region is clipped down to 1-2mm at the back and sides of the scalp. This allows the doctor to easily pinpoint which follicular units to extract
- The area is then anesthetised so the patient feels little pain
- The patient lies on a special operating chair face down. This is done to support the head.
- Using a powerful microscopic magnifier, the doctor extracts each follicular unit from the donor region at the one time, using only a small punch and forceps
- Technicians take each follicular unit and trim them under the microscope if required. This is done to ensure the excess skin on the graft is not placed into the smallest incisions
- The holes created at the back of the scalp are left to heal, and will do so whilst the procedure continues.
- After the doctor has extracted the required hair grafts, the patient will sit upright for implantation.
- The follicular units are then implanted into the balding areas, one at a time.
- Once each graft has been successfully planted, the patient is allowed to return home.
How the National Hair Institute Can Help
The National Hair Institute has the experienced personnel to discuss the best option for your hair loss. Not all people lose hair in the same areas, which is why it is best you discuss your hair loss with the professionals in the field.
The National hair Institute has performed both Follicular Unit Extraction and Follicular Unit Grafting procedures thousands of men and women. With over 40 years combined medical experience and hair loss knowledge, the National Hair Institute team can advise you on the best hair transplant for your requirements.
For more information on the Follicular Unit Extraction procedure, contact the National Hair Institute on (03) 9699 7733 today!
