How Does Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Restoration Work?

For men and women alike, thinning hair or hair loss can be one of the most frustrating and embarrassing symptoms of aging. Over-the-counter products are often ineffective, and there is little that can be done to conceal the visible signs of hair loss apart from wearing a hat, which is not always an option in certain situations. Fortunately, follicular unit extraction – or FUE – now offers patients an exciting, convenient, and long-lasting hair restoration solution with natural-looking results.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the caring team at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV understand the sensitive nature of hair loss and are committed to providing the highest level of patient care when helping men and women achieve their hair restoration goals through FUE treatment. To find out if a FUE hair transplant is right for you, it is important to first understand how the procedure works, as well as what kinds of results are possible.

What is follicular unit extraction hair restoration?

Most people are familiar with the basic concept of hair restoration, though the technologies and tools have changed significantly over the years. Traditionally, hair transplants were often ineffective or left patients with an artificial look. Fortunately, hair restoration surgery in modern times has become extremely advanced, with patients able to enjoy reliable, long-lasting, natural-appearing results.

One of the most exciting and innovative hair transplant methods currently available is FUE. Using this technique, a surgeon is able to extract individual follicles of hair in grafts of one, two, three, or four hairs from the back of the patient’s head and transplant them to the area of hair loss. Unlike the traditional “strip method,” follicular unit extraction hair restoration does not require a linear incision and, therefore, eliminates scarring. In fact, follicular unit extraction can even be used to improve the appearance of the scar in a patient who previously had a strip hair transplant. Patients who prefer to wear their hair short particularly enjoy the fact that FUE hair transplant does not leave a visible scar.

How does FUE hair transplant work?

During a follicular unit extraction hair transplant at VIP Plastic Surgery, which can take several hours, patients will lie in one of our comfortable private rooms, have their meals provided, and be able to watch their favorite movie or TV show. The first phase of the procedure involves Dr. Khorsandi extracting the donor hair from the back of the head. This is done with the use of the NeoGraft®, SAFE Graft, or SmartGraft® systems. These technologies allow the surgeon to efficiently extract individual hair follicles with punch hole incisions, resulting in tiny round dots that heal after just a few days versus a linear incision, which leaves a significant scar.

Once the hairs have been extracted and prepared, the surgeon will begin to transplant them to the area of thinning hair or balding. Dr. Khorsandi is highly experienced in the complex methods of hair transplant and strategically places the follicles to produce a natural hairline and appealing pattern of growth. One potential limitation of FUE hair restoration is that a surgeon is typically able to extract a maximum of about 2000 follicles per treatment session. However, this is often enough for many patients to address their areas of concern. During your initial consultation, Dr. Khorsandi will examine your hair loss and be able to give you a better idea of how many grafts it will require for you to achieve your goals. For patients who need more than 2000 grafts, multiple FUE sessions may be performed.

How long does FUE hair restoration last?

About 2 – 3 weeks after FUE hair restoration, the newly transplanted hairs will begin to fall out. This can, understandably, be frightening, but rest assured that it is a normal and essential part of the process. New hair growth will start to occur after about 2 – 3 months, and it may take up to a year for the final results to be visible. Because the transplanted hair was taken from an area of thicker, fuller growth, the hairs will not be susceptible to the same pattern of balding that occurred originally. However, it is important to remember that hair transplant does not stop the aging process, and new hair loss may still occur. For the most part, patients are able to enjoy their new look for many years following FUE hair restoration.

Can women get FUE hair restoration?

Absolutely! While hair transplant is typically associated with men, FUE hair restoration for women is extremely popular and effective as well.

Am I a good candidate for follicular unit extraction hair transplant?

Most men and women can be considered for FUE hair transplant, though better results are typically seen in patients who have only recently begun to experience hair loss. The best way to determine with certainty whether or not you qualify for FUE hair restoration in Las Vegas, NV is to be evaluated by a knowledgeable, experienced, and qualified provider. Call VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon and hair restoration expert Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, or take advantage of our convenient online consultation option, and find out how FUE hair transplant can help you turn back the clock, restore your hairline, and feel more confident than ever!