Follicular Unit Extraction, also known as a FUE hair transplant, is a successful method of hair restoration and hair loss replacement. This method is particularly useful for men with male pattern baldness. Individual follicle cells are taken from the donor area, usually the back of the head in case of male pattern baldness. FUE is considered better than traditional methods of hair transplant, such as strip harvesting since the risk of developing a permanent scar is minimal.
Compared to strip harvesting, FUE is a less invasive procedure although patients may require one to three sittings for the treatment to be complete, depending on donor follicle availability. Patients are given an anesthetic and a relaxant before the procedure. With the help of a precision instrument, follicle grafts are removed and put in a healing solution. After this, implantation indentations are created in the recipient area. Implanting one thousand grafts takes anywhere from six hours to two days. Antiseptics and antibiotics may be administered after the treatment. Scabs are likely to form in the donor and recipient area but are very small and heal quickly. Transplanted hair falls off within 2-8 weeks but new hair starts growing and in six months, patients can see significant new growth.
The procedure is very successful but the cost is quite high. Hair restoration surgeries are charged on a per graft basis, with each graft costing anywhere from $3 to $10. The number of hairs per graft is uncertain but typically, FUE costs two to three times more than a traditional hair restoration.
High end clinics and treatment centers are known to market expensive treatments like the FUE hair transplant quite well in order to rope in the maximum number of clients. However, before choosing such a procedure, consult with your physician and ask them to show pictures that show results on clients.