Hair Transplantation by FUE Method

It is performed after administering local anesthesia to the patient. After preparing the region for the procedure, where the hair will be transplanted, the selected hair follicles are extracted one by one. Hair follicles are harvested using the FUE motor with punches smaller than 1 mm (0.6 mm-0.8 mm). The harvested follicles (grafts) will contain 2-3 hair strands. It is critical to prevent injury to the hair follicles. Since thousands of hair follicles will be extracted from the donor area during the hair transplantation, the diameter of the punches is critical for the healing process.

After extracting all of the selected hair follicles, the stripping and then the implantation processes follow. The implantation process requires opening puncture holes meticulously. This process demands precision and experience as much as the hair follicle extraction does.

Recently, the lateral slit method have been introduced for grooving instead of punching. Incisions are made in the lateral slit method depending on the type of the hair architecture; creating grooves, which conform to the diameter and length of the hair follicles. Grooves, which are created precisely having the correct diameter and depth, play a critical role because they will affect the growth rate of implanted hair follicles.

Another important issue is the angle of the groove, where the hair follicle will be transferred. The variety of angles of hair exit from the skin is the most critical factor to achieve a natural appearance; therefore, care should be exercised to implant the hair at different angles around the entire scalp. Otherwise, the hair will not look like what has been opted for. Another factor for capturing a natural appearance is to opt for the correct definition of the hairline. The forehead and the margin of the scalp should be precisely designed to conform to the correct proportions.

How should be the care after the procedure?

On the first day after the operation, the area of intervention is checked out and then washed after 48 hours. The implanted hair follicles will grow in 2-3 weeks but hair loss will occur later. This is a temporary process. After several weeks of resting period, the hair will start growing again. The hair processes will come to normal after the 6th month. Hair in some areas of the scalp may need a longer time to achieve this condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I undergo the procedure?

FUE hair transplantation is suitable for people with hair thinning  and balding. It is recommended that you undergo the hair transplantation before the hair thinning gets advanced in the donor area because the process involves harvesting hair follicles from another area of your scalp for hair transplantation.

Does balding occur in the area of intervention after the transplantation?

Since the hair to be transplanted will be harvested from the area of the scalp, which is not genetically prone to baldness; it is unlikely to develop baldness in the area of intervention. The hair follicles on both sides of the head behind the ears own this feature. Therefore, the transplanted hair will not be prone to baldness.

Can I use hair sprays and hair gel after the procedure?

The use of hair sprays and gels are not recommended, especially during the recovery period. After the recovery, they can be used for hairstyling.

How many sessions are required to complete the procedure?

The number of sessions will depend on the individual hair characteristics, the number of hair follicles to be transplanted to the balding area, and the technique to be used during the hair transplantation. A large surface of the balding area will increase the number of sessions.

Is the procedure risky?

Hair transplantation is a highly safe procedure compared to other aesthetic interventions. Before the hair transplantation, a detailed physical examination of the person will be performed and any chronic diseases are evaluated. Therefore, hair transplantation procedure is unlikely to impose any risks.

When will my hair start growing?

After the hair transplantation is complete, the hair strands may fall out in the first 2-6 weeks. Rarely, some people may not experience this shedding period. The hair follicles will remain in place in the meantime. Therefore, there is no need to worry. The hair, then, will start growing again. The hair will come to the healthiest state in about 6-12 months.

How many days do I need to wait before I return to work following the transplantation?

After FUE hair transplantation, you can get back to work within a few days as long as your job does not demand heavy physical activity.

Can women undergo the FUE hair transplantation?

Women are also eligible for hair transplantation as much as men are. The reason why men usually undergo the hair transplantation procedures is that women are not prone to balding genetically.

What are the precautions I need to take after the transplantation?

After the procedure, patients should avoid engaging in strenuous activities. The next day following the hair transplantation procedure, the dressed recipient area will be checked out. If it is deemed to be appropriate, the recipient area will be washed. A special solution is used during the washing procedure. The patients will carry out the coming washing procedures themselves at home, following the instructions provided. Hair washing should be carried out using the recommended medical shampoo while massaging the scalp gently only with the fingertips.

Is it possible to undergo hair and eyebrow transplantation in the same session?

There are no drawbacks to perform both procedures in combination. Care should be exercised to implant hair follicles in the eyebrow area only if the selected hair roots is suitable for eyebrow transplantation.

Is the professional's area of expertise critical for the success of the procedure?

One of the most important components of the hair transplantation process is the hair transplant specialist. Although the hair transplantation procedure looks like a simple process, it requires expertise to plan the transplantation, design the front hairline, and determine the angles of the puncture sites or grooves.

What should be the characteristics of the health center to undergo the hair transplantation procedure?

People wishing to undergo hair transplantation should choose the medical center meticulously. Eligible centers are the ones that have successfully completed several hair transplantation procedures previously, that use the state-of-art technology, and have a staff of experienced specialists in this field.

Will a period of hospital stay be needed after the procedure?

Patients do not need to stay in the hospital after hair transplantation. When the procedure is completed, patients can return home.