Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

In order to prepare hair follicles for transplantation, the doctor must microsopically remove small groups of hair (follicular units) from a donor site--typically from an area in the back of the scalp where hair loss has not been affected by hormones.

Unlike the single-strip method, where an entire donor tissue area is harvested using a scalpel-like blade, follicular unit extraction (FUE) removes hair through a series of small punches.  These punches score the skin and mid-dermis to a level of about 2 mm. around each follicular unit.  The hairs are then gently extracted, one-by-one, from within the punch area and are either used intact or divided microscopically into smaller units for transplantation.

While the single-strip method requires sutures, the FUE method does not--tye holes left behind after the follicles have been removed typically heal on their own within a week.  Either method leaves minimal scarring, which is normally not detectable once your hair grows out.

Since each hair loss problem is unique, a consultation can best assess your individual hair loss solution and help determine the best available treatment options.