Hair loss can be very distressing to experience for both men and women. A hair transplant can restore thinning hair to create a natural hairline with a minimally invasive procedure.
If you’re considering having a FUE hair transplant or just want to know more about hair restoration treatment options, read our guide to find out more.
What is FUE Hair Transplant?
FUE stands for Follicular Unit Excision and is a procedure for hair transplant that harvests individual hair follicles from the back and sides of your scalp and then implants them into your thinning areas of the head.
This type of hair transplant is less invasive than some other kinds of procedures and leaves only small round scars, which will not be visible when your hair regrows.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
If your doctor agrees that FUE hair transplant is a good option for you, you’ll be booked in for the procedure.
The areas of your head where the hair follicles will be harvested will be shaved. If you need a lot of grafts, this will mean shaving the whole back and sides of the scalp.
You’ll be given a local anaesthetic and mild sedative so you’ll be relaxed during the procedure and won’t feel any pain.
Your doctor will then extract the follicles one by one using small tools called punches. This process usually takes two to three hours.
Once the follicles have been harvested, micro slits will be made in your scalp where the hair is to be transplanted and a graft will be inserted in each one.
Most transplants are done in one day, but extensive transplants may be carried out over two days.
Your scalp will be cleaned and dressed, and you’ll be ready to go home just half an hour after the procedure is complete.
What to Expect After the Procedure?
Once the anaesthetic wears off you can expect your scalp to feel tender and you’ll probably need to take painkillers for a couple of days.
The new hair will start to shed (fall out) two to three weeks after the procedure. This is completely normal. After 12-14 weeks you should start to see new hair growth, and most patients will see 80% new hair growth within six to nine months.
How Much Does FUE Hair Transplant Cost?
Hair transplant costs can vary a lot depending on how significant your hair loss is and several other factors. At Fortes Clinic, prices start from £1999 for hairline and scalp hair transplant and £1499 for eyebrow transplant. To get a personalised quote, book a consultation to discuss your options.
What Other Options are there for Hair Transplants?
FUE is just one type of hair transplant. Another common procedure is FUT or Follicular Unit Transplant. This differs from FUE as it involves a whole strip of skin being extracted from the back of your head, which is then divided into individual follicular units of one to four hairs to be transplanted to the scalp.
This process is faster than FUE, but it can cause thin scars at the location where the strip was harvested.
FUT may be more suitable for patients who need a large amount of hair restoration, but your doctor will advise on the best procedure for you. Some clinics, including Fortes Hair & Skin Clinic, can combine both FUT and FUE for best results.
