FUE hair transplantation
Individual follicular units are moved from the donor area to areas of thinning, with a plan built around your diagnosis, hair characteristics and long-term goals.
What is FUE?
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a method of harvesting hair for transplantation. Individual follicular units are removed from a donor area, usually at the back and sides of the scalp, and placed into areas affected by hair loss. Transplantation redistributes existing hair; it does not create new follicles.
FUE avoids a single linear donor scar, but it is not scar-free: small scars can remain where follicles are removed. The choice between FUE and FUT depends on donor quality, hair characteristics and the goals of your restoration plan.
Diagnosis before surgery
Dr. Agbai begins with a medical evaluation. A consultation with NorCal Hair Doctor™ considers your hair loss pattern, scalp health, current disease activity, donor density, hair caliber and curl pattern, medical history and expectations.
Patients with stable pattern hair loss and suitable donor hair may be candidates. Inflammatory or scarring forms of hair loss need careful diagnosis and medical stabilization before surgery is considered. A transplant is not a substitute for treatment of an active scalp condition.
Planning and placement
A surgical plan considers the hairline, density distribution, available donor hair and anticipated future hair loss. After harvesting, grafts are placed with attention to their angle and direction.
Direct hair implantation (DHI) describes a placement technique that may be used with FUE harvesting. Dr. Agbai discusses the method that fits the individual procedure.
Recovery and expectations
Healing and growth take time. Transplanted hairs can shed in the weeks after surgery, with new growth developing over the following months. The team provides individual aftercare instructions and a follow-up plan. Results vary, and ongoing medical treatment may be recommended to preserve existing hair.
Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, reactions to anesthetic and grafts that do not grow as expected. Discuss your medical history, recovery needs and the limits of achievable coverage during your consultation.
Further reading: Dr. Agbai on hair transplant candidacy.
Explore your options
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