A Less Invasive Hair Transplant
Follicular Unit Extraction New York, New Jersey, Boston
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is becoming increasingly favored by our patients in New York, New Jersey, and Boston. A relatively new method of harvesting donor grafts, it is less invasive than previous techniques. Since 2002, Dr.True and Dr. Dorin have been at the forefront of developing this new approach to hair restoration. FUE is now a well-established procedure. Nevertheless, results can vary widely depending on the skill and experience of the person by which the process is being performed. This being said, we have evolved a highly advanced FUE technique that produces high yield results and excellent healing.
Follicular Unit Extraction Process
When preparing for follicular unit extraction, larger areas of the donor zone must be shaved to enable the harvesting of the optimal number of grafts. When we are doing smaller FUE treatments, extensive shaving is not necessary. FUE grafts can even be taken without cutting the hair at all, or by shaving very narrow bands easily covered by adjacent hair.
The treatment is performed under local anesthesia. Under very high-powered magnification, individual follicle units are isolated and removed. We use tiny 0.75 to 1.00 mm punches to cut around the follicle unit. This procedure is considered minimally invasive, because only the most superficial layer of the skin is cut and the holes are very tiny. Follicular unit extraction currently seems best suited for New York, New Jersey, and Boston patients who are committed to continuing to wear their hair shaved, or who are particularly fearful of surgery or pain.
Recovery
Post-operative discomfort does appear to be significantly reduced in FUE patients as compared to FUT (follicular unit transplantation) patients. The most impressive aspect of FUE is the rapid and excellent healing. We have found that, after a week, the majority of patients show no signs of surgery in the donor area. The ideal intervals between treatments are not yet defined with FUE, although it is possible to perform extraction treatments several days in a row. This is often the best option for an extensively bald patient who needs a large number of grafts and is going to need to take 10 days off work. With smaller treatments, which can be concealed, it is probably best to wait one to six months between treatments. Graft healing and new hair growth are the key determinates of timing.
Results
While healing is excellent after follicular unit extraction, the results will not be completely scarless. Scars do result, but they are usually very tiny pinpoint spots that are not evident even with the head shaved. It must be noted, however, that patients who have had extensive FUE will not be able to shave their heads without the scarring being evident.
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MIT (Minimally Invasive Transplantation AKA FUE) |
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) |
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Description
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Extraction of individual follicle units by superficial excision. No sutures required. |
Single strip of donor removed and grafts containing individual follicle units dissected with microscopes. Incision edges sutured. |
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Procedure |
Widely accepted, i.e. extensive scientific experience and evaluation regarding advantages, disadvantages, and predictability of outcome |
This is the current Gold Standard for hair transplantation. Widely used , scientifically evaluated, and refined, so that all risks, complications, patient variables, and outcomes readily predictable. |
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Grafts
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Donor
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Concealability
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Pain
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0-1 out of 5 pain level in donor area first 24 hours |
2-3/5 pain level in donor area first 24 to 72 hours; 1/5 for following week |
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Treatment
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400 to 2000 per session |
Up to 4000 per session |
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Cost
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Typically more expensive than FUT (range $7.5 - $11/graft depending on treatment size) |
High efficiency allows lower cost (range $4 - $6/graft depending on treatment size |
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Popular |
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Main Reasons |
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Learn More about Follicular Unit Extraction
Please explore our website for up-to-date information on follicular unit extraction and the other procedures we offer at our New York, New Jersey, and Boston facilities. If you have any further questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment at True & Dorin Medical Group, feel free to contact our hair restoration practice today.