Does the thought of hair transplant surgery scare you? We get it. Having unnatural results and visible scars are among the top concerns when patients come to our clinic. But their worries often go away when they hear about FUE. This hair transplant method is a permanent solution to hair loss with minimal scarring and a focus on achieving a natural, undetectable hair growth pattern.
What is FUE Hair Transplant?
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique where a surgeon takes individual follicular units (occurring in 1-4 hairs) from the donor area, usually the back of your head, and then implants them into the areas where you’re experiencing hair loss.
The goal is to give you a more natural-looking hairline and thicker hair. It’s a very popular method because it doesn’t leave a linear scar and the recovery time is relatively quick.
FUE Pros and Cons
While FUE is very effective in restoring a full head of hair, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone, so it’s important to weigh its advantages and drawbacks.
Pros
- Minimal Scarring. With FUE, a punch tool is used to extract individual follicular units, leaving behind tiny puncture marks that heal quickly and are virtually undetectable. This is a significant advantage over strip harvesting techniques (FUT) that leave a linear scar.
- Natural-Looking Results. FUE allows for the placement of individual follicular units, mimicking the natural hair growth pattern. Skilled surgeons can strategically implant FUs with varying densities and directions to achieve a realistic and undetectable outcome.
- Minimally Invasive. FUE is an outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is used to numb the scalp during the extraction and implantation process.
- Shorter Recovery Time. Compared to FUT, FUE generally has a shorter recovery time. You can typically return to work and most daily activities within a few days.
- Suitable for Most Hair Types. FUE can be effectively used on most hair types, including straight, curly, and coarse hair.
Cons
- Higher Cost. FUE can be more expensive than FUT due to the time and expertise required. The cost is often determined by the number of grafts transplanted and the type of FUE method used.
- Longer Procedure Time. Since FUE involves extracting and implanting individual follicular units, the procedure can take longer than FUT, depending on the extent of hair loss and the number of grafts needed.
- Donor Area Limitations. The number of grafts available for transplantation depends on the health and density of hair in the donor area. In some cases, the donor area may not be sufficient for extensive hair restoration.
- Multiple sessions. During each FUE session, only a certain number of grafts can be extracted and implanted. This limitation is due to the meticulous nature of the procedure, where each follicle is individually harvested and then implanted. For extensive hair loss, the number of grafts needed often exceeds what can be done in a single session.
Dr. Keene’s Advanced Approach to FUE Hair Transplant
The FUE procedure itself offers several advantages for achieving a natural-looking hair transplant. At the Physician’s Hair Institute, Dr. Keene takes it a step further by utilizing the WAW FUE System. This innovative technology enhances the FUE procedure, leading to a more comfortable experience and better results.
Step 1 Consultation and Planning
Just like any FUE procedure, your hair restoration journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Keene will discuss your hair loss concerns, desired outcomes, and scalp health. She will assess your suitability for FUE hair transplantation and determine the number of grafts needed.
Step 2 Donor Area Preparation
The WAW FUE System doesn’t significantly affect the donor area preparation stage. Dr. Keene will identify a healthy area on the back or sides of your scalp with dense hair growth. This area will serve as the source for the follicular units (groups of 1-4 hairs) to be transplanted.
Step 3 Harvesting the Follicular Units with the WAW Technology
Follicular units are cone-shaped and removing them without damage is actually quite complicated. Sharp punches cut through the skin easily but often damage hair and tissues, resulting in fewer healthy grafts. Serrated punches seem gentler but can still harm follicles due to excessive force.
This is where the WAW FUE System with its innovative Hybrid Trumpet Punch solves these problems. It has three elements that make hair restoration more efficient and effective.
- Motorized Handpiece and Control: Unlike traditional FUE methods that rely on manual punch tools, the WAW system features a motorized handpiece controlled via a foot pedal. This setup enables surgeons to maintain precise control throughout the extraction process, reducing hand fatigue and potentially enhancing consistency and efficiency.
- Hybrid Trumpet Punch: The WAW system introduces the innovative “Hybrid Trumpet Punch,” which combines the strengths of sharp and blunt punches. Its sharp outer edge efficiently penetrates the scalp, while the smooth inner funnel minimizes harm to delicate follicular units during extraction.
- Oscillation and Angulation: With the WAW system, surgeons can adjust the speed and angle of the punch’s oscillation during extraction. This level of precision helps achieve clean extractions with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue, potentially improving the survival rate of grafts.
Step 4 Recipient Site Creation
After extracting the follicular units, Dr. Keene will meticulously create small recipient sites in the balding areas of your scalp using fine needles. While the WAW system does not directly influence this stage, the surgeon’s skill in crafting these recipient sites is incredibly important. This expertise ensures the optimal placement of grafts and sets the foundation for natural hair growth in the future.
Step 5 Implanting the Follicular Units
Once the follicular units are extracted using the WAW system, the next step is implanting into the recipient sites. This stage is key for creating a natural hairline and achieving an overall balanced hair growth pattern. While the WAW system focuses on extraction, the surgeon’s expertise and artistry in graft placement play an essential role in achieving the natural results you want.
Step 6 Post-Operative Care
Dr. Keene and her team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing and maximize the success of your hair transplant.
Is FUE Better Than FUT?
FUE is less invasive, leading to minimal, less noticeable scarring (dot-like scars) and a quicker recovery. On the other hand, FUT can provide more grafts in a single session, making it efficient for extensive hair loss and generally more cost-effective.
However, it leaves a linear scar, has a longer recovery period, and might cause more post-operative discomfort. (Note: this linear scar is actually very thin, and can be easily hidden by surrounding hair.)
We recommend consulting with an experienced hair transplant surgeon like Dr. Keene to choose the most appropriate method for you.
Your Surgeon Is What Makes the Difference.
No matter what FUE technology is used, the core principles of FUE hair transplantation remain the same. The success of your procedure ultimately relies on the surgeon’s skill, experience, and artistic vision.
If you’re looking for an expert FUE surgeon, consider booking a consultation with Dr. Sharon Keene at the Physician’s Hair Institute. Dr. Keene brings 20+ years of experience in hair restoration and produces the most natural-looking hair transplant results in Arizona.
Call us to book your consultation today. We are located in Scottsdale and Tucson, AZ, serving patients throughout the surrounding areas including Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Mesa, and the greater Arizona region.
FUE Hair Transplant Before and After Photos
Witness these life-changing transformations! These patients struggle with having an M-shaped hairline despite being relatively young for their age. The “before” photos show advanced thinning and balding, while the “after” photo reveals a full, thick head of hair. See more before and after photos like this in our gallery.
