FUE - Hair - Transplantation

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) refers to the removal, temporary storage and implantation (insertion) of follicular units (FU). The units are natural groupings of one to four (in rare cases five) hairs, so-called grafts. This method is one of the most modern options for hair transplantation. These follicular units are of great importance for hair transplantation, as hair does not grow individually, but in natural bundles. In an FUE transplant, these hair groupings (usually from a very small group of around 1-5 naturally belonging roots) are removed from the hairline area with a hollow needle and inserted into the appropriate areas. Extraction needles are used for the procedure, which can remove grafts measuring 0.5 mm to 1 mm. Before transplantation, the health of the group is checked. The transplants are kept in a nutrient solution until implantation. The doctor then transplants the follicular units into the bald areas of the head.

The hair is usually inserted using tweezers into a small slit in the skin, which is achieved using specially made blades with a width of 0.6–1.5 mm. An injection cannula can also be used. The correct angle of the hair and a density suitable for the recipient area must be taken into account. A major advantage is that the extraction site does not need to be stitched; it closes itself on the same day. After the operation, small crusts may be visible for about a week. Even if small, pinpoint scars are likely to remain, they are hardly visible to the naked eye. Another major advantage of this method is the possibility of transplanting body hair. When transplanting body hair, however, it must be noted that this usually has a different structure and color to head hair. The disadvantage of the FUE method is the increased time required for individual extractions. The amount of work required for this type of treatment is very intensive.

Hollow needles are now available in which the rotation is carried out by a motor, which allows for much faster removal. The greater weight and higher speed of these devices pose the risk of damage to the hair or surrounding tissue.