Who is the FUE Hair Transplant Technique Suitable For?
Having problems with hair loss, thinning hair, baldness, or receding hairline—does it really help? Hair thinning and baldness are common issues nowadays, especially in men. Although there are many treatment methods, hair transplantation remains a popular choice. One of the modern and highly effective hair transplant techniques is FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). Who is the FUE hair transplant suitable for? What problems can it solve? What are the detailed steps? You can study this information before making a decision.
FUE Hair Transplant Technique
FUE stands for Follicular Unit Extraction. It is a modern and highly popular hair transplant technique today. It can permanently solve hair loss, thinning hair, and baldness without leaving scars. This method involves harvesting follicular units from the back and sides of the scalp, which are areas with the strongest and healthiest hair follicles. Using special tools, follicular units are extracted one by one without cutting a strip of scalp as in traditional methods, then transplanted to areas with thinning hair or baldness.
No more thinning hair or baldness—FUE technique can treat it.
Who is FUE Hair Transplant Suitable For?
FUE hair transplant addresses hair problems and also helps enhance appearance and boost confidence. It is suitable for people with the following issues:
- Those with moderate to severe thinning hair or baldness. FUE is suitable for those with moderate to severe thinning or baldness, especially in wide areas such as the front or crown of the head. This is common in men with thinning hair in the front and crown areas, known as Male Pattern Baldness. FUE can distribute follicular units evenly and naturally.
- Those with genetic hair thinning. People with hair thinning due to genetics, known as Androgenetic Alopecia, are ideal candidates for FUE because this condition usually occurs in predictable patterns, allowing doctors to plan the transplant effectively.
- Those with scars from accidents or surgery. For individuals with scalp scars caused by accidents, surgery, or certain skin diseases, FUE is the most suitable method as it can effectively transplant hair onto scars, making them blend better with the surrounding skin.
- Those who want to increase hair density in specific areas. For people without severe thinning but want to increase hair density in certain areas such as the temples or hairline, which is common in both men and women, FUE can seamlessly fill these areas, providing a precise and natural look.
- Those with hair thinning from traction. People experiencing hair thinning due to traction alopecia, often caused by tight hairstyles over a long period, can also benefit from FUE, especially in the hairline areas most affected.
- Those who want natural results. FUE provides very natural results because hair follicles are transplanted one by one, and the direction of hair growth can be controlled, making it impossible to tell the hair is transplanted.
- Those who do not want large scars. For those concerned about scarring, FUE is a good option because it does not leave large scars like traditional hair transplants, allowing short hairstyles without worrying about visible scars.
- Those who want a short recovery period. FUE has a shorter recovery time compared to other hair transplant methods, making it suitable for people with limited time or who need to return to work quickly. Generally, patients can return to work within 1-2 days after the procedure.
- Those who have had other hair transplants before. For patients who have had other hair transplant methods but are not satisfied with the results, FUE is a good option for additional procedures to improve outcomes.
- Those who want confidence and enhanced appearance.
For those who feel a lack of confidence due to baldness or thinning hair, FUE hair transplantation can also help address psychological issues caused by hair loss. Having thicker and more natural-looking hair can significantly boost confidence and improve the quality of life.
Additionally, the FUE hair transplant technique is also suitable for those who want to transplant eyebrow or beard hair. Besides scalp hair transplantation, FUE can be used to transplant eyebrows or beards, making it suitable for those who want to increase the density of eyebrow or beard hair. However, although FUE is suitable for many groups, there are some limitations, such as:
- Those with limited donor area for follicular units may not be suitable for FUE.
- Those with certain health problems, such as bleeding disorders, need to be especially cautious.
Therefore, before deciding on FUE hair transplantation, you should consult a doctor to assess suitability and treatment feasibility.
How Long After FUE Hair Transplant Can Results Be Seen?
The time to see results from FUE hair transplant varies by individual. On average, hair will gradually shed and regrow normally within 6 months to 1 year.
Is Recovery Time Long After FUE Hair Transplant?
FUE hair transplant requires minimal recovery time, only 1-2 days, or sometimes no recovery time at all. Just be careful to avoid impacts to the scalp as this may cause the transplanted hair to fall out.
What Are the Steps of FUE Hair Transplant?
1. Planning
- The doctor will design and draw the desired hairline together with the patient.
- The procedure uses local anesthesia injections to numb the area, so there is no need to worry about pain.
- For those afraid of needles or pain, an anesthesiologist team is available to help keep you relaxed.
2. Hair Extraction
- The doctor will start extracting hair follicles from dense hair areas or the back of the scalp, which are strong, using a special medical tool with a small punch size of only 0.8-1.0 millimeters.
- The amount of hair extracted depends on the suitability of each case.
- Temperature control is maintained to preserve the quality of the hair follicles in the best condition.
3. Hair Transplantation
- The doctor will make small holes in the areas where hair is to be transplanted.
- Density, position, and direction of hair are set to look natural.
- The extracted hair follicles are carefully transplanted into the prepared holes.
4. Surgery Duration
- Generally takes about 4-8 hours.
- May take longer depending on the number of hair follicles used.
- 5. Recovery
- After surgery, patients can go home immediately.
- The doctor will provide instructions on wound and new hair care.
5. Recovery
- After surgery, patients can go home immediately.
- The doctor will provide instructions on wound and new hair care.
Self-Care After FUE Hair Transplant
- During the first 24 hours after the procedure, do not touch, wipe blood, or disturb the transplanted area as it may cause hair follicles to fall out. The scalp area will be delicate and scabbed. Scratching, rubbing, or picking the transplanted area can dislodge the transplanted cells.
- If you want to wash your hair, you can do so the next day or wait 1-2 days. Wash gently without scratching and use mild shampoo. Avoid using hot air to dry hair after washing.
- Avoid swimming for at least 1 month.
- Sleep on your back or side to reduce swelling and pain at the wound.
- Follow up with the doctor as scheduled to monitor hair transplant results.
- After 6 months or more, once new hair grows well, patients can cut, dye, color, or style their hair as they wish because it is their own hair, and they can participate in all sports.
For those interested in hair transplantation but unsure where to get FUE hair transplant, it is recommended to consult doctors at the Hair and Scalp Care Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital, where specialists closely monitor patients and offer various hair treatment programs tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Kulkan Amornpatana
Plastic and Hair Transplant Surgeon
Hair and Scalp Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
Tel. 02-467-1111 ext. 1432
