I. HOW IS THE AUTOMATED FOLLICULAR UNIT EXTRACTION (FUE) PERFORMED?

Posted by Dr. Hardesty

The modern technology of FUE is a relatively new but a proven automated follicular unit extraction (FUE) and hair transplant system which has with greater precision has markedly improved the harvesting of hair follicles without having to incur a large incision from ear to ear, no need for sutures/staples (or removal) while reducing complications and decreasing recovery time.

PREPARING FOR FOLLICULAR UNIT EXTRACTION (FUE) AND TRANSPLANTATION PROCEDURE

Prior to performing the automated follicular unit extraction (FUE) the donor scalp hair area is marked and the only the donor area is shaved to leave a fine stubble and then the scalp is prepared by applying antiseptic solutions.

A numbing cream is applied to the area where the scalp nerve block will be completed. The nerve block fluid is now inserted using long acting numbing local anesthesia. Once the scalp is numb insertion of tumescent fluid (which contains additional numbing medication and ant bruising medication) follows. This tumescent fluid allows for a more accurate removal of the follicular units.

HOW IS THE AUTOMATED FOLLICULAR UNIT EXTRACTION (FUE) PERFORMED?

Using magnification the automated hand piece is oriented parallel to the desired hair follicular unit. The pinhole of hair and surrounding supportive tissues is extracted by the automated pneumatic pressure hand piece. This sophisticated hand piece makes a short, quick, rotational spin on the scalp to extract automatically, precisely and gently the hair graft. The FUE hair graft slides out the scalp skin smoothly, meticulously and a traumatically.
This automated extraction process prevents pulling or twisting of the follicular unit that can risk damaging the hair graft. This modern technology insures the best follicular unit extraction and likewise a greater chance of “hair graft take” (permanent hair graft incorporation).
In addition the donor sites are micro pinhole in size, heal in a nearly imperceptible manner, with a faster healing period and less complications.

Using the advanced Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant technology has also dramatically improved the accuracy and speed over the previously used manual extraction and non sophisticated instrumentation. This results in a more robust hair graft which can being implanted sooner.

In addition the older manual “strip scalp” method where manually a long strip of scalp and hair is cut out using a scalpel blade, thus not only hair but unneeded scalp skin and tissue. This older method results in a long scar from ear to ear, sutures/staples and need of suture/staple removal. Also, this older method is associated with a higher complication rate and a longer healing period.

PREPARATION OF FOLLICULAR UNIT HAIR GRAFT

When the automated follicular unit extraction technology is used the resultant harvested grafts which have been precisely extracted will need less manipulation and preparation thus less trauma to the follicular hair graft.

The harvested FUE hair grafts are prepared using a stereoscopic binocular microscopes. The unneeded tissue is removed and the grafts are sorted into single, double or triple hair graft units.

THE HAIR TRANSPLANTATION PROCESS

The area where the grafts will be placed have been marked and under magnification the density, angulation and precise location are determined. Using loupe magnification, a fine needle and identical size pinhole is made in the recipient area. Each follicular unit is individually placed using microsurgical instrumentation.
When the hair line is being restored the single hair follicles are used to create a natural hairline, density and angulation. The remaining multiple follicular hair units are then placed to create a normal appearing pattern and density.

SUMMARY

The modern and automated follicular unit extraction (FUE) and transplantation we feel is superior to any other method of hair restoration for the following reasons:

• Minimally Invasive Technology: Automated Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Transplantation Technology is the least invasive procedure for hair transplantation
• Precision: Exact micro pinholes in contrast to to a manual scalpel incision. No sutures. No long ear to ear linear scar.
• Usually only local anesthesia: Little to no discomfort once numb.
• Less complications: Since only micro pinhole harvest and transplant the donor site and recipient follicular unit site are used.
• Faster Recovery Time: Minimal postoperative pain since there is no incisions and thus less down time. Most patients return to normal daily activities in several days.
• Permanent solution: over time, your own hair will continue to grow naturally and your result will continue to blend with your own hair.
• Affordable: A investment of a life time! Various financing options are available to meet your budget.

COST/FFEES

The fees are based on the anesthesia used (local vs sedation or general anesthesia), the facility (minor surgical suite, outpatient operating room or hospital setting) and if combined with other procedures. All pre and post operative care is included. Some preoperative laboratory analysis may be required (usually covered by your medical insurance).

CONCLUSIONS

The most important factor to consider is seeking the opinion and services of a skilled, experienced and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who are experts in automated follicular unit extraction (FUE) and transplantation techniques. The Hair 911 team at Imagine Plastic Surgery uniquely provides not only a track record of success based on the full array of both non surgical and surgical alternatives and rejuvenation thus filling our motto of “One Goal, Many Options”. For more information, call and schedule a consultation.

Since 2003 the Staff of Imagine Plastic Surgery has provided comprehensive Cosmetic Plastic Surgery services and procedures for the many communities of the greater Inland Empire, California including but limited to Riverside, Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Corona, Upland, Chino Hills, Temecula, Murrieta, Clairemont, the High Desert Cities of Victorville and Apple Valley.