FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY
FUE is a minimally invasive, surgical hair transplant procedure.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) describes the graft harvesting step of the hair transplant procedure. The hair implanting step of the surgery is the same for FUE and FUT surgeries.
FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT PROCEDURE
FUE is a minor surgery and no more painful than a visit to the dentist. At MHR, the procedure takes place in one of our fully-equipped theatres on an outpatient basis.
The Doctor will give the patient a mild tranquilliser to minimise anxiety and reduce discomfort. Next, the surgeon anaesthetises the patients’ donor and recipient areas.
The surgeon now starts to harvest the hair that he will replant into the patients’ bald area. The surgeon extracts individual grafts from the patients’ dense hair area with a surgical punch tool. The process repeats until enough hair is harvested. The tool leaves scattered tiny holes that will heal in a few days.
Our surgery team process the grafts under HD microscopic cameras and HD LED Screens to prepare each unit for transplant. It is essential that the integrity of these grafts remain undisturbed during the dissection process.
The surgeon makes tiny recipient sites in the balding area. The hair grafts are placed into these tiny slits where the body’s natural “glue” will anchor them in place within minutes.
Your scalp has an excellent blood supply, so a minimal amount of bleeding during the transplant procedure is expected. This is easily controlled by applying pressure.
Your hair restoration surgeon will supply you with full written instructions explaining the pre- and postoperative routines before undergoing hair replacement treatment.
Before deciding on surgery, it is vital to ask about the experience of your surgeon. Remember, FUE is an instrument and user-dependent procedure. Therefore, the type of tool used for this procedure, combined with the surgeon’s skills and experience, significantly affects its outcome.
FUE Hair Transplant South Africa: Step-by-Step Guide from Local Anaesthetic to One Year Post-Transplant Results
Introduction to FUE Hair Transplant in South Africa
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a popular hair restoration procedure available in South Africa. Known for its minimal scarring and natural results, FUE involves extracting individual follicular units from the donor area and implanting them into the balding or thinning areas. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on what to expect during an FUE hair transplant in South Africa, from the administration of local anaesthetic to the results seen one-year post-transplant.
- Consultation and Assessment
Before the FUE procedure, you will have a consultation with a hair transplant specialist in South Africa. The doctor will assess your hair loss pattern, discuss your medical history, and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. A personalized treatment plan will be created based on your hair restoration goals.
- Preparing for the Procedure
Read through your pre- and postcare instructions before the day of your procedure. On the day of the surgery, the medical team will prepare you for the procedure. This also involves shaving the donor area, usually the back or sides of your head, from where the hair follicles will be harvested.
- Administration of Local Anaesthetic
To ensure comfort during the procedure, local anaesthetic will be administered to both the donor and recipient areas. This numbs the scalp, allowing the procedure to be performed without pain.
- Extraction of Hair Follicles
Using a specialized micro-punch tool, the surgeon will extract individual follicular units from the donor area. The tool creates tiny circular incisions around each unit, which is then carefully removed. This step is crucial as it ensures the follicles are intact and healthy for transplantation.
- Preparing the Recipient Area
Once the follicles are harvested, the recipient area is prepared. The surgeon will make small incisions or slits in the balding or thinning areas where the follicular units will be implanted. The placement of these incisions is planned meticulously to ensure a natural-looking hairline and optimal hair density.
- Implanting Hair Follicles
The harvested hair follicles are then implanted into the prepared recipient sites. The surgeon places each unit at the correct angle, depth, and direction to mimic natural hair growth. This step requires precision and expertise to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
- Post-Procedure Care
After the FUE hair transplant, the medical team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. This includes guidelines on washing your hair, avoiding certain activities, and taking prescribed medications to promote healing and prevent infection.
- Recovery and Initial Results
In the first few weeks following the procedure, you may experience some redness, swelling, and scabbing in both the donor and recipient areas. It is normal for the transplanted hair to fall out after two to three weeks—this is part of the natural growth cycle. New hair growth will typically begin to grow within three to four months.
- Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments with your hair transplant specialist in South Africa are essential to monitor your progress (these can be done online, if necessary). The doctor will assess the growth of the transplanted hair and ensure that the scalp is healing properly.
- Results After One Year
One year after the FUE hair transplant, you can expect to see the final results. The transplanted hair will have fully grown in, providing a natural and fuller appearance. The hair can be styled, cut, and treated like your natural hair, giving you the confidence and satisfaction of a successful hair restoration.
Choosing an FUE hair transplant in South Africa offers a reliable and effective solution for hair loss. By understanding each step of the procedure, from local anaesthetic to the final results one year later, you can make an informed decision and achieve the hair restoration results you desire. For those considering this procedure, consulting with a reputable hair transplant clinic in South Africa is the first step towards regaining a natural and youthful hairline.