Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Specialist

What is follicular unit extraction (FUE)?

Follicular unit extraction or FUE is a surgical method of hair restoration that moves active follicles into spots where your hair is falling out or thinning. 

During the procedure, Dr. Panagotacos and Dr. Chen remove individual follicular units, which each contain 1-3 hair follicles, from an area on your scalp where healthy hair growth is abundant. He then implants them into the bald spot, where blood vessels begin growing around them and nourishing them. When this happens, they grow hair in that area. 

Dr. Panagotacos and Dr. Chen shave your head before he starts the transplantation. First, he extracts the follicular units. He then makes a series of small incisions or punctures in the balding or thinning area and inserts the follicular units into them. He performs this procedure using ARTAS® iX, a precise robotic hair transplantation system. 

FUE is a more advanced method than traditional follicular unit transplantation (FUT), which takes a piece of skin from the scalp along with the follicles and leaves a scar behind. Its results also look more natural. 

How should I care for my scalp after follicular unit extraction?

Dr. Panagotacos and Dr. Chen tell you how to care for your scalp as it heals from the FUE procedure. The recovery is quick, and any lingering discomfort ends around three days after your visit to Hair Doc. To ensure a quick, successful recovery and implantation, you should:

• Avoid getting your head wet for three days
• Avoid strenuous activities like exercise for a week
• Take a few days off work
• Use gentle and unscented shampoos when you start washing again
• Avoid brushing or combing the new hair for three weeks
• Avoid hats and clothing that goes over your head until Dr. Panagotacos and Dr. Chen tell you it’s okay

As your hair transplants heal, you might notice a few of the transplanted hairs falling out. That is normal and not a cause for concern. However, if you notice any unusual side effects during the healing process, you should contact Hair Doc to let Dr. Panagotacos and Dr. Chen know. 

Am I a good candidate for FUE?

During your initial treatment consultation, Dr. Panagotacos and Dr. Chen go over your medical history and examine your scalp to make sure you’re a good candidate for FUE. You must have enough healthy and thick hair near the bald or thinning area for transplantation in order to be a candidate. 

To schedule a consultation for follicular unit extraction, request an appointment over the phone at Hair Doc or book online today.