Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a relatively new technique that involves individual removal of follicular units from the donor site. We offer this surgical option in selected cases. The technique is essentially a process in which a 0.8 – 1.1mm round tool is used to extract the entire intact follicular unit. The advantages of the technique include a much less tender donor area following surgery, in some cases a shorter hair cut can be maintained in the donor area, and strip harvesting is not needed. On the other hand the FUE donor harvest process takes about 4 times as long, is much more costly than strip harvesting and most importantly, in some cases leaves the donor area significantly less dense than the donor strip technique. This later situation would be a concern for future harvesting as well as maintaining visual donor density. Your individual consultation will be the best place for a detailed discussion to determine if FUE is right for you.

A new donor harvest technique called Neograft is also another process which has drawn some recent attention. This process is also a FUE technique and is not currently an established or recommended technique by our office.

Follicular Unit Extractions (FUE) Photos

Note the appearance of the grafts that are harvested using follicular unit extraction. The grafts are intact but clearly lack the supportive fat and surrounding tissue seen with microscopic dissection of grafts. The true importance of this surrounding tissue in growth is really not yet determined.

Individual follicular units are shown in the shaved donor area Follicular units are being extracted by use of the 1mm devise

The appearance of the donor area once the extractions are complete and the healed appearance several months later