FUE hair transplantation is currently one of the most modern methods for treating androgenetic alopecia in both men and women.
Androgenetic alopecia is caused by the action of the male hormone DHT and the sensitivity of hair follicle receptors to DHT. As a result, the effect of the hormone leads to a gradual miniaturization of hair follicles and, at a later stage, to hair thinning and loss in the DHT-sensitive area.
Androgenetic alopecia progresses through several stages (Norwood scale), during which the area susceptible to DHT is gradually affected by hair loss. The area of the scalp that is resistant to the effects of the hormone is, in most cases, the back of the head: the occipital region and the temples.
It is precisely from this area that hair follicles (grafts) are extracted for hair transplantation. The follicles in this region are resistant to DHT and therefore do not fall out in the long term after transplantation.
The FUE hair transplant procedure itself consists of extracting hair follicles from the occipital and temporal regions (the so-called donor area) and then inserting the follicles into the area affected by hair loss (the so-called recipient area).
To perform the procedure, we use special punches with a diameter of 0.7 – 0.8 mm, which are rotated using a motor-driven rotary device.
The entire procedure consists of scoring around the hair follicles (grafts) using a punch, followed by manual extraction of the grafts from the patient's skin, making incisions in the recipient area, and finally manually placing the grafts into the patient's skin.
1. On-site at the clinic, the final extent of the recipient area is determined – i.e., the area where the grafts will be implanted. Next, we shave the patient's head (or not, depending on the case), the patient changes into special surgical clothing, and a protective headband/dressing is applied.
We place the patient in a prone position and then numb the donor area. For this purpose, we use local anesthesia. The next step is the start of the first phase of the procedure: extracting the grafts with a specialized punch.
The extraction phase lasts between 2 and up to 4 hours, depending on the number of grafts. The extracted grafts are stored in a special nutrient solution that extends their vitality and are chilled in a refrigerator.
2. After the graft extraction, the patient takes a lunch break during which we serve a meal. This is time for the patient to rest and recover.
3. The next phase begins with numbing the recipient area. Here, too, we apply local anesthesia. The next step is making incisions for the grafts to be implanted. For this purpose, we use special sapphire blades of various sizes, known as Sapphire Blades.
4. Graft implantation phase. This involves the manual implantation of grafts into the patient's skin. Depending on the scope of the procedure, this phase can take between 2.5 and 5 hours.
5. After completing the implantation, we clean the patient's head and apply a dressing to the donor area. Post-procedure care guidelines are discussed, and the patient receives a set of care products from us for the first few days after treatment. If necessary, medications are provided or prescribed.
6. We remain in constant contact with the patient via phone, email, or WhatsApp.
Recovery after an FUE hair transplant is short.
The patient can return to daily activities as early as the day after the procedure.
There are no medical objections to traveling (including flying), driving, working (excluding physical labor), or normal daily life.
However, it should be noted that the first week after the procedure is crucial for the grafts to take root in the skin.
For this reason, we recommend a gentle lifestyle without strenuous activity and strict adherence to hair washing instructions.
