10 Facts About FUE Hair Transplant Surgery You Should Know

Hair loss is a common concern affecting millions worldwide, and men in Singapore men are no exception. It’s no secret that a full head of hair is often associated with youth, vitality, and confidence. Understandably, losing hair can significantly impact self-esteem and overall well-being.

The good news is that modern technology has brought about essential techniques for hair restoration. One of the practical and popular options is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant surgery.

This blog will delve into hair loss and explore how FUE hair transplant surgery can solve hair loss problems — from the causes and types of hair loss to important facts about FUE hair transplant. So, if you’re looking for a long-term solution to hair loss, with natural looking results, read more.

2. FUE hair transplant is long-lasting

FUE hair transplant is a long-lasting solution for hair loss because it involves transplanting healthy hair follicles from the donor area to the recipient area, where they continue to grow naturally. The transplanted hair follicles are typically resistant to the effects of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone responsible for genetic hair loss, making them less likely to fall out over time. Once the transplanted hair follicles establish a blood supply in the recipient area, they can continue to grow and produce hair for a lifetime, with proper care, nutrition, and maintenance.

3. FUE hair transplant surgery has minimal downtime

After the procedure, patients may experience mild swelling, redness, or scabbing in the treated areas, which usually resolve within a few days to a week. Most patients can resume regular activities, including work and social engagements, within a few days after the procedure. Unlike traditional methods, FUE does not require the removal of sutures or staples.

Nonetheless, it’s imperative to follow post-operative care instructions from the surgeon for optimal healing and results. While individual recovery experiences may vary, FUE generally offers a relatively quicker recovery time than other hair restoration techniques.

Read: What Do I Need To Know Before A Hair Transplant

4. FUE hair transplant surgery provides natural-looking results

Natural-looking results are achieved by accurately extracting and implanting individual hair follicles, mimicking the natural hair growth pattern and direction. Surgeons carefully design the hairline and strategically place the transplanted hair follicles to create a seamless integration with the existing hair. Customising the angle, depth, and density of the implanted hairs allows for a natural and aesthetically pleasing outcome. As the transplanted hair follicles are taken from the patient’s donor area, they are genetically matched and continue to grow organically, for a nearly undetectable outcome.

5. FUE hair transplant requires no shaving

The entire head need not be shaved before the transplant. Unlike traditional methods that require a complete shave of the donor area, FUE allows for selective trimming only in the specific areas from which the hair follicles will be extracted. As a result, patients can keep their natural hair longer, providing a more natural look during recovery. In addition, FUE’s no-shave approach offers greater flexibility and discretion.

6. FUE hair transplant may take a couple of sessions

The procedure may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Each session typically takes around 4 hours or more, depending on the extent of the transplant. The number of sessions needed may vary depending on factors such as the patient’s hair loss pattern, the availability of the donor’s hair, and the desired outcome.

After the surgery, stitches, if used, are usually removed around ten days post-surgery, although FUE does not typically require stitches. Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired density and coverage, especially in cases of progressive hair loss or when a large area needs to be covered. These sessions are usually spaced several months apart for proper healing and optimal results.

Dr. Tan Tyng Yuan – BSc (Hons), MBBS (London), Grad. Dip. Dermatology (UK),
Dip. AAAM (USA), Grad. Fellow in ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery)

7. FUE hair transplant patients may feel little to no pain

During the procedure, a local anaesthetic is applied to the scalp to numb the area and ensure that the patient remains comfortable throughout the process. This means that the patient won’t feel any pain while the surgeon extracts individual hair follicles from the donor area or implants them onto the recipient area of the scalp.

Overall, while some mild discomfort and soreness may be expected during the recovery process, an FUE hair transplant is generally considered relatively safe and minimally painless. However, it is important to discuss extensively any concerns or questions about pain management with your surgeon way ahead of the procedure itself.

8. FUE hair transplant is suitable for both men and women

Although men are more prone to hair loss than women, it is important to note that addressing the problem head on can be incredibly beneficial in both the cosmetic and psychological sense. In men, hair loss usually affects the front and top of the scalp and is commonly due to androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. On the other hand, women tend to experience diffuse hair thinning throughout the scalp, which a variety of factors such as hormonal imbalances, stress, and genetics can cause.

9. FUE hair transplant may require a considerable budget, but it’s worth it

The cost of an FUE hair transplant varies depending on several factors, such as the number of hair grafts needed, the surgeon’s expertise, and the clinic’s location. However, those who have been through the procedure say that it is a worthy investment because:

• it can provide a long-term solution to hair loss, which is a stepping stone toward a more positive self image
• it is less invasive and less painful than other hair transplant techniques, with a shorter recovery time
• the results can look more natural and provide a fuller head of hair.

10. FUE hair transplant has no linear scars

Traditional hair transplant procedures cause a linear scar on the donor area. In FUE hair transplant, the small punch tool creates tiny, circular incisions around each hair follicle. These follicles are then individually extracted from the scalp using forceps. Since the incisions are so small and scattered, they heal quickly and do not leave a noticeable scar on the scalp.

However, it is essential to note that FUE hair transplant may still leave small, round scars or tiny white dots from which the hair follicles were harvested. These scars are typically minimal and difficult to see, especially when hair grows back in the donor area.

The takeaway

If you’re tired of staring at your receding hairline in the mirror, take heart! An FUE hair transplant might just be the solution to hair loss you’ve been looking for. Note that the cost of an FUE hair transplant may vary depending on several factors. Hence, it is vital to find a qualified and experienced surgeon to ensure safe and effective results.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about hair transplants, book a consultation with us today. We would happily answer any questions and help you prepare for your hair loss treatment journey. So contact our team by ringing us up at +65 6235 0010.