Hair loss can be an extremely distressing experience for many Hong Kongers, and for sufferers who have tried in vain to reverse the problem, a hair transplant is often their last resort to restore their hair. However, it can be difficult to choose the right treatment and hair transplant centre for you. In this blog, hair care experts thoroughly explain the facts about the popular FUE hair transplant and share tips on how to select a reputable clinic for a safe, reliable and effective treatment and the best chance of achieving a full head of hair again.

What is an FUE hair transplant?

FUE (follicular unit extraction) is a type of hair transplant performed by extracting individual hair follicles by a micropunch with the help of a high-magnification microscope and transplanting the follicles to designated sites after sorting. If the transplanted follicles are in good condition, they will begin to grow hair gradually, like a transplanted potted plant.

Doctors: FUE hair transplant uses a unique micropunch with a diameter of 0.8-1.0mm (depending on the thickness of the client’s hair follicles), leaving only scars unnoticeable to the naked eye. The micropunch allows doctors to control the angle of implantation more easily, delivering a more natural result than an FUT hair transplant.

What is the procedure for an FUE hair transplant?

FUE hair transplant mainly includes five steps:

Consultation and preparation

The patient will receive a one-on-one consultation with the doctor for a detailed analysis of the hair loss condition, desired hair appearance and scalp laxity, etc. The doctor will then design the hairline location and hair transplant area, and determine the optimal number of grafts needed.

Local shaving

The doctor will use a device to shave a part of the hair in the back of the patient’s head which is not affected by androgenetic alopecia.

Follicle extraction

The doctor will use a micropunch with a diameter of 0.8-1.0mm to extract individual hair follicles with the help of a high-magnification microscope. This step determines the success rate of the transplant and tests the doctor’s techniques.

Graft sorting

Not every hair follicle can be used for a transplant. The team will use a microscope to group the hair follicles into grafts, and arrange them according to the thickness of the hair, the number of follicular units, etc.

Graft implantation

The doctor will implant healthy hair follicles into the hair loss site.

Points to note before and after an FUE hair transplant

Before the surgery

Stop taking drugs with aspirin and vitamin E;

Inform your doctor if you have taken blood thinners or undergone major surgeries;

Do not smoke for 3 days before the surgery;

Do not use hair growth medication for one week before the surgery;

Do a blood test before the surgery;

Wear loose, lightweight or buttoned-up clothes on the day of surgery for easier changing after the procedure.

After the surgery

If you experience discomfort or pain in the scalp, you may take painkillers prescribed by the doctor;

If you feel discomfort in the back of your head, apply a cold compress for 20 minutes;

Inform your doctor immediately in case of intense pain or discomfort;

Refrain from strenuous exercises for one week;

Do not use hair care products or hair spray for one week;

Consider dyeing or perming your hair at least one month after the surgery.

Pros and cons of FUE and FUT hair transplants

The greatest difference between FUE and FUT hair transplant is the extraction method. An FUE hair transplant uses a minimally-invasive micropunch to extract hair follicles; while an FUT hair transplant uses a surgical blade to remove a strip of the scalp, and then isolate the follicles and implant them into the hair loss site.

After knowing their difference, read on to learn more about the pros and cons of the two hair transplant options:

FUE pros

Hair follicles are extracted individually, leaving only tiny dotted scars;

Short recovery period and mild pain;

Simpler postoperative care;

You can cover your scars and return to work after a day off.

FUE cons

Shaving on the back of the head is needed;

Longer procedure than FUT;

Fewer hair follicles are extracted, hence smaller hair transplant areas.

FUT pros

Extract hair follicles by removing a strip of scalp, hence a faster procedure, more extracted hair follicles and larger hair transplant area;

No hair shaving is needed;

Shorter procedure than FUE.

FUT cons

Long linear scars on the back of the head that can be noticeable with short hair;

Larger scars, stronger pain after the surgery and longer recovery period

Conclusion: FUE is a convenient and fast option for patients who require fewer hair follicles for transplant and want to avoid visible scars; FUT is suitable for patients with large hair loss areas.

How long does the effect of an FUE hair transplant last?

This depends on your hair and scalp health. The result typically lasts for around 10 years to even a few decades, thanks to the hair follicles extracted from the back of the head which are the strongest and healthiest follicles free from the attack of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Yet, you should take care of your hair follicles after the surgery as postoperative care also plays a big role in determining the survival time of hair follicles.

What is the decisive factor in the result of an FUE hair transplant?

The critical factor that affects the result of an FUE hair transplant is postoperative care.

It takes one year after the surgery to reveal a natural hair appearance. During this period, patients should follow the doctor’s instructions and take care of the implanted area by cleaning the scalp and improving their lifestyle and dietary habits. These are the keys to healthy hair follicle growth and the best surgical results.

14 days after the surgery: Your grafts will become secure in this period. Be careful not to damage the grafts.

3 months after the surgery: The hair follicles will enter the telogen phase and the hairs will fall off, which is a normal process.

4 months after the surgery: Your hair will grow gradually.

9-12 months after the surgery: You can see stable hair growth.

Which hair transplant centre should I choose?

Whether you favour an FUE or FUT hair transplant, you must choose a reputed hair transplant centre that caters for your every need from consultation to postoperative care. We have limited hair follicles – a wrong decision means bidding farewell to your precious and healthy hair follicle which will never come again. Think wisely before making your choice!

Hair Forest newly introduces Minimally-Invasive and Scarless FUE Hair Transplant

Hair Forest is a professional hair care centre under EC Healthcare. We uphold the new concept of one-stop hair growth and scalp care services and utilise exclusive and advanced hair care devices and hair revitalising technologies to resolve every hair loss problem.

This month, we introduce the latest Minimally-Invasive and Scarless FUE Hair Transplant conducted by a professional hair transplant team with certified doctors. We offer well-rounded hair transplant consultation and analysis and utilise our exclusive AI technology to monitor the whole procedure, effectively boosting the success rate of the transplant and delivering your desired hairstyle! We also provide attentive aftercare services to facilitate your hair growth, aspiring to bring you the most reliable hair transplant experience!

<Online Appointment>