Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Follicular Unit Extraction

Follicular Unit Extraction is, simply put, a novel technique of removing grafts. Standard donor graft removal employed by the majority of hair restoration surgeons involves the removal of a strip of scalp from the back of the head. The donor site is then closed down upon itself by suturing it closed. Click here for a discussion of standard donor harvest techniques. This leaves the patient with a thin linear scar across the back of the head from ear to ear. In some, the scar will widen over time and can be undesirable in some patients.

Natural Hair Growth Pattern

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) at Utah Hair Restoration involves the use of tiny punches (0.8 mm, 0.9 mm and 1 mm in diameter), by a punch device is attached to a powered extractor. This machine is used to remove individual follicular units. The punches are so small that they do not leave a scar when healed. The hair on the back of the head is first shaved down to 2-3 mm. The patient must be placed prone in order to allow the doctor and technicians the space to work. The working area is anesthetized and cleaned. The punch is used to remove hair in a random or scattered manner, leaving hair in between the units harvested. The space left between harvested hair depends on hair density and thickness. Visualization of the follicular unit angle with the skin is important to minimize damage to the growth centers of the hair. After the follicular units are harvested, they are reimplanted into the front of the scalp using more standard techniques.

There are several situations where FUE is indicated:

  • Patient wheres a small linear scar in the back of the head is not acceptable. This includes patients who shave or cut very short the hair on the back of the head.
  • Patients who have already had a hair transplant using the FUG method and would like another session. However, harvesting another full strip is not possible due to tightness of the scalp from previous surgery. In this situation, several options exist. An FUE alone can be done. Or, an FUE with a smaller than normal strip (FUG) can be combined to enable the transplantation of more hair than would otherwise be possible.
  • Patients who are considering using body hair for transplantation. Facial, chest and back hair can be safely used for transplantation. However, removing the available follicles using any technique other than FUE can cause undesirable scarring. It is important to remember that using facial or body hair may be effective in certain situations, but the hair will grow looking like body or facial hair. It will maintain the same growth characteristics of the site from which it was harvested.

Dr. Bitner at Utah Hair Restoration offers the latest in cutting edge technology for hair restoration, including follicular unit extraction. Think you are a candidate? Call or email to schedule a consultation and see if this might be the right hair restoration technique for you.

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 patient Testimonials

#1 Rated Facial Plastic Surgeon in Utah

*Based on RealSelf.com reviews with physicians having at least 50 reviews of surgical results (specifically excluding Botox or filler results). Please visit realself.com
Dr Bitner and his professional staff were wonderful to work with. I had amazing results with my procedure (hair transplant). They made themselves available every step of the way and made sure I knew what to expect at every interval of the process.
Dr. Bitner was fantastic. Everything was professional and smooth from start to finish. He has the ability to visualize the end result, and make this procedure work for the individual. I love the result!
Highly recommended. The nurse and staff is remarkable as is Dr Bitner. I was extremely impressed with the degree of information they give to prepare you for the procedure. You know exactly what to expect at all times in the process, and are all very available to address questions as they may arise. I was also very impressed with the access I had to Dr Bitner. Very different from surgery I have had at the hands of others before. The procedure went better than expected. Very happy with the outcome.
It has now been six months since my surgery and I am very pleased with the results. My hair is much thicker and fuller than I thought it would be. The hair has grown in gradually which I like so it's not just an overnight change, but when I look at old pictures of myself I can tell a big difference. Very Happy!
After meeting with a number of Doctors, I chose Dr. Bitner to perform my hair transplant. My main concern was how natural it would look. I did not want to have the "wall" of hair up front that I had noticed in many of the recipients photos online and in person that I saw. Dr. Bitner described his technique of mixing in single grafts up front to break up the hairline so that it had more of a natural transition. He is a true artist! I am now one year post surgery and my results are amazing! I wish I would have done it years ago, but I am glad I waited until I found the right Doctor. I highly recommend him to anyone considering this type of procedure!
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