When it comes to restoring hair, a lot happens, including hair extraction from the donor to recipient areas. The donor area, in this case, is a healthy, hair loss-resistant, and hair-rick area of the scalp, face, or other hairy parts of the body. Since most of the over-the-counter hair restoration products do not work efficiently, most people would want to try a better method for dealing with their thinning hair or baldness problem. On that note, they should try Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). We spoke with a Beverly Hills hair transplant doctor for more info.
From the name itself, a donor area is one where the hair is harvested for transfer. The surgeon who is conducting the procedure can determine this for you. With your agreement, it should not be an issue to use the selected donor area for the extraction.
What is Follicular Unit Extraction?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is also known as follicular transfer. It is one of the two primary methods of harvesting hair follicles for transplantation. While this is different from FUT in terms of extraction, the two are similar when it comes to the implantation. FUE also helps people with balding and hair thinning issues to restore their usual hair growth.
Effects of the FUE Procedure on the Donor Area
Before you decide to go on with the FUE procedure, it is only important that you know everything there is to it. This will give you a clear detail of what to expect after the procedure. You will also know whether it can affect your hair donor and the recipient area.
Safety of FUE
After speaking with many hair transplant doctors in Los Angeles, we have some clarity. The FUE procedure is safer and results in minor effects like tiny white scars. After the procedure, one may experience temporary side effects that may disappear in a few days if under treatment. Some of the side effects may include bruising, swelling, and sensitivity. However, they should not worry you that much.
The procedure does not affect the donor area as compared to FUT. However, you may have some tiny dots anywhere the follicles were extracted. The scars may fade out gradually. You should see a specialist if you notice or experience any of the following side effects though:
- Crust or drainage where the surgery was done
- Bleeding from the area where the surgery was done
- Swelling and pain around the area
- Follicle swelling (also known as folliculitis)
- Tingling or numbness near the surgery area
- If thinning or balding continues even after you have had the surgery
- If the transplanted hair does not look the same as the hair around it
- Any infection symptoms
Convenience
Follicular Unit Extraction can be done in different sessions spread within several days. If you have to undergo a mega session, that can take up to ten hours. Also, since it is an outpatient procedure, one may go home immediately after.
Almost any surgeon can perform hair transplant surgery. However, you can try as much to find an expert with the right certification or specialty in hair loss and hair transplant surgery.
Effectiveness of FUE
The transplanted hair can grow within three to four months after the procedure. Also, it is possible to have up to 80 percent of the transplanted hair growing back.
Costs of FUE
Hair transplants using the FUE procedure can vary in terms of costs. Generally, though, one may part with between $4,000 and $15,000. Other factors include the surgeon’s experience of the surgeon, the clinic’s reputation, and the amount of h.
Does Hair Grow Back in the Donor Area?
This is an all-important and universal question that people who are contemplating having hair transplanted may ask. Even if hair strands are harvested, they still get a chance to grow again. This means that you do not have to worry about another balding or hair thinning problem in the donor area. Even with the extraction method, you can be sure that the hair will start growing normally on the donor area after a few days.
How Many Grafts Can Be Extracted from a Donor Area?
Every individual is different from the other next in line. Therefore, it is worth noting that you cannot have the same number of grafts extracted as any other person can. Usually, the donor area, as well as your necessity, can determine the number of strands. The higher the density of hair that you have on the donor area, the higher the number of hair grafts for transplanting. Also, it is crucial to note that your donor areas have limited capacities, which would make the area prone to damages if this capacity were exceeded.
To be certain, here are some factors that may affect the number of grafts you can get from your donor area:
- The size, structure, and texture of the case, in the case of people who had undergone a transplant before
- Skin diseases like psoriasis
- Significant fat layers around the nape area since too much of it may affect the donor area
- Type of hair
Conclusion
The FUE procedure does not cause any noticeable effects or scars on your donor area. Even with the little marks appearing after the harvesting, you do not have to worry about them. Within a few days, they would disappear as hair continues to grow.
