The New England Center for Hair Restoration is one of the leading hair transplant practices in the greater Boston area. One of the major reasons for being held in high regard is our use of state-of-the-art surgical hair loss procedures, each tailored to the needs of the patient. Among these surgeries is follicular unit extraction (FUE).
Follicular unit extraction is a highly popular option for hair restoration. Rather than using large plugs as in the past, small follicular units are taken from a donor area and placed into the thinning or balding part of the scalp in order to address hair loss. This is different from follicular unit transplantation (FUT), which is another popular method of surgical hair restoration.
General Candidates for Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Good candidates for follicular unit extraction are patients in good health overall who would like a more permanent and effective treatment for their hair loss. These candidates often have three commonalities:
- Mild to moderate hair loss
- Tightness of the the scalp
- Hair/hairstyle typically short in length
Age and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Candidacy
It’s ideal for follicular unit extraction patients to be at least in their mid-to-late 30s. This is to ensure that the patient has experienced the majority of the balding/hair loss they will experience in life and not require additional hair transplantation in order to address a growing bald spot.
Gender and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Candidacy
Both men and woman can undergo follicular unit extraction, though the procedure is much more common in men simply given the nature of male hair loss. Women tend to experience hair loss and thinning all over their scalp rather than in the front of the hairline and crown like men.
When considering hair transplant surgery in women, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the procedure carefully.
Knowing the Risks and Benefits of Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Patients should be well aware of the risks and benefits of any kind of hair restoration treatment that they will undergo. Follicular unit extraction is no exception. This will help patients be prepared for discomfort and the possibility of complications.
Having Realistic Expectations About Hair Restoration Surgery
Follicular unit extraction can achieve great results, but it’s important that patients have realistic expectations about what the procedure is like and what healing and recovery entails. Realistic expectations tend to improve overall patient satisfaction and the effectiveness of the procedure.
Discussing Treatment Alternatives with Non-Candidates
If you’re a poor candidate for follicular unit extraction, alternatives can be discussed. For instance, people with significant hair loss may be better suited for follicular unit transplantation since strip harvesting will be more efficient for addressing this sort of hair loss. Non-surgical options can also be considered to ensure optimal results are achieved.
Contact New England Center for Hair Restoration
For more information about FUE and your many other options for treating hair loss and baldness, be sure to contact our hair restoration surgery specialists today. The team at New England Center for Hair Restoration will work with you to ensure the best treatment options are considered.