Initial Consultation
Table of Contents
Long hair follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a minimally invasive hair transplantation method that maintains the length of existing hair. Traditional FUE procedures typically require shaving the donor area, but this new technique can extract and transplant hair follicles without cutting the hair. It is ideal for patients who wish to keep their hair restoration process discreet and those looking to avoid the downtime associated with waiting for shaved hair to regrow.
We take the FUE technique to the next level with a sub-millimeter punch designed to extract individual hair follicles with minimal invasiveness and maximal efficiency. This proprietary technology ensures high precision, significantly reducing trauma to the donor area and enhancing the transplantation’s natural-looking results. When applied to the standard long hair FUE process, our technique allows for the seamless integration of new follicles among existing long hairs, ensuring the procedure remains discreet, and the results are immediate and impactful.
Individual follicular units are extracted directly from the donor area
Shaving is not required
Minimal, small dot-like scars scattered across the donor area
Shorter; less discomfort post-procedure
Longer and more time-consuming due to individual extractions
A strip of scalp is removed
Shaving is needed in most cases
Linear scar at the donor site
Longer due to the sutures and larger incision
Shorter because follicles are removed in bulk
Individual follicular units are extracted directly from the donor area
A strip of scalp is removed
Shaving is not required
Shaving is needed in most cases
Minimal, small dot-like scars scattered across the donor area
Linear scar at the donor site
Shorter; less discomfort post-procedure
Longer due to the sutures and larger incision
Longer and more time-consuming due to individual extractions
Shorter because follicles are removed in bulk
Male-pattern baldness is a common condition in men. It typically begins with thinning hair at the temples and crown. This progressive hair loss is primarily influenced by genetics and hormonal changes, particularly the sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Over time, the hairline recedes in an M-shape, and the thinning areas on the crown expand, potentially leading to partial or complete baldness. While the condition is natural and often hereditary, treatments like medications, hair transplants, and lifestyle adjustments can help manage its progression.
Female-pattern baldness often appears as diffuse hair thinning across the scalp rather than a receding hairline. Genetics and hormones also influence this condition, with many women noticing a widening part or reduced hair density, particularly after menopause. Although complete baldness is rare, the psychological impact can be significant. Topical solutions, medications, and non-surgical therapies are available to improve hair density and slow the progression of hair thinning. However, they are much less effective than the long hair FUE surgery.
During the first visit, Dr. Welter comprehensively evaluates the patient’s hair loss pattern, donor area density, and overall scalp health. We discuss aesthetic goals, design an ideal hairline, and determine the number of transplants needed for optimal results. This consultation also includes a detailed review of the patient’s medical history and lifestyle factors to ensure they are an ideal candidate for the surgery.
On the day of the procedure, Dr. Welter begins by mapping out both the donor and recipient areas. He uses advanced digital imaging technology to create a precise hairline design that complements the patient’s facial features and ensures natural-looking results. The donor area is carefully marked while maintaining the hair length, allowing for strategic transplant harvesting.
Local anesthesia is provided in both the donor and recipient areas. Our technique ensures the patient remains comfortable throughout the procedure while maintaining the integrity of their long hair. The anesthetic is carefully injected to minimize swelling and optimize transplant survival.
Using our proprietary punch technology, individual follicular units are precisely extracted from the donor area while preserving the surrounding long hair. Each transplant is carefully removed with the hair shaft intact, ensuring minimal scarring and optimal quality.
Our team carefully processes each extracted unit under high-powered microscopes. The grafts are sorted by hair count (single, double, or triple follicular units) and stored in a specialized holding solution to ensure optimal survival rates. The long hair attached to each follicle is preserved throughout this process, allowing immediate styling capability post-procedure.
Dr. Welter creates precise recipient sites using micro-blades that account for the natural angle, direction, and distribution of existing hair. They are strategically placed to achieve optimal density while ensuring proper blood flow to each transplanted follicle.
Dr. Welter carefully inserts transplants into the recipient sites, ensuring proper depth and angle. We can immediately see how the new hair will blend with the existing pattern. This precise placement technique results in natural-looking outcomes.
Once all hair transplants are placed, Dr. Welter performs a final inspection to ensure proper placement and distribution. The preserved length of both new and existing hair effectively camouflages any evidence of the hair transplant procedure. We guide every patient on how to style their hair to maintain a natural appearance.
Due to local anesthesia, long hair FUE is generally not considered painful. Patients may feel slight discomfort while injecting the anesthetic, but the extraction and implantation phases are painless. After the procedure, mild soreness, tightness, or tenderness in the donor and recipient areas is common, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers or medications prescribed by Dr. Welter are often sufficient to manage any discomfort during recovery.
In the first week after long hair FUE, minor swelling, redness, and scabbing may occur around the donor and transplant areas. These symptoms typically subside within a few days as the scalp begins to heal. It is crucial to avoid touching or scratching the treated areas to prevent dislodging the transplants.
Approximately two to three weeks after the procedure, the transplanted long hair strands may shed as part of the natural hair cycle. This process is normal during recovery.
New hair emerges from the transplanted follicles around three to four months after the procedure. This hair is often delicate and may initially appear uneven. Over time, it thickens and blends naturally with the surrounding hair.
The full results are visible 12 to 18 months after long hair FUE. The transplanted hair grows at the same rate as the natural and can be styled as desired. Any residual redness or mild scarring in the donor area generally fades, leaving a seamless appearance.
At Regeneris Medical, we carefully evaluate each patient’s unique situation to determine if long hair FUE is the right choice for their hair replacement journey. While this advanced technique offers numerous advantages, specific criteria help us ensure safety and maximize results. Ideal candidates for hair transplantation include:
Sub-millimeter punch allows for exact follicle extraction, minimizing scarring and maximizing graft viability.
Our advanced technique eliminates the need for shaving, offering a highly discreet solution that preserves the length of existing hair.
Dr. Welter and the Regeneris Medical team utilize the latest technology to ensure precise follicle extraction and placement, resulting in natural-looking and dense hair growth.
The precision of our technique results in a quicker healing process, allowing patients to return to their daily routines with minimal downtime.
The cost of long hair FUE surgery in Boston ranges from approximately $6,000 to $13,000. This variation depends on the number of grafts required, the doctor’s expertise, and the clinic’s reputation. Due to their advanced techniques and longer duration, FUE procedures are generally more expensive than standard restoration surgeries. We recommend consulting Dr. Welter to obtain personalized estimates based on individual needs. Low-interest financing is available to reduce the hair transplant cost.
