Follicular unit extraction (FUE), also known as follicular transfer (FT), is one of two primary methods of obtaining follicular units, naturally occurring groups of one to four hairs, for hair transplantation. The other method is called strip harvesting. In FUE harvesting, individual follicular units are extracted directly from the hair restoration patient's donor area, ideally one at a time. This differs from the strip-harvesting procedure because, in strip harvesting, a strip of scalp containing skin and hair is removed from the patient and then dissected into many individual follicular units. The follicular units obtained by either method are the basic building blocks of follicular unit transplantation (FUT).
Can you explain what’s meant by Follicular Unit Survival?
The survival of follicular units upon extraction from the scalp is one of the key variables of successful hair transplantation. If the base of the follicular units are transected in the extraction process, there is a greater likelihood that they will not survive the transplant, and the hair transplant will fail. The blood supply that keeps the follicle alive is at the base of each hair shaft. While the strip-harvesting technique procures a large number of follicular units, it does not guarantee that the grafts will survive, as many can be transected during the harvest, rendering them useless. FUE, using the NeoGraft, ensures that each graft is harvested without damage to it’s vital blood supply. The skill and experience of the surgeon and his/her team, are major factors in the ultimate yield and viability of the follicular units.
What about scarring?
FUE with NeoGraft minimizes scarring. Strip harvesting produces a linear scar in the donor area where the strip of skin was removed. The outcome of the healing process, and thus the appearance of scar tissue, depends on several variables (including the type of extraction, the skill of the surgeon, and, in strip harvesting, the method of wound closure). At one week after NeoGraft, it is hard to detect that anything at all was done in the area.
For information on hair restoration surgery in Austin, Texas, please contact Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre or call 512-371-8817 today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. We proudly serve all surrounding communities including Georgetown, Round Rock, and Pflugerville.