FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) Technique
Preparation
The patient and the doctor decides on the hairline,
The doctor determines the donor area,
The doctor will then administer anesthetics and begin the procedure.
During the Procedure
Extraction of Follicular Units
During this step, a micro punch tool will be used by the doctor to determine which follicles are going to be extracted. Using a micro motor, the doctor carefully extracts each unit and preserves them in a liquid solution. These units are then passed on to technicians to be trimmed of excess tissue and prepared for transplant under a stereo microscope.
If the number of grafts to be harvested are under a certain number, there is no need to shave the whole head. This technique takes longer and is more labor intense; however, the hair will show no evidence of a procedure after completion.
Once this initial phase of the procedure is completed, you will be given some time to relax, walk around and stretch your legs. While the staff gets ready for the second phase, you can enjoy food and refreshments before the procedure continues.
Preparing the Recipient Sites
Recipient sites are created using the lateral-slit technique, which mimics the alignment and natural distribution of hair. Single-use blades help create micro slits on the surface that vary in size (0.7mm to 1.2mm). The density and the angles of these recipient sites must be determined carefully.
This step is done by Dr. Zeybek as the front hairline can be considered the signature of the doctor performing the procedure.
Implanting the Units
This is the longest part of the procedure (4 to 6 hours) where the prepared units are implanted to the recipient site with the help of one or more technicians. This step can be completed in two days if the number of grafts to be transplanted are high.
Throughout the procedure, patients are seated in a comfortable chair and are provided with a light sedative taken orally to ensure their comfort. You can watch TV, listen to music or sleep through the entire process.
After
Right after the procedure - The doctor will provide you a post-operative after-care package, consisting of assorted items (antibiotics, saline solution, moisturizing lotion and a hat). You are encouraged to communicate with Dr. Beyhan on WhatsApp for any questions you may have. You will be invited to come in the next morning, so the doctor can show you how to take care of your hair during your recovery.
One day - The doctor will carefully remove bandages at our clinic and wash your hair for the first time. You will then be given information on how to take care of the hair yourself for the next two weeks. This does not prevent you from being able to board a plane.
6 to 8 days - Scabs in the donor area will fall.
11 to 13 days - Scabs in the recipient area will fall.
2 weeks - Patient needs to be careful washing the hair for 2 weeks following the procedure. After this period, patients are free to do as they please, however they are recommended to wear a hat, especially if the procedure is done during summer months to prevent scarring.
The transplanted hair grafts will go through a number of phases in the following months, and full growth occurs over approximately 1 year before the patient can see final results.
1 month - Most of the transplanted hair will fall during the first month after the procedure.
2 to 3 months - New hair follicles will start to appear, however they won't grow as fast as regular hair and will appear thinner in the beginning. Patients are free to get haircuts after this.
6 months - 80% of the transplanted hair will grow back.
8 to 10 months - Hair will grow fully to reveal final results. This first procedure can then be followed by a second one to densify the recipient area if needed.