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FUT hair restoration procedure step by step

The below step by step presentation shows how today’s state of the art follicular unit hair transplant procedure is normally performed. Learn more about Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) - now called Follicular Unit Excision and how it is performed

Today hair transplant surgery is a one day out-patient procedure requiring only local anesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort, if any, they experience during and after surgery. Many patients watch TV or nap during their hair transplant procedure. Learn more about Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) - now called Follicular Unit Excision and how it is performed.

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Patient is prepared for surgery

During surgery hair follicles from the back of the head that are genetically resistant to going bald will be removed and relocated (transplanted) to the balding areas.

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Donor area is trimmed

Prior to surgery, the hair in donor area that will be surgically removed is trimmed.

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Donor area is prepared for surgery

Once the donor area has been prepared it is given local anesthesia.

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Donor tissue is removed

The donor tissue containing the bald resistant hair follicles is then surgically removed.

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Donor area is sutured

The donor tissue containing the bald resistant hair follicles is then surgically removed.

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Hair combed over sutures

When patient’s hair is combed over the donor area the sutures are not visible. These sutures are typically removed approximately ten days after surgery.

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Donor tissue is trimmed into follicular unit grafts

Surgical technicians then use microscopes to view the donor tissue in order to dissect and prepare follicular units hair grafts.

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Bald recipient area is prepared

After being given local anesthesia, the balding recipient area is ready for surgery. No trimming or shaving of hair is needed in the top recipient area.

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Incisions are made in the balding areas

Tiny incisions are made in the recipient areas in irregular patterns that mimic nature. The follicular unit grafts will then be placed carefully into these tiny incisions.

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Grafts are placed into the incisions

Follicular unit grafts are gently placed into the recipient incisions.

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Grafts are placed in varying densities

Typically the smallest one and two hair grafts are placed in the very front of the hairline, with three and four hair grafts placed behind them.

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Patient immediately following surgery

Following surgery a patient will have hundreds of tiny incisions with short hair stubble showing from the new grafts.

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Close up of recipient area after surgery

The tiny graft incisions heal rapidly. The redness and scabbing in the recipient area normally clears up within about one week.