What is a FUE Hair Transplant?

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a kind of hair transplant where hair follicles are individually removed from the scalp and then implanted into areas that are thinning to create a fuller appearance. This type of hair transplant is an alternative to follicular unit transplantation (FUT), where a strip of skin is removed from the scalp to provide donor hair.

FUT can be less expensive but leaves a scar where the scalp is cut. We’ll look at some of the details of a FUE transplant, from how much it costs to what the potential side effects are and what results you can expect. We’ll also explore how Hairy Hair may help you with your hair loss, whether you’ve had a hair transplant or are just seeing the first signs of hair loss.

How much does a FUE hair transplant cost?

A FUE hair transplant typically ranges from $6,000 to $20,000 in Australia per session. The expense can increase to as much as $50,000 if you need several sessions to get the results you’re looking for.

How much the procedure costs will depend on a range of factors such as how many grafts are needed, where you live or have to travel to, the clinic quality and the experience of the surgeon.

Hair transplants are considered cosmetic treatments by health insurance companies, so they are usually not covered. Some clinics can offer a payment plan to alleviate the significant investment in the treatment. 

You’ll also need to take some time off work to recover from the surgery, as you’ll need at least 3 or 4 days at home before you can go back to your day-to-day routine.

How does the procedure work?

The hair growth cycle slows as you age until hair follicles cease producing hairs. This can depend on genetics and other factors, which can differ between individuals. Some people lose their hair in their 20s, while it won’t start to fall out until later in life for others.

 A FUE hair transplant replaces old hair follicles that are dormant with new ones that can still produce hair. When the grafts are implanted, they can receive oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream in the scalp and are able to grow hairs in places that were previously bald.

For the hair transplant, a surgeon will shave the donor area where healthy hair follicles can be extracted. The recipient area is also shaved so the new follicles can be implanted. This is done using a micro punch tool.

Tiny incisions are then made with a needle where the new follicles will be placed. As the follicles are inserted, the direction of growth and density of the area will be considered by the surgeon. Then, the area will be cleaned and bandaged.

What are the risks or side effects of the procedure?

There shouldn’t be any noticeable scars with FUE, especially compared to FUT procedures. Some small white dots can appear, but they will usually fade over time and can be covered fairly easily with new hair growth. 

There are some rare side effects from FUE, including infection, drainage, swelling, pain, bleeding, numbness, and tingling. There are risks associated with hair transplantation as it is a surgical procedure since local anaesthesia is involved, and it could lead to an allergic reaction. 

By choosing a high-quality clinic and an experienced surgeon, you can decrease the risk of these side effects occurring.

What is the FUE hair transplant recovery process?

Recovery from a FUE hair transplant is usually quick, especially compared to FUT. Swelling and discomfort may follow in the first 3 days after the procedure. It’s important to follow all the aftercare instructions that the doctor provides.

This includes not washing your hair in the first three days, using a gentle shampoo when you can wash your hair again, avoiding stressful situations, don’t comb or brush your hair in the first 3 weeks, don’t wear a hat unless your doctor has approved it, and don’t do any intense physical activities until it’s safe to do so.

Some of your hair can fall out as part of the healing process. This is your body’s reaction to the stress of the surgery and is a normal part of the recovery. New hairs are shed to make way for healthier and stronger regrowth as part of this type of hair loss (telogen effluvium). 

After around 3-4 months, you might see some improvement with stronger growth being seen after 6-12 months following the procedure.

What is the preparation like for a FUE hair transplant?

Your doctor will give you some advice before your surgery as part of the consultation.

This includes avoiding smoking and alcohol 3 days beforehand, aspirin or blood thinners, antidepressants, vitamins or food supplements for 2 weeks before the surgery, not getting a haircut, performing scalp massages, taking any medications for hair growth prescribed such as finasteride, and having an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests before the treatment.

How can Hairy Hair help with my hair loss?

Whether you are looking for a treatment when you see the first signs of hair loss or want to supplement your hair transplant, Hairy Hair offers a comprehensive and discreet choice. Our unique combination of ingredients includes natural components. 

These may help with the production of keratin, one of the key proteins in hair strands and act as a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocker. This is the hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink and fall out. The medication may also help to widen the blood vessels to increase the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach your hair follicles. 

By tackling different hair loss issues, the single daily pill may provide a well-rounded treatment to give your hair the potential for regrowth. Hairy Hair treatment may be beneficial for those who have had a transplant and want to prevent further hair loss that comes with aging.

Conclusion

A FUE hair transplant can be an effective hair loss treatment for creating new hair growth in areas that were previously balding or thinning. The procedure can be expensive and requires a time commitment for the surgery and the aftercare. 

While it can provide long-term results, the hair surrounding the recipient area may still be subject to hair loss as you get older, particularly if your hair loss hasn’t stabilised. If you’re struggling with your hair loss and are looking for a treatment that can fit into your life, contact Hairy Hair today. 

To start your hair regrowth journey, all you need to do is fill in a quick online questionnaire. From there, one of our qualified Australian GPs will review your information and create a personalised treatment plan. 

They’ll give you a call to discuss the details and answer any questions you may have. Finally, your prescription will be shipped right to your door, and no clinic visits are required. Our dedicated support team will be on hand at every step of your treatment to monitor your progress.