Category: Hair Restoration

Many men suffering with a receding hairline, or a bald spot on the top of their head, are turning to hair transplantation for help. This can be done using either the follicular unit extraction (FUE) or the follicular unit transplantation (FUT) methods. However, since FUE is more advanced, people often curious to find out – Is FUE hair transplant the best harvesting technique?

FUE Method
FUE is a technique in which an instrument is used to harvest units of 1-4 hairs, from the donor area at the back of the head. The hair is then transplanted to the thinning areas. The FUE method requires the shaving of the donor area, but if you have long hair, the hairs nearby can hide the spot until it grows out.

With the traditional FUT or ‘strip’ method, a scalpel is used to harvest a strip of hair from the back of the head. The strip of hair is cut into individual units before being transplanted.

Which is best?
Both techniques yield very good results, but there are notable differences in the method of extracting the hair.

Some patients experience a greater level of satisfaction with the FUE method for the following reasons:
•    FUE leaves a small scar that is hardly visible, while the strip method leaves a long linear scar.
•    FUE does not require the use of scalpel or sutures, so there is less likelihood of an infection or other complication.
•    Patients are able to return to regular activities much sooner with the FUE method.

The results achieved with hair transplantation depend not so much on the method used, but on the experience and expertise of the physician performing the procedure.

Clients in Guilford, CT, can contact Dr. Robert Langdon, of the Langdon Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery for a consultation on hair transplantation.  Call Dr. Langdon today at 844-551-9880.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair harvesting method that can restore your hair and produce natural looking results. However, in order to gain optimal results, you must ensure that you follow your doctor’s advice regarding post-operative care. One of the most important questions you should ask your doctor is – How soon can I wash after FUE hair transplant?

What is FUE?
FUE is a minimally invasive hair harvesting technique, used to extract hair from the donor area. The procedure is done under local anesthetic. The hairs are individually extracted using an automated hair transplant device.

FUE hair transplantation is considered a more efficient method to the strip harvesting technique, as more grafts can be removed in one session. In addition, the procedure does not leave a linear scar behind.

How soon can you wash after FUE hair transplant?
Washing your hair is generally not recommended until the grafts are fully healed, because at that time the roots are anchored beneath the skin. This usually takes about 7-9 days. The follicles are vulnerable before this time, as the roots are not yet set, so it’s best to avoid washing or massaging the transplanted hair.

However, some doctors ask their patients to come in the day after surgery for a special sponge wash. Regular washing is usually resumed once the scabs have all come off. Be sure to discuss post-operative procedures with your doctor before surgery, so that you take care of your hair the correct way.

The FUE hair transplant method is available at the Langdon Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Guilford, Connecticut. Call 844-551-9880 to schedule a consultation with Robert Langdon, MD, and find out if the procedure would be suitable for you.