What is Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE?
FUE or Follicular Unit Extraction is an advanced, minimally-invasive hair transplant method which allows for the harvesting of individual follicles from the donor area without a scalpel or stitches, and therefore leaves no linear scar. FUE allows hair follicle harvesting without the use of a scalpel or stitches and leaves no linear scar.
NeoGraft is a breakthrough surgical instrument that makes FUE harvesting far more efficient and accurate than previous devices. FUE using NeoGraft has been considered a “game-changer” for the field of hair transplant surgery eliminating the risk, discomfort and downtime of a linear or strip-harvest.
For many years, we were only able to harvest between 500-700 grafts per day with FUE. Today, the NeoGraft sophisticated device has enabled us to harvest 1500-1800 grafts or more during a normal procedure day visit. The tiny (< 1.0mm) circular incisions will heal and become nearly invisible within a matter of days. From a social distance, the donor area is generally back to normal and healed in about a week. Estetica’s use of the Neograft technique makes Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedures more efficient and it works as an extension of the human hand to help harvest hair follicles efficiently from the scalp at a rate of speed that is significantly faster than manual FUE extraction and, with proper technique, significantly more accurate.
At Estetica, we understand how choosing the right surgeon and surgical team remains vital. Final hairline design results still are dependent upon the skill and artistic abilities of the surgeon or technician performing the procedure. Extensive hair transplant experience and artistry is required when designing hairlines, proper angles and orientation of grafts so they look natural.
What is NeoGraft™?
NeoGraft is a new device which facilitates the harvesting of follicles during an “FUE”-type hair transplant, dramatically improving the accuracy and speed over previously-used FUE manual extraction instruments. NeoGraft is a breakthrough surgical instrument that makes FUE harvesting far more efficient and accurate than previous devices. FUE using NeoGraft has been considered a “game-changer” for the field of hair transplant surgery eliminating the risk, discomfort and downtime of a linear or strip-harvest.
What are Body Hair Transplants (BHT)?
The FUE technique can also be used to harvest follicles from areas outside of the scalp area. Non-scalp harvesting or Body Hair Transplants (BHT) is useful for patients who have depleted Donor Areas from previous transplants. Hair follicles can be harvested from alternate sources such as the beard, the chest, the abdomen or belly, back, arms and legs. These donor areas often have different qualities compared to scalp hair. It is important to discuss these issues with Dr. DeLange and our experts at Estetica before making any decisions about donor areas.
Is FUE/NeoGraft suitable for both men and women?
Yes. Because FUE/NeoGraft is a minimally-invasive procedure, it is a viable option for both men and women looking to restore their own living and growing hair with transplantation. For women, harvesting is performed with a hidden shave in the donor area which is covered by the surrounding existing hair.
What are the main benefits of FUE over linear harvesting?
It is well-accepted that FUE transplants can heal faster and more comfortably than linear-harvest techniques using a scalpel and requiring stitches. With FUE, once healing is complete, the patient has the option of wearing a very short haircut without the worrying about a linear scar. Without the need for stitches, downtime is shorter with fewer activity restrictions after the procedure.
What are some benefits of NeoGraft over manual FUE techniques?
The highly ergonomic mechanical NeoGraft device works as a natural extension of the surgeons’ hand, allowing for faster and more accurate harvesting of hair follicles. NeoGraft patients now reach their goal with less time in the procedure room or fewer FUE procedures altogether.
Are you a good candidate for FUE using NeoGraft?
Patients who would like the option of wearing a very short haircut in the back or sides of their scalp, or those who want the least amount of activity restriction (e.g. athletes) after their hair transplant procedure, may be good candidates for FUE with NeoGraft™. FUE can also be used for ‘scar camouflage’ procedures for patients who have had prior linear harvests, as well as for body hair transplants, eyebrows, beard and mustache area.
What are the cost differences between FUE and linear-harvest hair transplant procedures?
The fee structure for FUE hair transplant procedures reflect the more detailed and intricate nature of those procedures compared to those performed with a linear harvest. The cost is by graft harvested. Call us at Estetica Hair Restoration for more information about cost and scheduling.
Do I have to get a total buzz-cut to have an FUE/NeoGraft procedure?
It is necessary to shave the donor zone (Back of the scalp) before an FUE hair transplant procedure. However, the rest of the head does not need to be shaved especially in the hairline area.
What about Scars?
This is a question commonly asked by most patients considering surgical hair restoration. After all, the ultimate goal of a hair transplant procedure is to recreate a natural head of hair without any sign of surgical alteration. However, it is important for patients to have reasonable expectations with all forms of hair transplant. With the Neograft Method, between 1,000 and 3,000 specifically sculpted follicular-unit grafts are removed and implanted one at a time into tiny openings in the recipient, or balding area. The openings created for each graft are no larger than a pinprick. Therefore, scarring is unnoticeable.
Where is the surgery performed?
The surgery is performed in Estetica Institute’s accredited surgical center, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Our surgeries are performed at our state of the art surgical ORs by a highly trained staff of professionals who all maintain the highest credentials. Our facility is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
How long does the procedure take?
Typically, the NeoGraft Follicular Unit Extraction procedure is performed in half the time of any other restoration procedure. Depending of how many grafts are harvested, the procedure may take a good part of the morning, and after a provided lunch, the implantations will take a couple of hours.
Patients will recover for about a half-hour after the procedure, and then may go home.
Can I drive myself home?
Yes
What happens after surgery? What is the recovery process?
How you feel after surgery depends on the extent and complexity of the procedure. Any aching, excessive tightness, or throbbing can be controlled with pain medication prescribed by your physician. If bandages are used, they will usually be removed one day later. You may gently wash your hair within two days following surgery. Be sure to discuss the possibility of swelling, bruising, and drainage with us.
Our caring and highly trained staff is here to help from your initial consultation through your recovery. Dr. DeLange is just a phone call away 24-7 for you after any surgical procedure.
You can get your hair and your confidence back. Call the experts at Estetica and start your consultation today!
