Follicular Unit Excision (FUE)
Hair Transplant Technique
FUE involves taking individual hair follicles from the back and sides of the head, where there is an abundance, and transplanting them to bald or thinning areas. It is minimally invasive and leaves behind small 'dot-like' scars throughout the donor area. However, FUE causes more damage to grafts and therefore often results in lower growth yields. When performed first, it can reduce the number of grafts the patient can get over their lifetime. FUE should therefore only be used in patients with minimal loss or after FUT (Strip) Surgery in advanced hair loss patients.
The Steps
01
Numbing
To begin with, the donor area is numbed with Lidocaine 2% Local Anaesthetic - the same type used in dental procedures. A tiny needle is used and patients often describe them as little more than 'pokes' or 'pinches'.
02
Removing the Grafts
Under magnification, the doctor takes a miniature punch and scores around each hair follicle in the donor area. The grafts are then freed from the skin using fine forceps. The collected grafts are inspected by experienced technicians under microscopes in order to dissect and clean.
03
Making the Recipient Sites
After a bite to eat and a bathroom break, the recipient area is numbed with the same local anaesthetic. Custom cut blades (personalised based on the patient's specific graft size) are used to make tiny slits in the scalp to insert grafts into.
04
Placing the Grafts
Once the recipient sites have been made, the grafts (that were dissected under high powered microscopes by the team of technicians) are inserted into the slits. Patients usually sleep or watch TV during this time since no pain is felt.
*Quality Control & Accountability*
Quality control is at the core of this procedure. At any given time each technician is constantly monitoring the work of the others and working as a true professional team to ensure the best possible results.
The doctor is constantly monitoring all aspects of the procedure as well, takes photographs and video that will be scrutinized as the procedure progresses. All these photos and video are available to the patient as well so they can see for themselves what was done during their visit. This represents a level of transparency and surgical accountability few hair transplant clinics in the world can claim. We are so sure that the work performed in our clinic is absolute top shelf that we are willing, with the patient’s permission, to post these photos and videos online for the world not only to see, but comment on publicly as well. This protocol was invented at Feller and Bloxham and only the very best clinics offer it.
Dr. Parissis performing Beard FUE
Beard FUE
Beard FUE is a popular method of maximising the number of grafts obtained for the best Hair Restoration results.
We see the beard as an excellent supply of hair grafts that can supplement scalp hair grafts for added density.
In some patients, we can harvest up to 3,000 MORE grafts using the beard - which is enough to cover nearly 1/2 of a bald scalp!
Superior FUE with the WAW DUO FUE System
Dr. Parissis uses the WAW DUO FUE system, an advanced hair transplantation tool developed by Devroye Instruments.
This system features a specialised punch with a slightly flared tip that operates using both rotation and oscillation. This unique design minimises the size of extraction sites—often smaller than the punch itself—while also guiding follicular units smoothly into the lumen, reducing the risk of transection.
The WAW DUO FUE system enhances the precision of extractions, allowing for a higher yield of intact grafts.
The WAW DUO FUE System
Post-Op Period
At 1 month post-op - the transplanted hairs will have shed - this is normal and expected.
At 3 months - the beginnings of growth may begin to show.
At 6 months - it is usually assumed that 50% of overall growth is achieved. At this point, patient's often experience a significant transformation compared to pre-op.
At 12 months - full growth is achieved. At this point, we look forward to 100% of transplanted grafts having popped through - but maturation of the hair is still expected beyond the 12th month.
At 18 months - end result is achieved. The maximum number of transplanted hair roots have grown, and full maturation of the hairs reached.
Note: follow-up is recommended in ALL cases to ensure proper healing and monitor growth.
Typical 'Buzzcut' appearance of a well-washed transplant after 10 days
