Maxwell Hair Clinic
FUE Hair Transplant
For a lot of us today, the struggle with hair loss is a real issue, impacting our appearance and self-confidence. Hair transplants have become a popular solution for many, offering new growth and self-assurance. FUE is among the least invasive methods in hair restoration, renowned for its precision, minimal scarring, fast recovery, and natural-looking results.
What are the options for hair loss? What method is best for me? How can I utilize the latest technique and turn back the clock? On this FUE page, you will find insights into how the procedure works, its benefits, and whether you’re an ideal candidate. We will also address common concerns and share the latest advancements that make FUE the top choice for hair restoration among men and women alike.
Over the years, hair transplantation has evolved significantly This began with Dr. Orentreich’s pioneering Punch Hair Transplant in the 1950s, evolved to the sophisticated Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation (FUT) in the 1990s, and now embraces state-of-the-art Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method. FUE involves extracting individual follicular units using a two-step or three-step process, while the implantation process mirrors that of FUT. This page explains the FUE method, including the requirements, benefits, and limitations. It also describes the procedure and highlights new advancements like automated FUE, which allows skilled professionals to harvest significantly more grafts in a single day.
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What Is FUE Technique?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a cutting-edge hair transplant method where individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area of the scalp using specialized micro punches typically ranging from 0.6-1.0mm in diameter. This technique is unique in that it does not involve removing a strip of skin with hair follicles, thus reducing scarring.
FUE is one of the methods we use to harvest hair from the donor area. In general, a hair transplantation procedure involves moving hair from the area of the head where it grows most thickly to the area where the hair is thinning or balding. There are three methods for harvesting hair from the donor area: FUT, FUE, and a combination of FUT and FUE. Each method has its own pros and cons, but FUE is the least invasive method.
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Benefits of FUE Hair Transplant
The primary advantage is the minimal scarring, as FUE extracts individual hair follicles directly from the scalp without the need for a strip of tissue to be removed, which is the case with FUT. This method allows for a quicker recovery time and reduces post-surgery discomfort. Additionally, FUE provides more flexibility in hair styling, as patients can wear their hair shorter without a noticeable linear scar. The technique is also beneficial for those with a tighter scalp or who want to avoid the more invasive nature of FUT.
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FUE Hair Transplant Shaving Options
At Maxwell Hair Clinic, we understand that all individuals have various preferences and lifestyle needs, and several shaving options are available for the FUE process. Below are the specific shaving methods employed at Maxwell:
Partial Shaving
The partial shaving approach focuses on a specific scalp section, often the donor area, keeping the remaining hair untouched. Ideal for those receiving fewer grafts and wishing to preserve their current hairstyle This method allows the unshaven hair to conceal the treated area, providing a more discreet solution than complete shaving.
Minimal Shaving
The minimal shaving technique involves shaving small areas in the donor zone for follicle extraction. This less visible method enables a quicker return to daily life, as surrounding hair conceals the treated sections, making it ideal for those seeking discreet recovery.
No Shaving
The no-shave technique eliminates the need for shaving, offering a discreet hair transplant option. It’s ideal for maintaining hairstyle continuity and minimizing visible signs of the procedure. This approach supports a quick return to daily activities, appealing to those seeking a subtle restoration process.
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How It Works
Step 1: Harvest
On the surgery day, the donor area will be shaved based on the shaving method you have chosen, and local anesthesia will be applied. The doctor will use a special hole punch machine to extract the hair follicles from the back of the head. FUE hair transplantation surgery is still incisional surgery, which will form multiple circular scars across larger area, however surgeon’s technique will ensure no scar is visible. Once a sufficient amount of grafts have been extracted, the doctor then moves on to the transplant phase.If your surgeon suggests combining FUE and FUT methods, it is often to harvest more hair than a single method would allow.
Step 2: Transplantation
After the grafts are extracted from the donor area, the doctor implants them into the recipient area of the scalp. The recipient area is usually around the front, top, crown and sides. The doctor uses a special tool to then implant the hair into the scalp. The doctor takes great care to make sure the hair is inserted in the natural direction of the hair growth.
The doctor begins by using the sharp end of the punch machine to score the skin around a hair follicle.
The professionals then carefully pluck out the hair graft with tweezers. These grafts are kept fresh at a specific temperature until they are ready to be placed.
The assistant uses tools to divide the grafts, which ranges from one to several hairs, ensuring a variety of graft thicknesses necessary for a natural-gradient hair transplant.
The experienced doctor will carefully perform the transplantation step. It is crucial to achieve a seamless and natural-looking hairline. Carefully sorting these grafts is a delicate and detailed phase before they are strategically implanted.
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Recovery Timeline After a Hair Transplant
Before Hair Transplant
10 Days After Hair Transplant
3 Months After Hair Transplant
7 months After Hair Transplant
Before Hair Transplant
9 Days After Hair Transplant
5 Months After hair transplant
9 months after hair transplant
Day 2 ~ Day 30
You may feel pain for the first week as the scalp needs time to heal. You will see scabbing in two locations on the scalp: the donor area and the recipient area. These scabs are small, so they heal quickly. The day after the surgery, we will provide post-operative care, including removing the bandages from the donor area, disinfection dressing, shampoo service and laser treatment for the maximum viability. We recommend using antibiotic spray for 3 days. Most of our patients fly back to their home country the day after the shampoo service. If you need to have stitches removed, our surgeons may use dissolvable stitches or provide medical documentation so that you can have the remaining stitches removed in your home country. In that case, you can fly the day after the surgery.
Month 1 ~ Month 3
70-80% of the transplanted hair, along with some original hairs, will fall out during this period. However, please do not worry, as this is normal during the recovery process. After 3 to 5 months, the hair will begin to grow normally. If you experience any discomfort during the recovery process, you can contact us at any time, and we will provide assistance even after the procedure. If you are living in Korea, you can also visit our clinic regularly for check-ups during this period.
Month 3 ~ Month 6
This is the period when patients worry the most because the hair goes through shock loss. However, it is also the time when new hair starts to grow slowly, typically at a rate of about 1 cm per month. Please do not worry, as it takes a bit more time before it starts to resemble the desired result.
Month 6 ~ Month 12
Hair will actively grow in the recipient area, and with hair loss treatment, the number of hairs and their thickness can even improve during this period. The hair will gain in thickness & length, and may also change in character. It generally takes one year to see the full results of a hair transplant. We recommend having a 1-year follow up with your surgeon, as this is usually the time you can expect a full result.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is the FUE method preferred over other hair transplant techniques?
The FUE hair transplant method is favored due to its minimally invasive nature, offering precise follicular unit extraction with minimal scarring and fast recovery. It allows for more flexibility in hair styling post-surgery, as the absence of a linear scar enables patients to wear their hair shorter. Additionally, the technique’s high graft survival rate, exceeding 95%, ensures effective, natural-looking results.
How does the FUE hair transplant process work at Maxwell Hair Clinic?
The FUE process at Maxwell begins with harvesting hair follicles from the donor area using a special micro punch tool, under local anesthesia. This step is followed by the transplantation phase, where the extracted grafts are carefully implanted into the recipient areas of the scalp. The entire process emphasizes precision and natural hair growth direction, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking hairline.
What is the recovery timeline after undergoing an FUE hair transplant?
Recovery after an FUE transplant varies: within the first month, minor pain and scabbing occur in both the donor and recipient areas. Between months 1 to 3, transplanted hair falls out—a normal part of the recovery process—before new hair starts growing. By months 3 to 6, new hair grows gradually, and by 6 to 12 months, patients can observe significant improvements in hair volume and thickness, with full results typically visible one year post-surgery.
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Begin Today
To ease the journey, Maxwell provides comprehensive international patient services, including bilingual medical professionals and translators/consultants for effortless communication. From the initial online consultation to scheduling appointments and aftercare, our dedicated team is here to assist every step of the way. Consult with our doctors from anywhere in the world, just with your photos!
Interested in having a hair transplant in Korea? The initial consultation is free. Use our convenient email form to get started.
We look forward to seeing you in Seoul.
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