Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair transplant technique in which a punch is used to extract one follicular unit at a time from the safer donor area. Each unit may contain between one to four hairs. The punches will vary in size usually between 0.7 mm to 1.mm, the graft is then carefully extracted with the use of forceps. Once the graft has been extracted a small hole will be left that heals in a few days leaving a small round scar that is usually hard to see to the naked eye. An extraction pattern should be followed leaving sufficient grafts for a natural unmolested look in the donor area. Over harvesting will leave a moth eaten look with the possibility of scars becoming easily visible.

There are three methods of extracting the grafts.

1. Manual punch – The punch is manually rotated by hand to make a small circular incision in the skin around the follicular unit.

2. Motorised – A hand held motorised device containing a punch that will rotate faster than a manual punch allowing grafts to be harvested at a higher ratio.

3. Robotic FUE – Artas Robotic system has the ability to plan an extraction pattern, then punch the grafts whilst being monitored via computer by the operator. The grafts like other FUE methods are then removed with forceps by a doctor or technician.