Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair transplant procedure that restores the hairline and gives a patient a fuller and more healthy head of hair. FUE hair restoration is performed by the surgeon individually extracting hair grafts from the donor area of the body (usually the back and sides of the scalp). The hair grafts are then counted and prepared for implantation into the scalp of the patient. The final results are permanent, and the transplanted hair looks and grows just like the native hair on the scalp.
When it comes to the success rate of FUE hair restoration, there are a couple of ways to determine the level of success:
· Studies have shown that the graft survival rates after a hair transplant are anywhere from 90%-95%. This means the hair grafts that are transplanted into the balding or thinning area of the scalp should remain in good condition and retain a natural appearance for the lifetime of the patient.
· The success rate of FUE hair restoration can also be measured by the satisfaction level of the patient. As recently as 2016, a study was conducted of former hair transplant patients who had follicular unit extraction surgery performed in the past. This study was performed to follow-up with the patients around three years after their last treatment. These patients reported an average satisfaction rating of 8.3 out of 10 when it came to their hair restoration results. The level of satisfaction for patients also includes the ease of their healing process and the amount of hair growth in the recipient area on the scalp.
It is also important to remember that it takes some time to see the final results. In some cases, it can take up to 18 months for the final results to be visible. Patients need to have realistic expectations when it comes to their hair transplant and know that their overall satisfaction with the appearance of their hairline will need to wait until the final results are visible.
FUE hair restoration is one of the most popular hair transplant methods because the process of individually extracting the hair grafts means there will not be a scar after the surgery. Patients enjoy the fact that the lack of a scar means it is not obvious to others that a hair transplant was performed on the scalp. They can enjoy their restored and refreshed hairline and gain an increased amount of self-confidence about their appearance.
