Follicular Unit Excision (FUE)

Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) was the first and only method practiced in the 1970’s and 1980’s. It was commonly known as the “punched” or “plug” graft method by hair transplant practitioners.

We’ve certainly come a long way from the old plug/corn row look that resulted from using the old “punch” method. Then came the micro and mini grafts, which were a major improvement from the “punch” method. However, they still left a rough, unnatural look. Finally, the follicular unit method was born, where each individual graft was separated as it grew on our scalp (one, two, three and four hair grafts), thus allowing doctors to mimic nature. This resulted in a softer, more natural look.

FUE procedure allows patients to have a larger number of hair follicles transplanted into their scalp in a single surgical session with Dr. Marina Pizarro, Medical Director of Pizarro Hair Restoration. Most importantly, as compared to the linear STRIP (FUT) excision technique, there is no observed linear donor scar when the hair is worn short. It should be noted there is a possibility of small multiple areas of donor area hypopigmentation seen in certain skin and ethnic skin types.

FUE Procedure

FUE with minimal depth scoring punch is used to loosen the follicle from the surrounding tissues. The small naturally occurring hair follicle units are then removed directly from the donor area. With the FUE procedure, a 0.75 to 1.0 mm punch minimal depth scoring incision is used in the skin around the upper part of the follicular unit (hair follicles). The hair follicle is then extracted directly from the scalp and manually placed into tiny slits in the balding area similar to the FUT method.

We encourage you to visit our Before and After Gallery to see the FUE Hair Transplant results. Pizarro Hair Restoration proudly offers Complimentary Consultations to patients considering hair restoration surgery. Call or learn more today!