Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) represents the newest form of hair transplantation, wherein follicular units are harvested individually from the back of the scalp. FUE has evolved as an excellent harvesting technique for men who want to wear their hair shaved or cropped very short. The advantage is that there is no linear scar. However there is a chance that the harvested areas will ‘thin out’ over time. Dr. Rogers takes great care not to overharvest these areas and will advise you when this is or is not the best option for you. The harvesting process does taking more time than the strip but it is worth the trade-off if you wear your hair short.
FUE can also be an option for patients who had previous strip surgery but did not like how the linear scar healed. The individually harvested grafts can be placed in the scar, to camouflage its appearance. They also can be harvested from around the scar without a worsening or widening of the previous scar.
Each follicular unit contains 1-4 hairs. One advantage of FUE is that certain follicles can be chosen for extraction based on the particular goals to be achieved. If adding density is the goal, Dr. Rogers can extract more 3-4 hair follicular units. If softening the hairline is what is desired, she can select more single-hair follicular units. Either way, she must leave enough space between follicles so that the area heals well, looks natural, and does not look “overharvested.” She uses magnification loupes to examine the donor area to select areas.
While this technique has advantages there are limitations, and not everyone is an ideal candidate for the procedure. Patients who have seen advertising for Neograft or Artas robotic surgery should understand that these devices are simply tools used for the extraction process. Dr. Rogers uses a handheld motorized device to perform the extraction process, and does not delegate this to a technician.
Hair Transplant cost
The cost of hair surgery is dependent on the size of the area being treated, your hair quality and density, and the number of surgeries needed to achieve your cosmetic goals. Most hair transplant procedures cost between $4,000 and $10,000. Some patients may need multiple procedures to achieve desired coverage, or to address new hair loss developing in the future. We advise all hair loss patients to consider medical hair loss therapy in addition to hair transplantation, because it can help boost the results from surgery and prevent ongoing thinning in the surrounding areas. During your comprehensive hair loss consultation with Dr. Rogers, she will present you with treatment options, discuss costs, and provide patient finance options.
If more than 1500 follicular units are required, and you have adequate donor density, you may undergo a two-day procedure. Pricing will be given on a case by case basis during your consultation with Dr. Rogers.