Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE, is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique that involves removing single follicular units one at a time from the donor area at the back and sides of the scalp, and relocating them to areas of loss, usually in the frontal hairline, mid-scalp, and crown areas. The main advantage of the FUE technique is that it does not leave a linear scar in the donor area, so men can generally continue to cut the hair very short, even to a high fade, without concern about a visible donor scar. The tiny scars that are left by the FUE technique are hidden among the remaining hair in the donor area and are usually very difficult to detect, even when the hair is cut very short or shaved. The results of hair transplants performed using the FUE technique are generally permanent and are associated with minimal pain. We can safely extract thousands of follicles with extremely low transection rates using state-of-the-art technology, including specialized hybrid punches measuring less than 1mm in diameter. For most patients, FUE hair transplant is associated with minimal discomfort and downtime, yielding natural and virtually undetectable results.
Our FUE hair transplant in Toronto is ideal for improving the hairline, temple, and crown areas; however, this method is not suitable for everyone. The best candidates will have stabilized any existing hair loss concerns and have enough donor availability to achieve their desired outcome. At Follicle HT, a Hair Transplant Toronto clinic, our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Mark Korman and Dr. Philip Solomon, can advise you on how to slow or stop further loss and assess your suitability for FUE surgery.
Ideal Candidate For An FUE Hair Transplant In Toronto
The time to consider a hair transplant in Toronto is when you see your reflection in the mirror or look at a photograph and realize that the hairline you see doesn’t align with how you feel about yourself, or the image you wish to present to others. Individuals, regardless of gender, who have experienced noticeable hair loss, and are in good overall health without underlying medical conditions warranting further evaluation or treatment are suitable candidates for hair transplantation.
While FUE surgery does leave tiny scars in the donor area, at Follicle HT Toronto, approximately 80% of our male patients prefer FUE hair transplant in Toronto because it is minimally invasive and does not leave a linear scar in the donor area. This generally allows one to cut the hair at the back and sides of the scalp short or even shave without issues of donor scar visibility.
How Follicular Unit Extraction Works
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) refers to a technique of harvesting donor follicles from the back and sides of the scalp for transplantation to the hairline and other areas. With the FUE technique, follicles are removed one by one using a highly specialized instrument. The donor sites are so small that they do not require stitches but rather heal on their own within a few days, leaving only tiny scars that are very difficult to detect, even when the hair is trimmed short.
At Follicle HT, we do not use automated or robotic extraction systems. Our surgeons and highly experienced expert team extract each and every follicle by hand for maximum precision. Once the follicular units have been harvested, we utilize microsurgical instrumentation and high magnification to place the grafts into the hairline and the areas of the scalp or face that are bald or thinning.
Donor area preparation
Upon entering the procedure room, trimming and preparation of the donor area at the back and sides of the scalp will begin. Only a narrow strip of hair is trimmed for individuals undergoing an FUT procedure, while those opting for an FUE hair transplant procedure will have a larger area prepared.
Anesthesia
Following that, you will be placed face down on a table resembling a massage bed, where local anesthesia will be administered. Hair transplantation procedures are conducted under local freezing rather than general anesthesia; hence, intravenous administration is seldom necessary for our patients. Most patients report that they are very comfortable during the hair transplant procedure, with only momentary, minor discomfort during the freezing phase.
Harvesting the grafts
Once the scalp is fully anesthetized, the surgeon and their team proceed with the meticulous process of graft harvesting. This intricate procedure is conducted under magnification to ensure the precise selection and extraction of each delicate hair follicle. For individuals undergoing a FUT procedure, the donor area is attentively sutured using our “trichophytic” technique, which promotes hair growth directly through the scar, minimizing its visibility. In the case of an FUE procedure, stitches are unnecessary as the donor sites are less than one millimetre in diameter and will naturally heal within a few days.
Recipient site creation
After the grafts have been harvested and our team begins preparing them for implantation, the doctor will administer local anesthesia to the recipient areas where the follicles are to be transplanted. Once the recipient area has been thoroughly numbed, your surgeon will create the recipient sites and craft your new hairline. This is the stage where the artistic aspect of the procedure unfolds, showcasing the surgeon’s expertise and experience. We replicate the natural angle of hair growth to achieve results that are truly natural and undetectable.
Implanting the follicular units
Following the meticulous creation of the hairline, the team dedicates several hours to precisely implanting individual follicular units into the recipient sites. At Follicle HT, we employ a blend of pre-made sites and “stick and place” methods, enabling us to achieve maximal precision, refine details, and make micro-adjustments throughout the process, thus ensuring a completely natural outcome.
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Benefits of FUE Hair Transplant In Toronto
Enjoy A Permanent Solution To Your Hair Loss Problem
When performing FUE surgery, we select follicles from the “permanent donor area” at the back and sides of the scalp. This means that the transplanted hairs are expected to grow as they did in their original location for the rest of your life. For most male patients, the results of FUE hair transplantation are permanent and undetectable.
Minimal Downtime
The FUE procedure is minimally invasive, with no linear scar at the back of the scalp and no need for sutures. The donor sites are less than 1mm and generally heal within 2-3 days with minimal discomfort.
No Linear Scar
FUE surgery is sometimes marketed as a “no scar” or “no scalpel technique,” which in our opinion, is potentially misleading to patients. While it is true that FUE does not involve a long, linear incision and does not require stitches, it does leave very tiny scars that in some patients, can be visible if the hair is cut very short or shaved. In most patients, however, the hair in the donor area can generally be cut to a fade, or even shaved with little or no visible scarring.
Improved Appearance and Self-Confidence
The goal of FUE surgery is a completely natural and undetectable result that restores not just your hairline, but your self-confidence. The transplanted hair is your own and can be washed, cut and styled however you wish. You can swim and play sports and face the world with your old confidence.
Scar Revision and Optimization
At Follicle HT Toronto, our hair transplant physicians are board-certified in head and neck and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. They are trained and experienced in the most advanced techniques for scar reconstruction, revision and camouflage. FUE hair transplants can be used to correct scarring of the scalp, eyebrows, moustache and beard areas and can be used to correct scarring caused by previous FUT strip surgery procedures.
In our hands, FUT strip surgery performed using trichophytic techniques generally results in a fine-line scar that is only 1-2 mm thick and is often virtually undetectable. In some cases, particularly among patients who have undergone multiple strip surgery procedures elsewhere, donor scar visibility can be an issue. At Follicle HT, we can utilize FUE techniques to transplant directly into old FUT scars in order to camouflage and conceal them. Other techniques that can be used to improve old scars may include re-excision and closure or scalp micro-pigmentation.
FUE Recovery Timeline
Day 1
Upon leaving the clinic, a gentle gauze dressing will cover the donor area. A cold pack can be applied to the donor area if there is any soreness. No dressing is applied directly to the grafts; however, you will be instructed on how to keep the recipient area clean and moist using distilled water and a gentle spray bottle. You will receive prescriptions to help with any swelling and discomfort that occur.
Day 2
The dressing covering the donor area will be removed. You might experience continued mild discomfort, swelling, and redness, which can be alleviated using the medications provided. You can return to non-physical work and resume your usual low-impact daily activities.
Days 3 to 6
You might observe the swelling reaching its peak at this point. Some patients may experience swelling extending to the eyelids and cheeks, resulting in a puffy appearance. This is quite normal and resolves within a few days. You can begin gently washing the hair as instructed. Most of the swelling will have resolved by day 6 or 7, leaving only slight discomfort.
Days 7 to 10
You can begin washing your hair as usual, gently massaging the grafts with your fingers to help remove any remaining scabs. You may resume light exercise.
Days 14 to 21
Any remaining scabs and crusts will have disappeared completely. While most of the donor hairs may have shed along with the scabs, the follicles remain present and dormant in the scalp skin. You can gradually reintroduce more vigorous exercise and resume swimming.
Months 3 to 6
You will begin to notice the gradual growth of the transplanted hairs. Patience is key!
Months 8 to 12
You will see the complete impact of your hair transplant procedure.
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We encourage you to arrange an in-person or virtual consultation with one of our surgeons. This way, we can tailor a hair restoration treatment plan for you.
Results Of FUE Hair Transplant Done At Follicle HT Toronto
The transplanted hair follicles will typically begin to grow within approximately 3 months of the transplant. Many patients who undergo hair transplant surgery will also use at least one form of medical therapy such as oral or topical minoxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride (Propecia) to encourage graft growth and prevent further loss of the surrounding non-transplanted hair over time. We also offer injections to stimulate graft growth and prevent loss of the surrounding non-transplanted hair.
Many patients observe a significant improvement within 4-6 months, and the complete effect of the transplant procedure may take 12-18 months to manifest fully. It is important to note that the transplanted hair is your own and will continue to grow normally. You can freely cut, style, use products, swim, and participate in sports and other activities as usual.
28 year old man who had 2100 follicular units by FUE. The results are about 3-4 months post-op.
38-year-old male shown following placement of approximately 3700 Follicular unit in two sessions.
32-year-old man shown approximately one year following 1800 follicular units obtained via FUT.
FAQ
How painful is FUE hair transplant surgery?
We utilize local anesthesia to conduct hair transplantation procedures in a comfortable, fully accredited outpatient clinic. Our techniques typically result in minimal discomfort, eliminating the need for general anesthesia. To further reduce any discomfort, patients are provided with oral pain medication and light sedatives. We employ advanced techniques for administering local anesthesia, resulting in most patients experiencing only minimal pain. During the procedure, patients often listen to music or podcasts, watch Netflix, or simply relax.
How much time does FUE hair transplantation surgery take to complete?
An FUE hair transplant usually takes approximately 4 to 10 hours to finish, depending on the number of grafts needed. For instance, a session involving 2000-2500 follicular units may take up to 10 hours. While it is a lengthy procedure, all our patients find it comfortable and calming. Throughout the day, patients typically enjoy listening to music or podcasts, watching Netflix or movies, or simply unwinding. We offer lunch, snacks, and ample breaks to ensure a comfortable experience.
Is FUE hair transplant permanent?
In males, hair follicles are harvested from the permanent or “safe” zones located at the back and sides of the scalp, ensuring that transplant results are typically permanent. In females, results are also enduring or permanent, although the donor area may be less reliable compared to that in males. Over time, non-transplanted hair may be lost in the surrounding areas. Therefore, some patients may opt for a second procedure to address progressive hair loss in the transplant region.
What is the downtime after an FUE hair transplant?
We typically advise taking at least 2-3 days off, although many patients can handle phone calls, emails, and computer tasks on the first day after the procedure. Some individuals even manage business calls or work on their laptops or phones during the procedure! Usually, within about a week, any swelling and redness subside, rendering the transplant virtually undetectable. Light exercise and other activities can be resumed within 5-7 days, while we suggest refraining from strenuous exercise and swimming for 2-3 weeks.
What is the cost of FUE hair transplant?
The overall cost of an FUE session varies based on several factors, such as the number of follicles to be transplanted, any prior procedures, and the characteristics of both the donor and recipient sites. Follicle HT does not charge per graft, unlike some large commercial clinic chains. Instead, we encourage individuals to consider the procedure comprehensively, focusing on the desired outcome. Additionally, Follicle HT offers assistance to patients seeking financing options.
Why choose Follicle HT for your hair transplant procedure?
Ultimately, the decision of where to undergo your hair transplant procedure is a personal one. At Follicle HT, our goal is to ensure complete patient satisfaction. We achieve this by delivering state-of-the-art follicular unit hair transplant surgery in a comfortable, fully accredited surgical facility, adhering to the highest standards of comfort and safety.
Dr. Korman and Dr. Solomon aim to attain exceptional results for their patients. They will assist you in determining the most suitable techniques to achieve the optimal balance of coverage, density, and natural appearance for your hair transplant. Our doctors will personally oversee every aspect of your journey, from the initial consultation to the procedure itself.
Start Your Transformation Today – Visit Follicle HT Toronto For FUE Hair Transplant Surgery
An FUE or FUT hair transplant at Follicle HT in Toronto can be an important step toward regaining your confidence and self-esteem. Our clinic employs cutting-edge techniques with tailored care to achieve outstanding outcomes that look and feel totally natural Whether you are dealing with thinning hair or more extensive loss, our expert team is ready to support you throughout the entire journey.
Follicle HT Toronto’s FUE treatment represents not just a procedure, but a valuable long-term investment in yourself. Our skilled professional staff will ensure your comfort, safety, and satisfaction during every phase of the process.
Take control of your hair loss situation now. Reach out to Follicle HT Toronto to initiate the process with a consultation and explore how a hair transplant at our state-of-the-art facility can have a positive impact on your life. Don’t delay; your journey to confidence and a new appearance begins today!
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At Follicle HT, our philosophy is that modern hair transplantation is a freedom granting procedure. We strive to help all our patients look and feel their very best by having the full range of options available.
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