Follicular Unit Extraction: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hair Transplantation

August 2002 in “ Dermatologic Surgery ”

William R. Rassman, Robert Bernstein, Robert E. McClellan, Roy B. Jones, Eugene W. Worton, Hendrik Uyttendaele

Follicular Unit Extraction FUE Follicular Unit Transplantation FUT FOX Test scalp biopsies dermal sheath hair growth phases grafts donor area scarring infection risk hair transplantation hair transplant hair grafts

TLDR Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a less invasive hair transplant method with minimal scarring, suitable for about 60% of patients, especially those needing fewer grafts and quicker recovery.

In 2002, the document introduced Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), a hair transplantation method that extracts individual follicular units using 1-mm punches, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) with minimal scarring. The FOX Test, applied to 200 patients, determined that 25% were ideal and 35% were good candidates for FUE. Histological analysis of 10 patients' scalp biopsies showed no difference in hair growth phases between FOX-positive and FOX-negative patients, but FOX-positive patients had a thinner, more elastin-rich dermal sheath, suggesting the molecular composition of the dermal sheath affects the ease of extraction. FUE is suitable for patients with limited hair loss, requiring small sessions, or needing quick recovery, but only about 60% of patients were candidates, and it was practical for those needing fewer than 600 grafts. Despite its advantages, FUE has limitations, such as increased donor area damage, cosmetic issues, potential for more follicle damage, scarring, infection risk, and longer operating times. Walter Unger, MD, concurred that FUE should be limited to specific cases and is unlikely to replace FUT as the standard for most patients and doctors.

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Research cited in this study

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research Potential Factors Contributing to Androgenetic Alopecia

8 citations, January 1996 in “Springer eBooks”

Male pattern baldness may be caused by factors like poor blood circulation, scalp tension, stress, and hormonal imbalances, but the exact causes are still unclear.

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community COMPLETE OVERVIEW of the Treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men

26 upvotes 10 years ago

Male androgenetic alopecia is commonly treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, both requiring continuous use. Other options include hair restoration surgery, dutasteride, light therapy, and camouflaging agents.

community So we have 20k dollars human like machines available but no new effective treatment for hairloss since finasteride :)

in Chat 237 upvotes 1 month ago

There have been no new effective hair loss treatments since finasteride, despite technological advancements. Current treatments include finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841, with ongoing challenges and potential future solutions in research.

community Verteporfin and Microneedling

in Treatments 5 months ago

Clinical studies by Dr. Barghouthi and Dr. Bloxham indicate that Verteporfin, when used with FUE and FUT hair transplantation methods, shows promise in hair follicle regeneration and minimal scarring due to its ability to inhibit Yes-associated protein (YAP). Microneedling at depths of 3-3.5mm, combined with Verteporfin, could potentially reactivate dormant follicles, although the optimal dosage and application method are still under investigation. Concerns remain about the DHT sensitivity of regenerated follicles, highlighting the need for further research to optimize trauma levels and Verteporfin concentrations to achieve effective and scar-free hair regeneration.

community How is verteporfin doing in trials?

in Chat 9 upvotes 11 months ago

The conversation is about the progress of verteporfin in hair loss trials, with users expressing curiosity about its effectiveness and updates. Specific treatments mentioned include FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) combined with verteporfin, with one reported case of donor area regrowth after a year, and three patients being monitored post-treatment by Dr. Bloxham with monthly updates on YouTube.

community Beard to Scalp Hair Transplants - are they any good?

in Transplants 6 upvotes 3 years ago

Beard to scalp hair transplants can provide 12,000-15,000 grafts for coverage, with fast recovery time. However, beard hair may grow curly and not suitable for frontal areas.

community 6 months after FUE. I know hair is longer and different light, but the resultat is amazing so far. Confidence is skyhigh!

in Transplants 3 years ago

User had successful FUE hair transplant with 3500 grafts, costing 3900 euros at Novohair in Berlin, gaining confidence. User lost hair due to chemo, family history of hair loss at 40-50 years old.

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