Overview of Follicular Unit Extraction

Follicular unit extraction (FUE), also known as follicular unit excision, is a method of harvesting hair follicles from a donor area, typically the occipital scalp area, for implantation in a recipient area. Other nonscalp donor areas like the beard, chest, and other hairy body parts can also be used. The extraction process leaves a small circular scar on the donor area. Over the past 20 years, a variety of devices for FUE have been developed, ranging from manual to highly advanced motors with rotation, oscillation, and vibration. Different types of punch tools are used, including dull, sharp, ultrasharp, serrated, hybrid and specially designed punch blades for long hair follicles harvesting in various diameters from 0.7 mm to 1.1 mm. The follicles can be harvested either manually or by a motorized method.