Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a Hair Transplant procedure performed to restore thinning hair associated with male and female pattern baldness. The FUE hair transplant technique is less invasive compared to the traditional Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) method and eliminates the need for any linear incisions or strips. This procedure yields permanent, satisfying results and is now offered at Memorial Plastic Surgery for both men and women across the greater Houston and Clear Lake, Texas areas.
Contact Memorial Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Patrick Hsu, Dr. Kendall Roehl, Dr. Vasileios Vasilakis, or Dr. Tyler McElwee to discuss your hair restoration goals today!
What is the Difference Between Hair Extraction and Transplantation?
The Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) Hair Transplant methods are both popular hair restoration techniques. The FUE method involves extracting individual hair follicles directly from the donor site using a micro punch tool. This approach is less invasive and yields zero-to-minimal scarring compared to the FUT technique.
In a traditional hair transplant using the FUT method, an incision is made into the scalp that is roughly between 6-to-10 inches in length to remove a linear strip of tissue. This piece of tissue is then dissected to harvest hair follicles and stitched closed, leaving patients with a noticeable scar running horizontally along the back of the scalp.
What Areas can be Treated with FUE Hair Transplants?
FUE Hair Transplants are most commonly performed on the scalp. However, it can also treat areas of hair loss or thinning hair in other places of the body, including the face, arms, chest, and legs. Various treatment areas can be discussed during your consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
Request Your Consultation
You can request a consultation online or if you have any questions please call the office
713-633-4411.
How is Hair Restoration Performed?
FUE Hair Transplants are performed as an outpatient procedure in our office at Memorial Plastic Surgery under local anesthesia. This procedure takes approximately 8 hours to complete.
On the day of the procedure, your surgeon will create a custom-designed hairline to restore your thinning areas to yield natural-looking results artistically. At the start of the treatment, the donor site (typically the back of the scalp) will be shaved and sanitized before the local anesthetic is administered. Once you are comfortable and numb, our team of expert, certified hair transplant technicians who have performed thousands of hair transplant procedures over the last 15 years, will perform the procedure under the supervision of your surgeon.
Individual hair follicles will be extracted from the donor site through a tiny circular incision around the follicular unit using a micro punch tool. The grafts are then carefully extracted from the scalp and examined under a high-powered microscope to ensure all follicular grafts are in optimal condition during the preparation process. To obtain the best hair restoration results possible, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is injected into the treatment areas during this time. Once the follicular grafts are ready, tiny pin-point incisions are strategically placed into the recipient area in a natural hair growth pattern before transplantation.
You will be provided with instructions on how to properly care for your treatment and donor site areas following your procedure. See the provided chart below for the estimated breakdown of your recovery period.
Cost & FINANCING
The average cost of an FUE hair transplant in Houston ranges from $7,000 – $17,500 per session. The total cost is determined by a number of factors, including the number of transplanted grafts and the number of sessions needed to attain your desired results. You will be given an estimated quote of your treatment cost after being evaluated by one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at Memorial Plastic Surgery.
We accept all major credit cards, personal checks, and Cryptocurrency. We also accept many financing options to assist you with this procedure.
Recovery & Results
Results are typically seen within 4 – 6 months after your last treatment. Depending on the amount of hair loss, some patients may need 1 – 3 sessions to attain maximum results, with each session spaced at least 6 months apart. Once healed, your final hair restoration results are permanent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is hair fall normal after having an FUE hair transplant?
Yes, this is perfectly normal in the weeks following your procedure and is part of the normal hair cycle. Initial results are visible within 3 months as the transferred follicles begin to grow and thicken. Additionally, the results from FUE hair restoration yield a high permanency rate of over 90%.
Does my insurance cover hair transplants?
No, Insurance does not cover this procedure due to its cosmetic nature. However, our practice works with 3rd party financing companies that can assist you with payment plans.
Will I have noticeable scars?
No, the FUE technique does not yield noticeable scars since your surgeon does not need to extract any large strips of tissue from your scalp.
How many sessions will I need to see results?
The number of required sessions depends on the type and quality of your hair. Your surgeon will discuss this with you after a formal evaluation during your consultation.
