FUE – Follicular Unit Extraction
Can a Hair Transplant be done without a cut in the back of the head? I really do not want to be cut upon!
In an article I wrote in the August Issue of the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery (2002), a new Procedure for hair transplantation was introduced which can be performed without a traditional surgical incision. The healing time is clearly reduced and the risks of surgical scarring are practically eliminated. This type of surgery is particularly useful in patients who have limited donor hair, a small balding area, a tight scalp, or the need to keep the option of wearing their hair closely cropped (crew cut style).
We called the technique the FOX™ technique, (short for FOllicular unit eXtraction). The FOX procedure involves the direct extraction of the follicular units from a patient’s donor area using a small instrument called a trephine. Healing is quick, scarring is virtually nonexistent, and discomfort in the donor area has been practically eliminated. I was quoted by the LA Times to say: “The FOX procedure gives yet another option for those patients who were hesitant or were unable to undergo traditional surgery.â€
The article in the August 2002 issue of “Dermatologic Surgery†discusses our research, methodology, and detailed results. This new procedure is currently available at NHI’s offices.
In various surgical specialties, minimally invasive surgery has shortened recovery time and lessened the risk of complications in fields ranging from orthopedic joint surgery to open heart surgery. Now, minimally invasive surgery has arrived to hair transplantation. The technique has become a standard offering in the field, but only a few surgeons have mastered it as the technique takes years to perfect and a lot of practice. Our website has good videos of the procedure and a shaved head after the procedure wounds have healed so you can see what you would look like if you shaved your head.
I didn’t realize the tiny holes would be so easily covered in under 2 weeks. My dad had a transplant a few years ago with good results but I am still undecided. The biggest concern I had was due to the strip scar in the back, but this changes things for me. I’ll have to research this more. Thanks for posting such clear photos.
Your’e welcome