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FUE Hair Transplant

FUE Hair Transplant Ann Arbor, MI

You first noticed the patch of hair loss on your parents at the dinner table. As the years have passed, the area has only become more apparent. If you come from a family with a history of hair loss, losing your hair may feel like an inevitable rite of passage. It doesn’t have to be.

Modern hair restoration treatments can stop unwanted hair loss and restore a thicker, fuller head of hair. 

One of the most popular and effective hair restoration treatments in Ann Arbor is a type of hair transplantation called FUE. Dr. Pramit Malhotra and the team at Balance Hair Restoration use state-of-the-art treatment methods to restore fullness and shape to the hairlines of men and women throughout Michigan. With an 80% graft growth pledge and an experienced team of professionals, Balance Hair Restoration offers patients the best hair transplant experience in the state. Contact us to learn more about FUE.

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The Steps of FUE Hair Transplant in Michigan

FUE hair transplantation is a full-day procedure. Plan on spending the whole day in our office, with about six to eight hours of active treatment time. FUE is a multi-step process. FUE hair transplantation is an extensive process, but our team works together to harvest and place each graft quickly and effectively. Modern tools like NeoGraft and ARTAS can aid in the FUE process.

Dr. Malhotra will use cosmetic wax to mark your hairline, including recession at the temples, density, and the extension of the hairline onto the forehead. 

The team will trim your hair so they can easily see and access the hair follicles. Then, they will wash your hair with a special antibiotic rinse to decrease the risk of infection. Since the graft areas are so tiny, the overall risk of infection is very low, less than 1%. 

Dr. Malhotra uses a uniquely formulated topical anesthetic to ensure patients experience very little pain during the procedure. A tiny needle used for Botox injections makes this part easier. Before starting the procedure, all areas of the scalp are tested to make sure you’re fully numb and pain-free. 

The team carefully removes follicles from the donor area, usually located at the back of the scalp. Each follicle holds one to four hairs, so typically 25% of the hairs are harvested leaving ample coverage behind.. A special punch device will score the area around the hair, using suction to pull the graft into the punch. We can collect 400 to 700 grafts per hour, and most patients will require two to four hours of harvesting. 

FUE grafts are tiny and can easily dry out. We store our grafts in a hypothermasol solution. This gel-like solution coats the grafts and allows for easier placement and increased viability of the grafts. While reports indicate that grafts can survive for several days in this solution, we strive to have all grafts placed within six hours of extraction. 

After the harvesting process, patients enjoy a short break for lunch that is provided.  Smoothies and chocolate chip cookies seem to be the favorite lunch add ons.

A sapphire hardened cystal will be used to create your new hairline with a series of small incisions, placing each one to optimize your results. This portion of the hair transplantation process requires a great deal of artistry and skill. Careful placement and angling of each graft are essential for maximizing your results and getting the most aesthetic value. Ask about our special criss cross technique to make the hair look thicker.

While our hair restoration team works, patients can enjoy listening to music or watching movies or TV during this process. Some of the medications used to help patients relax can cause sleepiness, so you might intermittently doze throughout the FUE process. 

Before and after FUE Hair Transplant top view
before and after FUE Hair Transplant top view

Schedule Your FUE Hair Transplantation in Michigan

FUE is one of the best ways to restore a full and vibrant hairline. If you’re ready to learn more about this process from one of the top hair restoration practices in Michigan, reach out to Balance Hair Restoration. 

Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Malhotra is the best way to explore your options and receive personalized advice from a double board-certified plastic surgeon. Call (734) 913-5100 or reach out online to get started.

The Benefits of FUE Hair Transplantation

While FUE is often the best choice for hair restoration, sometimes Dr. Malhotra may recommend FUT, also known as the linear strip method. FUT may be a better approach for patients who require more than 3,000 grafts or have a large area of scalp needing coverage. FUT grafts may also give a slightly higher growth yield in some patients with delicate hair.

FUE is the most common and popular method for hair transplantation in Ann Arbor. Potential benefits of this treatment include:

  • No incisions for faster healing
  • Little to no scarring
  • Can wear hair in any style, long or short, after treatment down to a 1 or 2 guard for men
  • Little to no pain
  • No long-term activity restrictions
  • Ideal for patients that don’t qualify for FUT due to scalp tightness, lack of donor hair, etc.
before and after FUE Hair Transplant front view

FUE Recovery Timeline

Recovering from hair restoration takes patience. Immediately after your procedure, you can expect swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the treated areas of your scalp that may last a week to 10 days. Our experts can prescribe medication if you experience severe pain and discomfort; however, most patients can switch to over-the-counter options after a few days. 

Get plenty of rest for four to five days before resuming most of your usual activities. It’s best to sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling and prevent damaging the grafts overnight. After the first 10 days, you may sleep in any position.

Stay well-hydrated, eat a nutritious, protein-rich diet, and avoid:

  • Engaging in activities like swimming or strenuous exercise
  • Consuming alcohol
  • Smoking, vaping, or using nicotine products
  • Wearing tight hats or head coverings
  • Using harsh hair products, including anti-dandruff shampoos
  • Heat-styling or dyeing your hair
  • Taking blood-thinning medications

Initial FUE hair restoration recovery usually lasts 10 to 14 days. During this time, your scalp may look scabbed and pink. As these scabs heal, the hair follicles will become dormant. The new grafts will begin shedding within a few weeks, but do not panic – it’s all part of the process. 

You will begin noticing new hair growth within two to three months after FUE hair restoration. It can take up to a year to achieve the fuller, natural-looking coverage you desire.

Hair Loss Solutions
Tailored To You

Balance Hair Restoration is the leading hair restoration center in Michigan. With advanced hair restoration techniques and a double board-certified plastic surgeon, Balance Hair Restoration has a reputation for creating some of the most natural-looking results in the state. Discover why men and women from across Michigan choose us for hair transplantation by scheduling a consultation.

You Deserve Great Hair!

FUE Hair Transplant in Ann Arbor, MI - FAQs

We want you to be delighted by your hair. Before balding is noticeable, at least 50% of hair loss has typically occurred. Building back thick density often requires multiple procedures. We treat each patient as an individual and will create a personalized plan to address your hair loss that may require a series of carefully spaced treatments.

FUE typically leaves almost no noticeable scarring, unlike FUT or the linear strip method that leaves a long scar across the back of the head.

As you look for a hair loss doctor, choose one that is board-certified in plastic surgery like Dr. Malhotra. Balance Hair Restoration in Ann Arbor serves men and women throughout Michigan and the U.S. Many patients travel to receive treatment from our world-class team of highly experienced hair restoration providers.

Are you wondering how full your hair will be after FUE hair transplant in Michigan? The best way to answer this question is with a consultation. The density Dr. Malhotra can achieve will depend on how much loss you’ve experienced (hair loss of 50% is common) and the amount of hair you have available. Measuring hair density involves counting the number of hairs in each square centimeter. After determining your hair density and examining your potential donor areas, Dr. Malhotra will create a plan to achieve your optimal hair coverage. Results vary depending on the thickness of your donor hairs, the number of hairs in each follicular unit, and the contrast between your scalp skin and your hair.

While hair loss can begin anytime after puberty, we don’t recommend hair transplantation for patients who are younger than 25 . Hair loss patterns take time to reveal themselves, and we cannot accurately predict your hairline or which donor areas to use. If you’re experiencing hair loss, but are younger than 25, you can still work with a dermatologist. There are many non-surgical and medical treatments available to slow and stabilize hair loss until you’re ready for a transplantation, like Finasteride, Rogaine, LaserCap, Propecia, and Nizoral. We typically  work with patients during and after a  hair transplant to address hair loss as it occurs, using techniques like hair transplantation, medication, and PRP to address hair loss in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. As your hair restoration needs change, so does our treatment plan.

As it takes time to transform thinning hair into beautiful, thicker hair, your FUE hair transplant results require patience. You will notice new hair grafts shed a couple of weeks after your FUE hair transplant. In three to four months, you will notice new growth appearing; however, your final outcome may take nine months to a year.

During your consultation, Dr. Malhotra will measure your hair density to develop your unique FUE hair transplant plan and determine approximately how many grafts you will need.

Our team will carefully remove follicles from the donor areas, which are typically located at the back of the scalp. As each follicle holds up to four hairs, 25% of the hair is harvested. Our special punch device allows our team to collect 400 to 700 grafts per hour. As most patients require two to four hours of harvesting, the number of grafts can range from 800 to 2800, depending on your needs, available donor hair, and aesthetic goals.

While the donor sites will experience thinning after the hair transplant, Dr. Malhotra ensures that each patient will continue to have adequate coverage of the donor site.

The short answer is no, shaving your whole head is not necessary for an FUE hair transplant. With Long Hair FUE hair transplant, it may be possible to harvest hair follicles in concealed sections in the back or sides of the head.

Prior to your FUE hair restoration surgery, you will need to grow your hair out for a few weeks. On the day of the procedure, thin bands are shaved on the back of the scalp. These bands will be concealed by the remaining long hair following the procedure.

While the hair on the back of the scalp may look slightly thinner until the shaved hair grows back, the FUE hair transplant procedure can be successfully performed without shaving the entire scalp.

Good candidates for FUE hair transplant surgery have abundant, healthy hair in the donor areas—typically the sides and back of the head. Generally, men or women who are experiencing baldness or thinning hair or limited hair loss are good candidates for FUE hair transplant. Patients should also be over 25 years old.

During your consultation with Dr. Malhotra, he will help you determine whether you are a good candidate for FUE hair restoration surgery or another treatment option.

Typically, patients should rest at least four to five days before resuming most normal activities. Most patients recover within seven days. During your recovery, you should avoid swimming and other strenuous exercises. You should also avoid drinking alcohol or smoking, vaping, or using any nicotine products.

You shouldn’t wear anything on the scalp for at least seven to ten days to avoid damaging the grafts, which could create bald patches and impact your recovery. It’s safe to wear a loose hat in seven to ten days.

Following your FUE hair transplant, the best sleep position is on your back, with your head elevated. Consider sleeping on a pillow with a second travel pillow around your neck to keep your head propped up. This position not only helps reduce swelling but also prevents the transplanted areas from touching your pillow and damaging the grafts during sleep.

After 10 days, you are free to sleep in any position, including on your back, sides, or stomach.

Ann Arbor, MI

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