Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a minimally invasive hair transplant method that allows the removal of individual follicles from your donor area without a scalpel incision, and then implants them where you need more hair coverage.
The ARTAS® system allows a minimally invasive procedure that is virtually undetectable. Unlike previous methods of hair restoration, there is no need for the surgical removal of a strip of scalp from the back and sides of the head. So, there is no linear scar after surgery, and no need for stitches or staples to close the wound. The benefit is a significantly shortened recovery time.
With the ARTAS® system, the FUE method can be done by getting a short trim. Trimming your hair in the donor area allows the ARTAS® system to accurately visualize, track, and harvest each grouping of hairs. You will receive detailed instructions from your doctor on the required length your hair needs to be before the procedure.
As part of the ARTAS® procedure, the scalp is locally anesthetized until numb. If you still feel any pain during the procedure, a physician will decide if it’s necessary to administer additional anesthesia to reduce discomfort. The patient typically feels no pain. Some patients can experience minor discomfort and swelling post-procedure, which subsides in one to three days.
Transplanted hair grows naturally in phases. New hairs are seen about three months after the procedure and will continue to increase over the course of a full year. At approximately six months, you will enjoy a noticeable improvement and after a full year, you will see full results. However, individual results and timelines may vary for each patient.
While hair loss may not necessarily stop after transplantation, the ARTAS® procedure uses your own permanent growing hair, typically from the back of your head, and your physician then implants this hair to the thinning areas of your scalp. As this hair might not be susceptible to the conditions that cause male pattern baldness, transplanted hair will typically last a lifetime. Your doctor will be able to assess your treatment options and discuss what you can expect.