FUE hair transplantation is a popular technique for hair transplantation and yes, it can leave scars behind. However, a carefully planned hair transplant procedure may ensure that no scar is noticeable to the naked eye. Scar visibility depends on the skills and expertise of the hair transplant surgeon. FUE Hair Transplant in Gurgaon is popular due to its minimally invasive procedure and promising outcomes. This procedure may give FUE scars, although the extent of them can be managed and mitigated to prevent any visible scarring. 

A well-performed FUE hair transplant surgery is determined by the excellence and expertise of the hair transplant surgeon, and their advice on the level of haircut would allow for the most realistic results and versatility while doing hair styling post-surgery. 

What is a FUE Hair Transplant?

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a diligent procedure carried out for hair restoration. In this technique, hair follicles are extracted from the donor area of an individual and transplanted to the area affected with hair thinning or balding. Affected areas with balding are usually the front line hairline, crown, and temples.

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and an extraction tool less than 1 mm in diameter is used to remove the follicles. Extracted hair follicles are then transferred to the scalp. This procedure has gained popularity due to its less invasive nature and faster recovery time.

Although the procedure is advanced and requires highly skilled hair transplant surgeons to get natural-looking outcomes.

Myth: FUE Doesn’t  Leave Any Scars

Fact: All comprehensive surgical methods leave scars. The FUE method leaves scars, which occur in the donor area after hair follicle extraction. This procedure does cause small and round-shaped scars of 0.7 to 0.9mm where each follicle is extracted. However, these scars are typically very small and virtually undetectable to the naked eye.

Myth: The Skills of the hair transplant surgeon are not required.

Fact: An experienced hair transplant surgeon set the extracting device according to the sizes of the hair follicles in order to prevent tissue damage. The effectiveness of scar fading depends on the skills of the surgeon and post-surgical care.

Myth: FUE Scar Formation is Unavoidable.

Fact: Although FUE transplants cause small and round-shaped scars, their occurrence and visibility can be minimized with proper care and technique. Hair transplant surgeons can minimize the risk of scarring through accurate measures while extracting and implanting hair follicles. The skill of the surgeon is the key to the healing of scars and recovery.

Causes of Scarring After FUE:

Visible scars occur due to various factors such as poor healing, the types of techniques used, and aftercare. FUE hair transplants leave scars due to hair follicle extraction. Each follicle is extracted using a specialized micro-punch instrument. As the hair follicles are extracted, small, round scars develop behind. 

The body's natural healing process causes the scars to fade; however, scar tissue can be a part of the healing process.

The level of scarring may depend on several factors, such as:

1. Skill of the Surgeon: The experience and precision of the surgeon play a key role in reducing scarring. A skilled surgeon acts to extract follicles at a correct angle and density, minimizing the chance of visible scars.

2. Poor gaping between extractions: When hair follicles are placed too near each other, small cuts may combine and form a larger one. It causes bigger scar formation.

3. Aftercare: Proper aftercare is advised by the surgeon after surgery to prevent excessive scarring. Following the post-operative instructions of cleaning, healing, and avoiding friction on the scalp causes the scalp to heal correctly and causes minimal scarring.

4. Healing Process: Everyone’s body has different healing patterns. Some individuals may experience more prominent scarring due to poor healing, while others may heal with almost no visible scars at all. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for proper healing and faster recovery.

5. Donor Area Density: The density and characteristics of the donor area can also affect scarring. A denser donor area may help reduce visible scarring, as there is more hair to cover up any possible scars.

Scarring After FUE: What to Expect?

While some scarring is inevitable, most individuals are pleasantly surprised at how minimally FUE scars are visible. Here's a breakdown of what to expect during the healing process: 

• Just after the Procedure, the donor and recipient areas may become red, swollen, or sensitive. Small scabs will occur around each extraction site; it's a part of the natural healing process.

• First Few Weeks: As healing progresses, the redness and swelling will fade. The scabs will fall off within the first 10 to 14 days, leaving behind small, healed puncture wounds where the follicles were extracted. These scars are generally very small and can merge with the scalp.

• 1 to 3 Months: In this period, the hair will start to grow. By this time, the donor area had healed enough. Any scarring from the extraction sites will be hardly noticeable. In many cases, the small scars are covered by the newly growing hair.

•  6 to 12 Months: In this period, the transpl

• anted hair in the recipient area shows full growth, and by this time, the scars from the donor area are almost covered. Even if the person wants to shave their head or have shorter hair, the scars will not occur.

How to Minimize Scarring After FUE?

Several steps can be followed for minimizing scarring:

• Choose an Experienced Surgeon: Choose an experienced and skilled hair transplant surgeon who performs FUE hair transplants carefully and ensures less scarring.

• Follow Aftercare Instructions: Follow proper aftercare to promote healing and a faster recovery.

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Avoid sun exposure to prevent the scalp from sun damage and pigmentation changes in the healing scars.

• Patience: Be patient and give your body time for healing. Scars usually fade and become less noticeable over time.

Conclusion

The FUE procedure can cause scarring, but the scars are typically small, round, and hardly noticeable. Although scarring is a natural part of the healing process, advanced techniques and skilled surgeons act to significantly minimise the visibility of such scars. 

Have realistic expectations and be mentally prepared for the procedure and its results. Follow proper aftercare instructions and wait for the healing process. With the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of a fuller head of hair without worrying about the scars.

Someone considering an FUE hair transplant can meet a skilled hair transplant surgeon in Gurgaon, Dr. Shilpi Bhadani. She has conducted numerous successful hair transplant procedures, and her patients have achieved natural-looking results. Contact her at SB Trichology Clinic for details.