How much Does a FUE Hair Transplant Cost?
The cost of the FUE hair transplant in Toronto varies according to the number of hair grafts needed to restore hair loss in the targeted area. Typically, pricing for an FUE hair transplant starts at $5,999. This price includes the low-level light therapy and nutrient shampoo that is necessary for post-operative care.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from a FUE Hair Transplant?
While it will take months for the final results of the procedure to become apparent, patients can typically return to work 7-10 days after undergoing an FUE hair transplant. During the first few days, a soft dressing will be used to cover the donor area situated at the back of the scalp.
How Long Does a FUE Hair Transplant Take?
The Toronto Plastic Surgeons can perform the procedure in approximately 4 – 10 hours, depending on the number of grafts needed and the size of the targeted area. Before they are discharged, patients will receive post-operative instructions from their doctors.
What is a FUE Hair Transplant?
A Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant is a minimally invasive procedure designed to produce long-lasting and natural-looking improvements to hair loss and patterned baldness. The procedure involves using robotic (Artas) and Automated (NeoGraft) micro-rotatory punches to harvest hair follicles from the back of the patient’s scalp, and then hair implant them onto the designated area. Unlike older strip graft procedures, with Neograft and Artas FUE devices, patients can expect no scarring or pain.
Who is a FUE Hair Transplant Candidate?
While there are no specific traits that dictate candidacy, proper physical health and realistic expectations can make the recovery process more seamless. Fundamentally, a candidate for an FUE hair transplant is someone who would like to reverse the effects of hair loss and patterned baldness. In addition, it is imperative that patients have a healthy set of hair in their donor site.
We invite all those interested in this procedure to reach out to Toronto Plastic Surgeons for a consultation.
Benefits of a FUE Hair Transplant
Permanent Hair Loss Solution
The results of an FUE hair transplant are intended to serve as a natural-looking and long-lasting solution to hair loss.
Restore Youthful Appearance
An FUE hair transplant is designed to restore a patient’s youthful appearance by making dramatic improvements to the hairline.
Minimally Invasive
An FUE hair transplant involves no stitches or scars. In addition, all the hair follicles are extracted in natural units.
Short Recovery Period
Due to the procedure’s non-invasive approach, many patients can return to regular “light” activities within days of their FUE hair transplant. Patients will also not have to deal with the noticeable scarring that characterized older techniques, such as the Strip Graft.
Risks of a FUE Hair Transplant
Like every procedure, an FUE hair transplant comes with a small chance of potential complications. The best thing patients can do to minimize the likelihood of complications is to select a trusted surgeon. With years of experience performing FUE hair transplants, significant complications are uncommon and, in the rare event they occur, are expertly managed.
- Adverse Anesthesia Effects: In some cases, the anesthesia used in the surgery can have an adverse effect on the patient. For this reason, the Toronto Plastic Surgeons carefully review the medical history of every single patient that walks through their doors.
- Possible Healing Complications: An FUE hair transplant can sometimes result in damage to existing hair follicles. Good preparation and careful technique can diminish this risk.
- Itchiness: Patients may find their scalps itchy immediately after surgery. However, this should subside in the days following the procedure.
- Redness: As with itchiness, the redness should subside not long after the FUE hair transplant.
Why Choose TPS for a FUE Hair Transplant?
By utilizing the latest technology, the Toronto Plastic Surgeons will ensure that the outcome of the procedure best matches the patient’s expectations. In fact, the Toronto Plastic Surgeons is recognized for their renowned hair restoration procedures, as the team’s state-of-the-art clinic features some of the most advanced FUE tools in the country. Rest assured that you’re in safe hands before, during, and after the procedure.
Dr. Thomas Bell is one of Canada’s most renowned plastic surgeons, with more than 25+ years of experience in various cosmetic procedures. In addition, he is the former president of the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Bell has been named one of the country’s top plastic surgeons by Toronto Life, Flare, and Fashion magazines, and was named one of the top plastic surgeons in the world by W magazine.
Different Types of FUE Hair Transplants
Strip Graft Hair Transplantation
This is perhaps the most common and well-known Follicular Unit Transplantation procedure. Tried and true, the strip graft hair transplantation method involves cutting out a large strip of the scalp which is then sutured closed, leaving a scar. The individual follicular units are then dissected from the length of the scalp on a side table under a bright light and microscope. Once all the follicular unit grafts have been dissected off, they are implanted by the technicians.
ARTAS
This type of Follicular Unit Extraction involves a robotic micro-rotatory punch that accurately harvests hair follicles at an angle and depth programmed by hair technicians. In essence, the ARTAS hair transplant device extracts hair follicles from the scalp or other areas, that are then transplanted by the FUE hair technicians to a designated spot.
NeoGraft
During a NeoGraft transplant, the Toronto Plastic Surgeons utilize an automated rotary punch to harvest individual hair follicles, before implanting them onto a designated area. Due to the advanced technology involved in the procedure, a NeoGraft (and Artas) hair transplant is completely non-invasive. As such, patients can expect no scars, scalpels, stitches, or surgical excision.
Non-Surgical FUE Transplant Alternatives
The Toronto Plastic Surgeons offer low-level lasers, hair growth injections, and nutrient serums as non-surgical options to an FUE hair transplant.
During the procedure, Dr. Thomas Bell will provide the local anesthesia and oversee the automated and robotic rotatory, NON-excisional (no cut) extraction of your hair follicles and shafts (follicular units). The industry-leading TPS FUE technician team will perform the automated extraction.
Dr. Bell and his team will design the actual hairline together with your input and approval. The FUE grafts will then be inserted non-surgically and your post-treatment dressings applied and instructions reviewed.
It is important to note, the TPS and SpaMedica Plastic Surgery Hair Restoration team has stopped performing surgical Strip Graft Surgery and Follicular Unit Transfer, because of the unsightly linear strip graft scar, painful post-op recovery, potential long term sensory complications and unnecessary trauma to the grafts from excisional, strip graft surgery.
Following your Follicular Unite (FUE) hair transplant, the FUE Team will follow your recovery and new hair growth carefully. Dr. Bell and the team will recommend a post-transplant program consisting of light therapy, nutrient serums, medical shampoo, and possibly even PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections.
Final hair growth density and length often take up to one year to achieve, but noticeable and pleasing results can occur very early on. The Donor Site FUE rotatory harvest sites are barely visible after 2-3 weeks and are usually painless.
How to Prepare for a FUE Hair Transplant
Prior to your procedure, the Toronto Plastic Surgeons will sit down with you to discuss the shape and proportions of your hairline and donor sites. During this consultation, the physicians will also consider the quality and density of your donor hair in order to come up with the best possible approach to your hair restoration.
To ensure a successful surgery, the doctor will advise that you follow certain preparations in the weeks leading up to your procedure date:
- Smoking should be discontinued two weeks leading up to the procedure and two weeks after. Those who continue to smoke will have a longer recovery period and a greater likelihood of complications.
- Two weeks before your procedure, patients must cease taking Aspirin or any medication that contains Aspirin.
- The night prior to your surgery, patients must stop consuming any food or drink. Small sips of water are permitted, however.
- On the day of the surgery, give your hair a deep wash with shampoo and conditioner.
What to expect after a FUE Hair Transplant?
Following your FUE hair transplant, Dr. Bell will recommend a post-transplant program consisting of light therapy, nutrient serums, and medical shampoo. This regimen is designed to help nourish the grafts and promote the growth of natural hair. Patients should also keep in mind that the final results of their hair transplant won’t be apparent until after a year.
FUE Hair Transplant Recovery and Timeline
Day 2: Patients can return to engaging in low-impact regular activities, including work.
Week 1: Any mild pain should subside after the first week.
Week 2: Hair growth will now camouflage the patient’s donor area.
Week 4: Patients may return to engaging in strenuous activities, including exercise.
FUE Hair Transplant FAQ
When Can I Return to Work After an FUE Hair Transplant?
Patients can return to work 7-10 days after undergoing an FUE hair transplant.
How Painful Is It to Get an FUE Hair Transplant?
Due to the anesthesia administered during the procedure, the patient will not feel any pain during the hair surgery. Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) is administered during the local anesthesia, ensuring patients are comfortable throughout. While it is normal to experience some swelling and discomfort after the surgery, there will be no extreme or long-term pain.
Are the Results of an FUE Hair Transplant Permanent?
Yes. The results of an FUE hair transplant are intended to be lifelong. However, you may have an ongoing loss of existing, non-transplant hair that, over the years, leaves you looking thin again and another FUE transplant session may be required.
How Effective Is an FUE Hair Transplant?
An FUE hair transplant is very effective, with over 90% successful survival of the grafts. Most patients, as they continue to lose non-transplanted hair, will need 2-4 sessions over the course of their lives, depending on their genetic risk of extended baldness.
Which Is Better: a FUE or FUT Hair Transplant?
The best transplant for you depends entirely on your needs and goals! While FUT involves the transfer of a strip of hair-bearing skin from the donor area (back of the head), FUE excises follicular units from the donor area individually.
While the survival rate of follicular units is 86% for FUT and 61.4% for FUE, FUE may be the best option if you like to wear your hair short and want to avoid the possibility of a linear scar. FUT, on the other hand, is well-suited to patients requiring a large number of grafts as it usually provides a higher yield of hair.
What Is the Best Age to Get a Hair Transplant?
Although thinning or balding is most often associated with older men, some men begin losing hair as early as their teens. While there is no rule dictating what age to undergo a hair transplant, younger men are advised to wait until their 30s if possible because while FUT and FUE provide permanent results, hair loss tends to be a progressive condition that might continue for years, making it likely that another hair transplant will be necessary down the line.
The best time for a hair transplant then, depends on your stage of hair loss rather than on your age. The best way to be sure is to schedule a consultation!
Can a FUE Hair Transplant Fail?
In order to avoid the most common factors that lead to hair transplant “failures,” choose a reputable, licensed clinic with experienced surgeons like those practicing here at Toronto Plastic Surgeons.
A skilled surgeon will deliver quality, natural-looking results for every patient, as well as advise expertly on a patient’s suitability, since some hair types and scalp conditions are less suitable to hair transplants than others.
Finally, a qualified surgeon will always communicate clearly what kind of results a patient can realistically expect so there are no surprises! Bottom line: pick your surgeon well, and you can’t go wrong.
Does FUE Leave Scars?
Unlike with FUT, where a strip of hair-bearing scalp tissue is harvested and leaves a linear scar behind, FUE removes each follicle separately with a tiny round surgical punch, which means no linear scar. However, there are still tiny scars with FUE–they just tend to be much less detectable than those expected from a FUT hair transplant, even on those with very short haircuts. Of course, if your hair is worn long, no scars will be visible. The size of a FUE scar depends in part on the size of the punch used by your surgeon.
Can You Tell If Someone Has a Hair Transplant?
Good news: hair transplant surgery has advanced tremendously to the point where it is very difficult to tell if someone has undergone a modern hair transplant or not. Results are very natural-looking and tend to be indistinguishable from your untransplanted hair.
Bottom line: if a hair transplant is done properly, no one should be able to tell, because a skilled surgeon can create undetectable results. So, while those who know you well may notice there’s been a change of some kind, a stranger on the street will likely never be the wiser!
Does Hair in the Fue Donor Area Grow Back?
Although the time it takes for hair to grow back in the donor area can vary between individuals, a healthy scalp usually shows hair regrowth within a few months. Though the recipient or transplant site often temporarily loses some hairs (also known as shock loss), the roots will stay embedded, and healthy new hairs grow in over the coming months.
Your entire hair regrowth process for both donor and recipient sites may take 12 months or more. We will ensure that your scalp is healthy and healing well during a series of follow-up appointments.
Is It Ok to Wear a Hat Post Hair Transplant?
Typically we advise patients to avoid wearing any sort of head covering during the first five days post hair transplant. Hats (particularly tight ones) increase the risk of compressing and/or dislodging newly implanted hair grafts, and any damage to your grafts at this early stage could create empty areas on the scalp, which defeats the point of the entire procedure.
After about six days, your hair grafts are usually secure enough to wear a hat. If it is necessary to cover your scalp before the sixth day, go with a very loose-fitting hat or light hood–as long as it doesn’t come into contact with the grafts.
Can You Style Transplanted Hair?
Of course, once you’ve healed, go ahead and choose any hairstyle you want! While many patients are forever loyal to the shaved look, we recommend you start growing your hair out longer so that you can actually see the full extent of your results. While longer hair may not have looked natural pre-transplant, it will now.
It’s best to avoid all styling products and dyes for at least six weeks. In general, chemical products and high peroxide dyes are not good for your scalp and can irritate your grafts, so should be minimized, as should hair dryers and straighteners, as they can damage new follicles.
What Is the Best Type of Hair Transplant?
Hair loss medications and specialty shampoos can only go so far. For those experiencing significant hair loss, surgical hair transplantation is the only trusted way to truly restore natural hair growth to areas where balding or thinning has occurred. Advancements in hair transplant surgery have made both FUT and FUE procedures a lot easier on patients by reducing both discomfort and downtime. Results are more natural-looking, and there’s a high patient satisfaction rate. Of these two types of hair transplant methods, the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and your surgeon’s recommendations.
How Short Can I Cut My Hair After a Hair Transplant?
How short you are able to cut your hair after a hair transplant depends mostly on which surgical technique has been used, as well as how self-conscious you are about revealing any scarring. It is possible to shave your head after a FUE hair transplant (up to a number 1 or 2 grade cut), but we recommend waiting for 8-10 days before doing so. Some patients even manage to shave their hair to a grade 0. However, individuals who have undergone FUT surgery may need to wear their hair at grade 4 or longer in order to conceal the linear scar that is left by the procedure.
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