Hair loss is a troubling issue affecting 85% of men and 40% of women. The prevalence of hair loss increases with age in both genders. One of the most effective and reliable methods for achieving younger and more natural-looking hair is hair transplantation. Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves transferring hair from areas of the scalp with healthy hair to areas where the scalp is bald or thinning. Different methods are employed in hair transplantation procedures performed by dermatologists or plastic surgeons. One of the most commonly used hair transplantation procedures is the Frozen FUE hair transplantation method. We’ve compiled all the details about the Frozen FUE method for you…

What is Frozen FUE?

The main cause of hair loss is genetic. In addition to genetics, hair loss can also occur due to stress, illness, hormonal imbalance, and medication. In hair transplantation, a skilled surgeon relocates hair follicles from the back or sides of the head to areas where the hair is thinning or balding. The FUE technique involves individually transplanting each hair follicle. The surgeon harvests a single hair follicle and the surrounding microscopic tissue from the suitable area. When a large number of hair follicles are harvested, they are kept outside the body until the time of transplantation. The duration can make it difficult for the hair follicles to remain viable. In the Frozen FUE method, the hair follicles are kept in a specially prepared frozen solution to ensure their viability for a longer period. Before the procedure, blood is drawn from the patient. The collected blood is processed and mixed with a high-nutrient solution, then frozen in glass petri dishes. These glass petri dishes, called Frozen-PLT Graft solution, serve as a waiting area for the hair follicles collected from the patient. This ensures that the hair follicles remain viable for a longer period, making the hair transplantation procedure more efficient.

How is Frozen FUE performed?

Frozen FUE hair transplantation is performed in three stages: harvesting hair follicles, creating channels, and implanting the follicles.

Harvesting Hair Follicles:

The surgeon identifies the area from which the hair follicles will be harvested, and that area is shaved. Local anesthesia is applied to this area, and the hair follicles are extracted using a special device. Then they are placed in the Frozen-PLT Graft solution. The harvesting process takes an average of 2-4 hours. The area where the procedure is performed is wrapped with a special bandage to reduce the risk of infection.

Creating Channels:

The patient is positioned on their back to ensure that the hair transplantation area is sterile, and local anesthesia is applied. Using a special device called a micro-pen, channels are created in the area where the hair will be transplanted, corresponding to the number of hair follicles collected.

Implanting Hair Follicles:

The hair follicles, which have been kept in the Frozen-PLT Graft solution, are placed one by one into the channels created. The procedure takes an average of 2-4 hours. After the hair transplantation procedure, the transplanted area is not covered with a bandage but left open.

Who can get Frozen FUE?

Hair transplantation helps alleviate concerns about a person’s appearance. The following individuals are suitable candidates for hair transplantation:

• Men experiencing male pattern baldness, with no hair on the top of their head but hair present on the back and sides,
• Women experiencing hair loss,
• Individuals experiencing hair loss due to scalp injury or burn.

However, hair transplantation may not be suitable in the following cases:

• Individuals with widespread hair loss along the scalp,
• Those with insufficient hair follicles in the area where hair follicles will be harvested,
• Individuals with thick, fibrous scars on the scalp due to injury or burn,
• Those experiencing hair loss due to medications such as chemotherapy.

What to Pay Attention to After Frozen FUE?

The hair transplantation procedure takes approximately 4-8 hours. After being informed about the medications and products they need to use at home, the patient is discharged. The patient’s dressing and the first hair wash are performed under clinical conditions 48 hours after hair transplantation. The patient is educated on how to wash their hair at home. The scabs in the transplanted hair area usually fall off within 7-10 days. During this process, the scalp is very sensitive and may cause pain. To reduce the risk of infection and pain, it is essential to use the medications recommended by the doctor carefully. After the surgery, avoid heavy lifting, running, and fitness activities. Instead of clothing that may disturb the scalp, such as clothes worn over the head, opt for button-up or zip-up clothing. Generally, you can return to your normal life within 2-5 days after the procedure. The transplanted hair usually falls out within 2-6 weeks, but new hair growth begins in 6-9 months, with approximately 60% of the transplanted hair growing back.