Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplantation is one of the most popular and advanced hair transplantation techniques used in the world. Due to its effectiveness and minimal invasiveness, it has gained recognition among both patients and specialists. However, many people considering such a procedure ask a key question: do scars remain after FUE hair transplantation?
The answer is not entirely clear-cut, and requires looking at several important aspects regarding the FUE technique, the healing process and the patient’s individual circumstances.
What is the FUE method?
FUE is a technique in which individual follicular units (known as grafts) are taken from a donor area – most often the back of the head – using microneedles with a diameter of 0.6 to 1 mm. They are then transplanted into the areas affected by baldness. Unlike the older FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) method, where a strip of skin is cut from the back of the head, FUE does not require large incisions or sutures, significantly reducing the risk of visible scarring.
FUE scars – are they really invisible?
One of the main advantages of FUE is that it does not leave large linear scars. Instead, a microscopic scar – circular, less than a millimeter in diameter – remains at the site of each retrieved graft. In most patients, these scars are virtually invisible to the naked eye, especially if the hair in the donor area is worn slightly longer (e.g., more than 1-2 mm).
However, it is worth remembering that even with the most advanced technology, any trauma to the skin – and graft harvesting is such – leaves a mark. Whether it is visible depends on several factors.
Factors affecting the visibility of scars after FUE
1. individual predisposition to scarring
Every body reacts differently to skin damage. In some patients, scars heal very well and are virtually invisible. Others may be prone to so-called scarring (keloids), or hypertrophied scars, which can be more noticeable even with minimal damage.
2. experience and precision of the doctor
A high-level specialist, using precise tools and techniques, is able to minimize the size of the damage and optimize the placement of the grafts taken, resulting in even healing of the skin and reduced visibility of the marks.
3. Size and number of grafts harvested
The greater the number of transplanted follicles, the more micro-damage to the scalp, and thus the greater the risk of scar accumulation. With very large FUE sessions (e.g., more than 3,000 grafts), it can be more difficult to completely hide the marks in the donor area, especially if the patient wears very short hairstyles.
4. Technology and tools used during the procedure
Clinics using modern robotic or micromotor tools often achieve more precise results, reducing the risk of visible marks.
5. Healing process and care after the procedure
Proper hygiene, avoiding the sun, following the doctor’s instructions – all of these affect the quality of skin healing. Negligence during the recovery period can lead to infection or worsen the appearance of scars.
Can FUE scars be removed?
In case the patient nevertheless notices unsightly marks after the FUE procedure, there are methods to reduce them. Among the most commonly used are:
- Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) – a method in which pigment is inserted into the skin, creating the effect of thicker hair and masking microscopic scars.
- Fractional laser therapy – improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of scars.
- Regenerative treatments – such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to promote skin regeneration.
Do scars remain after FUE hair transplantation. Summary
Although the FUE technique is currently one of the least invasive and safest methods of hair transplantation, it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk of scarring. The good news is that in most cases, traces of the procedure are minimal, scattered and invisible to the naked eye, especially if the hair length is maintained. The key to achieving the best aesthetic result is to choose an experienced clinic, follow the doctor’s instructions and have realistic expectations of the procedure.
If you are considering FUE hair transplantation, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist who will assess your predisposition and clarify any doubts about the healing process and potential scarring. An informed decision is the first step to regaining your confidence and being satisfied with the final result.
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See the effect of a hair transplant at Kierach Medical Clinic:
