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Athens Frequently Asked Questions

Did you know more than 50% of men experience male pattern hair loss? It’s true. Genetics and hormones can cause hair loss at an alarming rate.

The good news is you have options to address hair loss, and one is 100% effective: hair transplants. There are two types of hair transplant procedures: Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT). 

Here, we’ll address some common questions while also highlighting why the FUE procedure offered at Athens Hair is the best option for your hair transplant needs.

How does a hair transplant work?

Male pattern hair loss only impacts hair on the top or front of the head. The hair on the back and sides of a man’s head is not sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and thus will never be affected by androgenic alopecia (aka hormone-related hair loss or male pattern baldness). This is why those who are balding will always have hair on the back of their head.

Healthy hair from the back of the head – the donor area – is moved to the top or front of the head. When hair from the donor area is transplanted to the crown or hairline, it retains the immunity to the dihydrotestosterone androgen. It becomes permanent hair and continues growing.

What is Follicular Unit Excision (FUE)?

FUE is a hair transplant method that removes individual follicles from a healthy donor area and implants them into a thinning area. Today, the procedure has become much more effective by removing tiny hair follicles one at a time. 

How does an FUE procedure work?

  • A donor area on your scalp is selected to harvest hair.
  • The donor area is shaved to prepare for excision, but there is also a “custom shave” method that may be an option for some clients. Individual hair follicles are removed using a micro punch instrument. The hair, follicle, root, and bulb are all kept intact during this excision process.
  • Sites are created in the scalp using a specialized blade before implanting donor hairs into each incision. 
  • The procedure can last up to 10 hours, although the average Athens procedure takes 6 to 8 hours. Some may opt to have multiple FUE hair transplant procedures over the course of a year.
  • While healing, small scabs may develop where each follicle was removed. These will heal with no permanent alterations to your scalp. 
  • Healing takes a few days, and new hair will begin to grow in a few weeks. Full results can take between 6 to 12 months.

How does a no-shave FUE procedure work?

Most FUE clients need to shave their entire head before starting the procedure. However, a no-shave FUE procedure requires only the hair in the donor area to be trimmed. The other surrounding hairs can remain their normal length. 

How should I prepare for an FUE procedure?

Athens does not require any special preparations for the procedure unless recommended by the medical team.

How long does it take to heal after an FUE procedure?

Be very careful and allow your grafts to heal for three days. After that, continue to be moderately careful through day 7. After a week, you can get back to your normal routine. 

Other things to consider:

  • Take time off work for a few days to aid in faster healing.
  • Use a pour-over washing method for the first 7 days, as directed
  • Do not comb or brush your new hair or apply hair products to the transplant or donor areas for a few weeks
  • Allow your scalp to breathe. Refrain from covering your hair for a few days
  • Avoid the gym or sports activities for a few days to allow the grafts to heal and reestablish their blood supply

 

Other important items to consider:

  • FUE is a cosmetic procedure. Major medical insurance providers will not cover it. However, Athens Hair Transplants has financing options, and everyone is approved. 
  • FUE is a great choice for individuals who have anything from thinning hair to bald spots.
  • Use hair growth medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) foam and/or finasteride (Propecia) if the hair transplant expert suggests it.

What is Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)?

Please note Athens DOES NOT offer FUT procedures.

FUT is known as a strip procedure. Instead of removing individual follicles from the donor area, a strip of the scalp is excised. From there, tiny incisions are created in the recipient area where the grafts are placed. This procedure leaves a permanent linear scar across the back of the head.

What is the key difference between FUE and FUT?

Aside from how follicles are harvested, the difference between the FUE and FUT hair transplant is there is virtually no scarring with FUE. By harvesting follicles with a micro punch tool, scarring is controlled and hidden.

Why choose FUE?

Knowing the advantages of FUE – and the disadvantages of FUT – can help you see why FUE is the preferred method for hair restoration.

FUE benefits:
  • Better results and healthier hair
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Minimal to no scarring
  • No stitches required
  • Less downtime
  • Less discomfort
  • Minimal to no post-procedure pain
  • Little risk of infection
  • Cost flexibility
FUT disadvantages:
  • More discomfort
  • More downtime
  • Sedation commonly required
  • Stitches required in the donor area 
  • Noticeable scar
  • Risk of excess swelling
  • Potential post-surgery infection

Is FUE expensive?

At Athens Hair Transplants, we’re focused on giving you the hair you’ve always wanted. And acquiring that hair won’t break the bank. Be sure to check out our financing options. Payments can be as low as $150/month, and there are no hidden fees.