Follicular unit extraction method is essentially a process of harvesting follicular units. The method involves the removal of the follicular unit. Extraction of the units is performed with specifically designed needles of various diameters and tips. FUE method is performed by Dr. Keser himself with great care with the help of his assistants. Dr Keser uses Follicular Unit Extractor which is a needle of less than 1-mm (0.7mm-0.9mm) diameter designed by Dr. Keser and patented by Turkish Patent Institute in 2003. An application for international PCT certification of the needle has also been filed. In transplanting the hair, it is possible to implant 60-80 follicular units (120-160 hairs) per cm2.
Prior to the extraction of follicular units, the hair in the donor area is shortened to the length of 1 mm. The donor area and recipient area are then locally anesthetized. The needle is held closer to the scalp so that the lumen points at the middle of the hair and is inserted as far as 6-7 mm at the growth angle of the hair and then pulled out. Therefore, the hair is cut out along with follicle and surrounding microscopic tissue in a cylindrical shape. It is then pulled out gently with a micropenset and the follicular unit is removed by extraction from the loose floor. After harvesting of follicular units by this method, they can be implanted with facility through much smaller holes inflicted on the hairless area.
