Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair transplant procedure that can be successfully employed to restore the loss of curly hair, enhancing its natural appearance and improving patient confidence. In the past, people with curly hair may have thought that a hair transplant would not be possible. Indeed, past literature has stated that curly hair has posed a challenge for transplantation because of tissue differences and hair texture which causes transection of hair follicles during harvesting and extraction.(1) However, advances in physician understanding of the biological makeup of curly hair, and how best to maintain and treat it, have improved significantly over the years. And, with today’s innovative hair restoration technology that can detect and handle curly and all types of hair, a more diverse range of hair types are now able to be successfully transplanted for healthy, natural-looking results. 

For an expert consultation and to receive first-class hair restoration treatments, visit Dr. Goran Jezic, M.D. at Houston Hair Transplant Center. Dr. Jezic is a double board-certified physician, who has been performing hair transplants since 2013. Located a stone’s throw to the southwest of Houston city center, Dr. Jezic and his team are ready to provide you with a quality service that will restore your hair and your confidence! Call our front desk at (713) 864-2300 to book an appointment with one of Texas’ leading hair transplant specialists.

What Makes Curly Hair Unique?

Afro-ethnic hair and curly hair differ from straight and wavy hair in a number of ways. One of the key differences is its moisture level. Hair moisture is primarily controlled by the body’s natural secretion of sebum, a waxy substance produced by sebaceous glands in the skin. Although curly hair follicle sebum production is on par with other hair types, people with curlier hair types almost always have naturally drier, more brittle hair fibers. As straight hair is a more efficient conduit for sebum, people with curlier hair tend to experience more frequent breakage, due to a higher level of dryness. (2) 

It’s All In the Genes

Naturally curly hair is also a dominant genetic trait.(3) If your parents both have curly hair, then chances are you have curly hair too! Although there isn’t a single gene that predisposes people to have curly hair, the hair type you have is down to three main factors:

  • How your parents’ DNA has combined
  • Your ethnicity (e.g. curly hair is widely prevalent in the African-American, Hispanic and Middle Eastern ethnicities) 
  • Family ancestry

The shape of your hair follicle, which influences the wave pattern of your hair, is thought to be determined when you are developing in the womb. But, scientists are still unsure of the exact mechanism that predetermines these physical features. (4) Most people know that different hair types are characterized by their differing follicle shapes. The main physiological difference between straight and curly hair is that in “round shape” straight hair, all the cells in the follicle grow evenly as the cells are genetically programmed to act in a coordinated fashion. However, in curly hair, cells are programmed differently; dividing asymmetrically to create a bend, and subsequently, a curved follicle. The result is an “elliptical shape”, allowing the hair to curl. (4) Prior to newer developments in harvesting, doctors would often accidentally transect (cut up) curved hair follicles while trying to harvest, which made hair transplants for curly hair a risky choice for patients. The newer technology employed by Dr. Jezic allows for depth adjustment and precision extraction for curly hair!

Visit our website for more information on our hair loss treatments and see what happened when a celebrity influencer came for treatment in our blog!

Benefits of an FUE Procedure

A Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) procedure makes hair rejuvenation possible through state-of-the-art technology in the hands of an experienced and dedicated surgeon. Sometimes known under different acronyms FOX, FIT, and FUM, this intricate extraction and reintroduction method takes hair from the donor area without the use of a scalpel. Our patients note that there are a number of benefits to FUE treatments.

  • Barely-noticeable scarring
  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Fast recovery & healing
  • Cost-effective treatment
  • Permanent results
  • Natural-looking transplantation
  • Boosts self-esteem and body confidence

Fill out a virtual consultation form and see how renowned Houston surgeon Dr. Jezic can help you look and feel more confident!

Candidates for FUE in Houston, TX

If you’re experiencing hair loss at the front of your scalp or at the crown, and you have thicker hair at the very back of your head, you could be a great candidate for an FUE hair transplant. You should also be in general good health, be under minimal stress, and look after your body through a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is also essential that you be able to commit to following the pre-and post-operative care instructions laid out by Dr. Jezic in your personal treatment plan. To see if you’re a good candidate for an FUE hair transplant procedure, call (713) 864-2300 or complete a short inquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as we have carefully reviewed your request!

Personal Consultation

Dr. Jezic’s specialized expertise as a renowned hair transplant surgeon will be fully available to you during your personal consultation. At this time, you’ll be able to explain your hair loss issues and he can examine your scalp. He will also explain the special considerations given to curly hair transplants. After discussing the personalized approach required by your unique follicular anatomy, he will draw up a personalized treatment plan for your hair restoration goals.

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FUE Preparation

It is important you are fully prepared for your hair transplant. In the days and weeks beforehand, you should ensure you follow this checklist.

  • Refrain from getting your hair cut before the procedure.
  • Promote scalp blood flow by massaging your scalp.
  • Cease smoking at least a day before your surgery.
  • Take hair restoration medications as prescribed such as minoxidil (Rogaine).
  • Don’t drink alcohol for at least 3 days before your surgery.
  • Don’t take aspirin or blood thinners for 2 weeks before your surgery.
  • Avoid taking vitamins and supplements for 2 weeks before your surgery.
  • Get an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests done before surgery

FUE Procedure

For patients for whom balding has been an embarrassing affliction, follicular unit extraction can produce natural-looking results to restore your hair to a thicker, healthier-looking aesthetic. The follicles containing live hair roots are extracted from a predetermined area of hair and grafted back into the scalp in areas that are experiencing hair loss. Beforehand, Dr. Jezic will shave the “donor zone” and apply local anesthetic. After this, the hair transplant procedure has four main stages. 

  • Harvesting Grafts – Using the ATERA FUE Technology device, Dr. Jezic and his team will skillfully punch incisions around each follicular unit.
  • Extraction of Follicular Units – After punching, they will carefully remove each follicular unit with tweezers. Once the grafts are harvested, they will be carefully arranged and readied for reintroduction to the treatment area.
  • Implantation of Grafts – After preparation, each unit is implanted individually into the area of transplantation. 

See real hair transplant results from patients at Houston Hair Transplantation for yourself in our website gallery!

Recovery & Results of a FUE Procedure

After your hair restoration surgery, you may feel some temporary scalp stinging, so Dr. Jezic may prescribe additional anti-inflammatories to aid the healing process and antibiotics to eliminate the risk of infection. In two to five days after your hair transplant procedure, you should be able to return to work and continue with most routine activities.

Two to three weeks after your surgery date, the implanted hair will start to fall out. This is completely normal after a grafting procedure, as the entire process encourages the donor follicle to produce hair of its own and stimulate new hair growth. Our patients are immensely satisfied with their natural-looking heads of curly locks.

Cost of FUE in Houston, TX

Your hair transplant procedure cost will vary according to your unique situation. FUE pricing is usually calculated per follicular unit.The number of units transplanted, the quality and structure of your hair, and number of sessions will also affect the final cost. Dr. Jezic will be able to fully assess your hair loss, then estimate how many units he will need to harvest at your personal consultation. To find out about our current pricing policies for hair transplants and other cosmetic procedures, please get in touch with Houston Hair Transplant Center at (713) 864-2300.

Be sure to check out Dr. Jezic’s YouTube channel for his advice on what to expect from your personal consultation and the hair transplantation procedure itself!

FAQ

Can someone with curly hair get a hair transplant?

Yes! Skilled hair transplant surgeons are able to harvest and graft any hair type from a good candidate regardless of the thickness and curvature of hair. 

Does a hair transplant hurt?

Thankfully, due to both the methods involved, and the skills required from the medical doctor performing the procedure, hair transplants are considered minimal discomfort cosmetic procedures.

How do I know if I can get a hair transplant?

If you’re wondering if an FUE hair transplant is right for you, speak to a doctor who specializes in hair transplantation procedures. They will be able to guide you through what the process entails, and examine your area of hair loss to see if you are a good candidate.

Am I a good candidate for a FUE hair transplant?

To determine if you are a good candidate for follicular unit extraction, you should contact a licensed hair restoration professional for an individual consultation. At that time, you will be able to outline your hair rejuvenation goals, and your doctor will assess if FUE is a good hair transplant choice for you.

References

  1. Umar, S. (2016). Comparative Study of a Novel Tool for Follicular Unit Extraction for Individuals with Afro-textured Hair. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open, 4(9), e1069. https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001069 
  2. Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.153450 
  3. Is Curly Hair Dominant or Recessive? How DNA Affects Hair. (2021, August 12). Retrieved from Healthline website: https://www.healthline.com/health/is-curly-hair-dominant-or-recessive#what-gene-causes-curly-hair 
  4. Curly or straight: What determines hair shape? (2017, July 21). Retrieved December 13, 2021, from www.medicalnewstoday.com website: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318524#Many-types-of-hair