The FUSS technique is a method of hair transplant based on micro-surgery. It is indicated for people affected by any type of baldness. This procedure is also known as Follicular Unit Strip Surgery.
What is the hair micrograft with the FUSS Technique?
The FUSS technique is based on extracting hair strips of 15 to 20 cm in length and 1 cm in width from the occipital area of the head. Generally, an incision is made from side to side, behind the ears, to obtain hair. This hair transplant method extracts the entire system that nourishes the hair (skin, sebaceous gland, pili, capillary vessel, etc.).
Just like the FUE technique, the ultimate goal of the hair graft is to provide hair to hairless or bald areas of the skin.
How is the hair implant performed with the FUSS technique?
Step 1
In the first phase of the hair surgery, the strip of skin with the hair follicles is extracted from the back of the head. A local anesthetic is administered beforehand to avoid feeling pain. Once the strip with the hairs is removed, the area is sutured to let it heal for 13 days.
Step 2
At this point, the extracted follicles must be safeguarded to perform the hair implant in the recipient area. They are treated and preserved by separating them for easy access during the grafting process.
Step 3
Hair Transplant FUSS
Performing the hair graft with all healthy hair follicles in perfect condition. At this point, a hair layer must be created in the hairless area. This step is very similar to the one used in the FUE technique since it now involves a micrograft.
Post-operative or completion of the hair transplant
Recovery after a hair implant with the FUSS technique is relatively simple, although there is a period where the person must rest.
In the first few days, the head should not be washed, and it is only necessary to care for the suture. The goal is to keep the wounds clean.
For the hair to take root and grow correctly, it is necessary:
- A rest period of several weeks.
- Avoid physical exertion.
- Keep the area under optimal hygienic conditions.
Differences with other methods
FUSS differs from the FUE technique and BHT in the method of obtaining the hair for transplantation. In both, the hair is taken by extracting each follicle; in the case of FUSS, the process is done in strips. This makes it a great candidate for large hair transplants or in any case larger than with FUE. It is also worth noting that this method has a lower cost.
Advantages
- Lower cost.
- Faster hair implant.
- Large areas. Suitable for generalized baldness.
Disadvantages
- Scar. One of the characteristics of the FUSS hair transplant is the mark left after performing it. Normally, it should heal and almost disappear over time. The surrounding hair is used for this purpose. It is worth mentioning that this is one of the issues that cause mixed feelings for most people. On the one hand, you improve a hair area, but on the other, you receive a scar.
- Longer rest period.
- Suture points.
You can see a complete comparison between the different methods at advantages and disadvantages of hair grafts.
How much does a strip or FUSS hair implant cost?
A FUSS hair transplant costs vary depending on the area to be implanted, the amount of hair extracted, as well as its quality, the use of the operating room, one or more surgeons, etc.
As with the FUE technique, defining a price without evaluating the specific case is quite complicated; however, a general average of the price of the hair implant is around 5,000 euros.
Opinion
Despite diverse opinions and some negative ones regarding this technique, it deserves to be defended. Thousands of men and women are satisfied with this treatment, and thanks to it, they have a healthy appearance. The issues of marks or scars should not be a barrier since today a good hair surgeon has the practice and knowledge to create a seam that becomes invisible after a few months.
This is a completely safe method, although, like everything, it has its pros and cons. The best thing is to analyze if the FUSS technique is really suitable for a specific case or if it is better to choose FUE.