The introduction of the follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique revolutionized the hair transplant industry. It allowed patients to have the donor follicles removed individually, while avoiding the linear scar in the back of the head associated with an FUT procedure. This also allowed people to keep their hair in the back shorter in the long term without the need to hide the scar. While the sides and back must still be cut very short, it is possible to maintain the hair on the top of the head at a longer length – which shortens the period of time for the hair on top of the head to look back to normal after the surgery.
With a shaveless procedure, the top is not trimmed. By 1-2 weeks post-surgery, the hair looks back to normal with a tapered haircut. There are a few surgeons that are willing to perform extractions of grafts from the donor area with the hair trimmed very short (i.e., “shaveless” or “no shave,” but still very short).
Studies have shown that procedures performed in this fashion typically result in a lower survival rate of the grafts after the surgery due to a higher transection rate of the follicles during the harvest. “Shaveless” FUE really applies to the top of the head, rather than the donor area.
However, at La Mesa Medical Hair Restoration, we offer a solution that appears as though no hair has been trimmed for surgery and avoids the decrease in graft viability of harvesting longer hairs from the donor area. With certain patients (i.e., those with hair at least a few inches long), we are able to shave and harvest small patches of donor hair for the extraction. These small patches are then covered by the remaining donor hair that has been untouched. This is generally a practice that can only be used with smaller cases of 1500 grafts or less, depending on the patient donor density. This method makes it appear as if no hair has been trimmed and has a better overall outcome than harvesting longer donor hairs.
This question depends on your priorities and desired outcomes. Shaveless FUE using the donor patch method is vastly more discrete, especially in the days immediately after the procedure. Likewise, if a rapid return to your normal look and routine are a priority, Shaveless FUE boasts more speedy recovery. For many people, these advantages are more than worthwhile.
Ultimately, there is no difference in the long-term result between either type of surgery. However, the shaveless technique requires Dr. Ross and his team of 3-5 assistants to spend an additional 1-3 hours to perform (due to site creation and graft placement on the top of the head). There is generally an additional fee of $1000 for this method of surgery.
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At La Mesa Medical Hair Restoration, we understand that every case of hair loss is unique. We will work with you to meet your specific needs and personal goals while providing the best results possible. If you would like to learn more about our Shaveless FUE technique and other hair restoration procedures that may work best for you, please contact us online or call us at (619) 832-4885 and set up a free virtual or in-person consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
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