Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a method of extracting single follicular units, one at a time, from the donor site by using a tiny punch excision. A punch used to extract single follicular units is typically 1mm in diameter or less.

The NeoGraft^® system is the first and only FDA-cleared follicular unit harvesting and implantation system. NeoGraft^® delivers automation of the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique, the most advanced method in the hair transplant industry.

This revolutionary system uses pneumatic controls to precisely extract complete individual hair follicles, which can be immediately transplanted to the selected areas of the scalp to regrow as fully functioning hair. The NeoGraft^® automated hair transplantation system is the only complete harvesting system on the market and has the only “no-touch” implantation technology.

Advanced and minimally invasive, the NeoGraft^® system dramatically improves the accuracy and speed of previously used manual extraction instruments with many benefits: 

• Natural looking results
• The least invasive procedure for hair transplantation
• Little-to-no discomfort
• No stitches or staples 
• No unsightly linear scar
• Hairstyle flexibility, short or long
• Shorter recovery time 
• Fewer restrictions on normal daily activities

Your surgeon will expertly guide the automated hair transplantation process during NeoGraft^® hair restoration.

What does a NeoGraft^® surgeon do to determine the ideal follicular units harvested in a single NeoGraft® procedure? Your surgeon will first carefully measure your donor area. This area is the fringe above the ears and around the back of the head, where hair follicles are genetically programmed to remain intact and grow throughout life. These calculations prevent over-harvesting, ensuring the donor site looks natural with preserved density.

What does a hair transplant specialist do during your procedure? Your physician will mark the hairline and administer a local anesthetic to numb the donor and recipient sites. Your technician will then use the NeoGraft^® no-touch technology that utilizes pneumatic controls to extract individual follicular units from a donor area. 

Once the desired quantity of follicles is collected, the NeoGraft^® no-touch follicle implantation method begins. This process involves careful placement of the follicles into the scalp area using a safe and simple delivery technique.

NeoGraft^® hair restoration usually takes 5-7 hours, depending on the number of grafts. We perform this procedure using local anesthesia in the comfort of our Plastic + Hand treatment room located on-site here in Portland, Maine.

And, what is hair restoration? This answer has changed in recent years. The NeoGraft^® hair restoration process involves little-to-no discomfort, no scalpel incision, and no staples, making it the least invasive hair transplantation procedure.

“Strip” surgeries leave visible linear scars. The NeoGraft^® hair restoration system is a useful procedure to make these less visible. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) can help “fill in” or camouflage these old scars by transplanting new follicles into the area. 

Yes. 

Here are these defined conditions:

Male pattern baldness: This is an inherited condition in men triggered by Dihydrotestosterone, the hormone that can cause the gradual miniaturization (and eventual loss) of hair follicles. Starting any time after puberty with a recession of the hairline and thinning of the crown areas, it can eventually lead to complete baldness at the top of the scalp. Male pattern baldness does not typically affect the areas around the sides and back of the scalp.

Female pattern baldness (AKA Female hereditary hair thinning): This is a hereditary pattern of baldness found in women typically characterized by a diffuse thinning of hair and/or hair loss at the front portion of the scalp behind the frontal hairline. Female pattern baldness may include a slight recession or thinning in the temples and only rarely ends in complete baldness at the top of the scalp.

NeoGraft^® hair restoration is a minimally invasive procedure viable for both men and women looking to restore their living and growing hair with transplantation.

The most important prerequisite for this surgery is an adequate supply of available donor hair, determined in your initial consultation.

There are also specific qualifications to consider by gender.

Ideal male candidates:

• Are at the age where the hair-loss pattern is defined 
• Have permanent (terminal) donor hair, not vellus hair
• Have a family history that supports hair restoration (e.g., men in the family are not completely bald)

Ideal women candidates: 

• May have thinning hair, but not diffused hair loss everywhere
• Might have inherited male pattern or genetic pattern of hair loss
• Do not have hair loss caused by thyroid disease, metabolic diseases, or autoimmune diseases
• May want to restore hair structure after facial aesthetic surgery

Immediately after NeoGraft^® hair restoration, your friend or relative can drive you home. 

Your surgeon will explain what to expect after NeoGraft® surgery in your consultation, but briefly detailed here. Your surgeon will wrap your head in a dressing post-procedure. At your first post-op appointment, within 1-2 days, your dressings are removed, and you can follow provided instructions for showering. After six days, you can likely shampoo the donor site. 

Few complications are associated with NeoGraft® hair restoration, and you may return to work one week after your procedure. After three weeks, you can most likely resume all routine exercises and activities.

Before your NeoGraft^® hair restoration, you will meet with your surgeon. You will discuss the limitations and risks of NeoGraft^®, the available donor site hair, and the indications and outcomes of this procedure. 

As with all cosmetic procedures, it’s essential to discuss the following with your Plastic + Hand surgeon:

• Your health history
• Family hair patterns 
• Medications you take*

*You cannot take blood-thinning medications for this procedure since blood clots hold your new follicles in place after implantation. Other restricted medications include (but are not limited to): Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Excedrin, high-dosage Vitamin E, and some herbal supplements. 

NeoGraft^® hair restoration transplants hair in a natural frontal hairline pattern, not a straight line, to achieve the natural look you deserve. 

With NeoGraft^® hair restoration, you will not have a linear scar typically associated with other hair transplant methods.

Before surgery, your surgeon will help you visualize your expected NeoGraft^® hair restoration results and agreement on realistic post-op outcomes. 

After NeoGraft^® hair restoration, your newly implanted hair will be dormant for 3-4 months, and you will not generate new hair. After this short rest period, your hair will begin to grow. Because this growth process is gradual, you may not see the final result for 8-10 months. Scarring is minimal and easily concealed by your hair. 

After recovery, you’ll experience the final outcome of NeoGraft^® hair restoration—a natural-looking appearance with fuller hair.

If you’d like to see what hair restoration looks like, it’s best to ask your surgeon during your consultation. This meeting is the best opportunity to see (and discuss) the results specific to your upcoming procedure.

NeoGraft^® hair restoration gives you the fuller hair results you are seeking. 

While the transplanted hair will continue to grow, it’s important to note that hair loss will not cease after transplantation. Over time, you may notice new areas of thinning hair or the beginnings of different bald spots and may choose to have more NeoGraft^® procedures.

Many patients choose to have multiple NeoGraft^® procedures to achieve their desired hair restoration outcomes over time. You can discuss this more with your Plastic + Hand surgeon. 

You will first discuss your NeoGraft^® hair restoration procedure options with your Plastic + Hand surgeon. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your medical history, your hair restoration expectations, and set realistic goals for your NeoGraft^® hair restoration surgery. Your Plastic + Hand surgeon will then recommend the NeoGraft^® hair restoration procedure that will offer the best results for your desired outcome.

After your personalized consultation, our Patient Care Coordinator will prepare a cost estimate specific to your upcoming NeoGraft^® hair restoration procedure. Costs vary by cosmetic procedure, but all estimates include pre- and post-op visits. Our Patient Care Coordinator will also discuss payment options with you.

Our Plastic + Hand surgeons lead hair Restoration Maine Procedures.

If you’re considering hair restoration to achieve a natural-looking appearance with fuller hair, our Plastic + Hand team has the most qualified hair restoration surgeons in Maine.

With training from some of the top medical centers in the U.S. (including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, UCSF, Mayo Clinic), Plastic + Hand surgeons have the depth of experience and skills necessary to perform your NeoGraft^® hair restoration procedure safely and successfully in the comfort of our Plastic + Hand treatment room located on-site here in Portland, Maine.