FUE

What is FUE, and how is it classified under Hong Kong medical regulations?

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A Minor Skin Graft Procedure in Hong Kong

Sara’s Comment

What is FUE, and how is it classified under Hong Kong medical regulations?
FUE is a minimally invasive procedure. Critically, it is classified as a minor full-thickness skin graft procedure because each extracted graft contains complete skin layers. The total tissue removed is typically less than 0.1% of your body’s skin surface, aligning with Hong Kong’s regulatory framework for minor procedures.

What is FUE (Follicular Unit Excision)?

FUE is a hair restoration technique where individual hair follicles are extracted one-by-one from the donor area (typically the back and sides of the scalp) using a micro-punch tool (0.7-0.9mm in diameter). These grafts are then transplanted to thinning areas.

No Linear Scar: Unlike the older FUT method, FUE leaves only tiny, dot-like scars.
Faster Initial Recovery: Patients can often return to light activities within days.
Versatility: Used for scalp, eyebrow, beard, and scar restoration.

Medical & Regulatory Perspective: FUE as a Skin Graft

From an anatomical and regulatory standpoint, FUE is accurately classified as a minor full-thickness skin graft procedure. Here’s the justification:

What Each FUE Graft Contains:

A full follicular unit, including:

The complete hair follicle with its bulb and stem cells.
Surrounding dermal tissue, sebaceous gland, and microvascular network.
A full-thickness portion of the epidermis and dermis.

Why It Qualifies as a Minor Procedure in Hong Kong:

The Hong Kong Department of Health guidelines reference the “Total Body Surface Area (TBSA)” principle. Calculations prove FUE is well within the minor threshold:

Single Graft Area: A 0.8mm punch extracts about 0.005 cm² of tissue.
Total for a Large Session: A 3,000-graft session transplants approximately 15 cm².
Percentage of TBSA: This represents less than 0.09% of an average person’s total skin surface—far below the 1% threshold that defines a minor procedure.

This classification underscores that FUE is a superficial, tissue-sparing surgery with a favorable safety profile.

Criterion for Full-Thickness Skin Graft	How the FUE Follicular Unit Qualifies
Contains the Entire Epidermis	The graft includes the epidermal collar (infundibulum) from which the hair shafts emerge.
Contains the Full Dermis	The unit is encapsulated and embedded within its native dermal collagen sheath, which is extracted in its entirety. The sebaceous glands, arrector pili muscle, and follicular bulbs reside within this dermal component.
Contains Skin Appendages	The hair follicle is a primary skin appendage. The graft also includes other appendages (sebaceous glands) as part of its natural anatomy. This is a defining feature of FTSGs.
Transplanted as a Discrete Tissue Unit	The FUE procedure surgically excises and transplants the FU as a single, intact micro-tissue block.
Requires Vascular Integration	Like any FTSG, the transplanted FU depends on neovascularization ( new blood vessel growth ) from the recipient site for permanent survival.

The "No Regret" Evolution: Our FUE-HD Approach

Traditional FUE had limitations: risk of graft damage, long surgery times, and potential for visible donor thinning if over-harvested. Our FUE-HD (High-Density) protocol integrates refinements to overcome these drawbacks:

Ultra-Precise Extraction: Using sharp, tapered punches (0.7-0.8mm) and optimal depth control to minimize transection and preserve donor area integrity.
Biological Support: Employing ATP-enriched storage solutions and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) to support graft survival during transplantation.
High-Density, Natural Placement: Mastering the artistry of placing more grafts per square centimeter in a natural pattern without compromising blood supply to the recipient area.
Donor Conservation: Meticulous planning to avoid over-harvesting, ensuring your donor area remains undetectable even with short hair.

This integrated approach aims for superior graft survival and natural density while strictly adhering to the procedural safety standards of a minor skin graft.

Key Takeaways

FUE is a minimally invasive surgical procedure classified as a minor full-thickness skin graft under Hong Kong’s medical regulations.
The total tissue transplanted is very small (<0.1% of Total Body Surface Area), which frames its safety profile and regulatory status.
The procedure extracts complete follicular units, not just hairs, which is why it meets the anatomical definition of a skin graft.
Modern FUE-HD techniques address historical drawbacks by focusing on precision, graft survival biology, and sustainable donor management.
Choosing a clinic that understands this medical and regulatory rationale ensures your procedure is performed within a rigorous ethical and safety framework.

🔍 Considering FUE and want to understand the medical details?

Our consultations include a clear explanation of the technique, its regulatory status, and how our FUE-HD protocol is designed for safety and results. Book a medical consultation to discuss your candidacy and treatment plan.

MEDICAL - DISCLAIMERS

Images & Information shown are for reference only

Information on this website is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized medical advice. It is not intended to promote our service or imply superiority over another.

Individual results in hair restoration vary significantly and no outcome can be guaranteed. The before-and-after images shown represent possible results — not promises. We recommend seeking independent medical advice to discuss your options … Read More

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Our Quality & Safety Standards

Our practice adheres to guidelines established by leading international organizations in Hair Restoration.

ISHRS

International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is the leading global medical association that establishes international practice standards and patient safety protocols.

ABHRS

The American Board of Hair restoration Surgery represents the highest standard. To maintain rigorous certification requirements the physician must demonstrate surgical expertise.

WFI

Worls FUE InstituteI serves as the premier educational body focused exclusively on Follicular Unit Extraction methodology. The institute ensures consistent application of safe FUE.

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