December 15, 2022 Author : Alia Ramazanova The latest hair transplant techniques are performed with follicular units, also called follicles . Follicular units are natural groups of hairs that grow on the scalp and have nerves, blood vessels, muscle and other tissues, forming a complete unit; Most follicular units have 2-3 hairs, some have 4-5 hairs. In a hair transplant, follicular units from donor areas of the scalp which have a sufficient reserve of healthy hair – in general the back and sides of the head – are implanted in bald areas or areas of insufficient hair density on the scalp , as well as in other areas that need a transplant such as the beard, eyebrows, or correction of scars. In the areas that receive the transplant, the hair will keep its original characteristics . A follicular unit is a very small and individual anatomical and physiological structure. Therefore, transplanting complete units maximizes their chances of survival and growth. Follicular unit transplant techniques There are 2 main hair transplant techniques that use follicular units: The follicular unit extraction technique, or FUE , which involves the extraction of follicular units from the donor area, one by one, and their individual transplant, to the area to be treated; The strip follicular unit transplant technique, or FUT . With this technique a strip of tissue from the scalp with its follicular units is removed from the donor area. Afterwards, the follicular units are separated and be implanted individually, like in the FUE technique. Although these two techniques – FUE and FUT/strip – have high success rates and excellent long-term results, they have several differences: Recovery from a FUE hair transplant is faster than FUT hair transplant because FUE is a less invasive technique. FUT leaves extensive scars , FUE leaves virtually invisible scars. Thus, due to its characteristics, the FUT technique should be an alternative when the FUE technique is not indicated. How is the FUE hair transplant performed? The procedure begins with local anesthesia , which numbs the entire scalp so that there is no pain and a comfort throughout the procedure is possible. In some cases, administration of a mild sedative may also be considered so that the person being treated feels more relaxed. Then, grafts with hair follicles are extracted, one by one, from the donor areas , where hair usually grows denser and thicker. These zones are not affected by the genetic characteristics that predispose to hair loss. A micro-instrument specifically designed is used for follicles extraction. The grafts are obtained by making small holes, with less than 0.6-0.8 mm, which guarantees fast healing and an almost invisible scar; Each graft contains a follicular unit that can have between 1 and 4 hairs and will be implanted individually in the areas where greater hair density is desired . What are the advantages of the FUE technique Hair transplant using the follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique is the most popular internationally, both in men and women. It practically leaves no scars , allowing the use of short hair without visible marks from the transplant; Compared to other techniques, recovery is faster, which allows a quick return to everyday life; Allows to recover capillary density with a natural appearance; It is performed on an outpatient basis , in a single day; It gas a success rate of up to 97%-100% , depending on individual characteristics. How successful is the FUE technique? The FUE hair transplant technique is the most successful among those currently available worldwide. Recovery is fast and the technique allows natural hair growth with minimal scarring. Generally, the transplanted hair starts to grow between 3-6 months after the intervention, but the final results are only evident after 12 months . Once the recovery process is complete, the transplanted hair can be cut to any desired length and style. Following hair transplant, some of the transplanted hairs fall out after a few weeks, and this event is a common cause for anxiety and concern. However, this is part of the natural recovery process and will give way to new hair growth. In some cases, it may be necessary to carry out medical preparation prior to the hair transplant , in order to stabilize the hair loss, prevent further loss and to improve the success rate and results of the hair transplant. This medical preparation may include taking medications such as finasteride and minoxidil and performing topical treatments. Hair transplant is a very effective method to solve hair loss or low hair density. However, only an individual assessment in a Hair Medicine Consultation will allow to determine the best approach to adopt for each person. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
