History
- Evolution of Hair Transplantation:
Modern hair transplantation was first performed by a Japanese doctor on the scalp of a burned soldier, in the early 20th century. Later, in the 1950s, a major change in the above technology was made when ‘Plug graft hair transplantation was introduced .This obsolete technique however remained under practice by almost all the hair transplant clinics, worldwide, despite its faults; commonly known as “Bristle brush” or “Barbie Doll” appearance. During early1980’s, however, another brilliant innovation named,“Mini”& Micro-Graft transplantation was brought forward by an American physician which changed the concept of hair transplant surgery altogether.
In mid 1990’s another revolutionary discovery was made, named, ‘Follicular Unit Transplantation’ again by American physician, which gained dramatic popularity all over the world, rather in a short span of time. The reason was FUT made possible not only to acquire the maximum density of hair from the donor area and 100% natural re-distribution of growing hair on the bald scalp, but also, allowed the minimal invasive surgery and maximum safety to the client.Thus FUT was considered as the logical end point of fifty years of evolution in the history of surgical hair restoration. Owing to the fact of splendorous usefulness the FUT technology as been adopted, now, by the leading hair transplant clinics of United States and rest of the modern world.
- What is Follicular Unit Transplantation?
Follicular Unit Transplantation is a technique, in which hair is transplanted from the permanent zone in the back of the scalp into areas affected by genetic balding (and some other types of hair loss), using only the naturally occurring, individual follicular units. In order to remove follicular units from the back of the scalp without damaging them, the donor tissue must be removed in one piece. This technique, “single strip harvesting,” is an essential component of follicular unit transplantation as it not only preserves the follicular units but also prevents damage (transition) to the individual hair follicles. It differs dramatically from the mini & micrografting and slit/punch grafting technique.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) Techniques:
Follicular Unit Transplantation is performed with highly innovative techniques based on cutting edge technologies and systems, currently, offered by different clinics, through out the world, depending upon the quality, economy, instrumentation availability, dissecting facility and other relevant factors, involved in this matter.
- FUT vs. Hair Plugs - Clearing up Hollywood's stupidity
- Contemporary H.T.S
Although Hollywood likes to joke about men with "hair plugs" in their movies and television shows, - script writers and movie directors have not caught up with the reality that 21st Century hair transplants are virtually undetectable. The day of the hair plug (a single hair graft consisting of 10 to 50 hairs) is over. Even if you wanted "hair plugs" implanted - you would find it almost impossible to convince a doctor that would implant them.
- Modern hair transplant surgery has advanced substantially over the last 2 decades which have introduced the follicular unit, sometimes referred to as FUT.
The hair on your scalp grows naturally in groups of 1, 2 and 3 hairs. These groups are termed follicular units and this is the size of hair grafts that most doctors will implant into your hair loss affected area.
Because doctors are implanting the smallest possible grafts in their natural follicular unit state, the results of modern hair transplant surgery are virtually undetectable and appear the most natural.
Other misperceptions about hair transplant surgery include
Doctors will be using someone else's hair or artificial hair. False. Doctors will be using your own natural hair.
Hair transplant surgery will give you a beautiful head of hair like Brad Pitt or some other famous celebrity. False. Many men have unrealistic expectations before getting a hair transplant. Since the amount of hair you can have implanted is dependent on your donor hair, it is difficult to achieve a thick, full head of hair as you had when you were a teenager.
Hair transplants are only for men. False. The number of women seeking hair transplant surgery increases every year.
Hair transplants can give you a younger, more youthful appearance with remarkable results. When combined with hair loss medications such as finasteride or dutasteride, most men can reverse their hair loss problem to their complete satisfaction - as well as the satisfaction of the opposite sex.
The Procedure
The following outline describes in the most general of terms an approximate step by step guide of a hair transplant procedure. Each hair transplant doctor and clinic has their own exact method of performing the procedure which may differ from the most basic of explanations below.
- Consultation
- Blood Tests
- Anesthestize the donor area and recipient area.
- Extraction of the donor strip/Suture donor area
- Dividing the strip into follicular units.
- Implanting the follicular units.
- Post operative care
- Consultation
After your consultation with the hair transplant doctor whereby the amount of grafts and recipient areas are discussed and mapped out, most doctors require a simple blood test before the procedure even begins. In states like Florida, these blood tests are required by law.
When your blood tests come back from the lab, the hair transplant clinic can begin your procedure.A full service surgery room is not needed for a hair transplant. In most cases, your doctor’s office will have a special room customized for hair transplant surgery. Most clinics will offer you a valium 30 to 60 minutes before the actual procedure begins. This will help to relax you before the surgery and calm your nerves. Using a local anesthesia, the doctor will numb the recipient area and donor area. This is where the pain comes in. Some clinics like to describe this anesthesia shot as a “mild discomfort” on their websites, but the truth is – it hurts like hell. The good news is the pain quickly goes away once the lidocaine takes affect.
The next step in the procedure is the removal of the donor strip. (See the hair transplant diagram below). This strip can measure approximately, on average, 1-1.5cm wide and be 15-20 cm or more in length.
In order to remove the donor strip from the back of your head, you will have to lay down on your stomach. Your head will rest on a special head rest with a vacant area for your face to fit through. Once the doctor has removed the strip, trained technicians or nurses will begin dividing the strip into follicular unit hair grafts with the aid of a microscope like goggles. While the division and counting is being done, the doctor will suture the scalp of your donor area back together. Following the suturing of your donor area, you will move from laying on your stomach to comfortably reclining on your back in the surgery chair. At this point, the doctor will begin preparing your hair loss affected area (recipient area for hair grafts) for the follicular unit hair grafts to be implanted. This step involves making tiny incisions with a surgical instruments in the recipient area. These tiny incisions is where your scalp will receive the new grafts of hair.
Often, a hair transplant team will work together – one making the recipient incision while the other implants the new grafts. It’s during this step in the hair transplant process that the experience and care of the doctor are most needed. The pattern in which the grafts are implanted must appear natural and care is taken by the doctor to insure blood flow to the new grafts. Your hair transplant doctor will be looking at your recipient incisions and must invision in his mind how the hair will look as it grows in over the next 12 months. Depending on the number of grafts you are having implanted (mega sessions of 2,500 grafts are not uncommon) the entire surgery can take 3-5-10 hours. Once your procedure is finished, your doctor will advise you on how to care for your newly implanted grafts over the next few days. Keep in mind, in all cases of hair transplantation, the newly inserted grafts will “scab” as they heal and fall out in seven to 14 days. However, do not worry for your new hair will go into the normal hair growth cyle and in about 3-6 and sometimes up to 12 months later, new and permanent hair will grow in it’s place. Until the scabs heal and fall out, you may want to plan on wearing a loose fitting ball cap to cover the hair graft scabs when in public. If you don’t want anyone to notice your scabs at all – you may want to plan on wearing that hat for 7 to 14 days. Normal physical activities can be resumed 24 hours after surgery. You will not have to spend the night in the hospital for a hair transplant surgery. Following the procedure, your doctor will mostly likely prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection, a mild steroid (prednisone) to decrease swelling – and a mild pain killer. The hardest part of the entire procedure may not be the actual surgery itself, but waiting for the new grafts to grow where there was once baldness. If you have ever sat around “watching the grass grow” – you might understand the patience required
