Follicular Unit Micrografting

In the last few years groundbreaking advances that was perfected by our center have dramatically improved hair transplant effectiveness and appearance. Virtually undetectable hair grafts have replaced the obvious and unsightly hair "plugs" from years ago, as well as the recent follicular unit micrografting.

Now transplanting of follicular unit micrografts is the most commonly chosen hair transplant procedure. In our hair transplant center, this technique results in hairlines that both look and function naturally, with minimal interference in lifestyle. Hair grafting has been performed for more than 10 years, but it is only in the past five years that technological advancements, as well as a greater appreciation of hairline aesthetics, have made the results of this procedure virtually undetectable.

			Before
			After one procedure of 3,000 grafts.

Since 1995, our center has been using only the most modern techniques, which includes the removal of only a single strip of donor hairs from the back of the head with each session, plastic surgery closure of the donor area resulting in a single fine line from where the hairs were removed, proper hairline placement, and the use of exclusively micrografts and, in select patients, minigrafts. Since 2001, the center has been a leader in the most modern technique of microscopic follicular unit grafting in China and Asia. By taking hairs from the back of the head from areas that are not susceptible to ever going bald, and transplanting those hairs into bald or thinning areas on the top and front of the head, a permanent and natural-appearing full head of hair can be attained using the individual's own hairs.

Donor strip is removed from back of head
and site is stitched closed.

After closure, donor site is totally disguised by surrounding hair. Grafts are cut from the donor strip under the microscope... then implanted in tiny recipient sites close together.

Results after one session...and thicker, natural appearing hair
after second session.

Each follicular unit contains one to three, occasionally four hairs. Usually a combination of these different sized grafts is used in the hair restoration, with the one-hair grafts going up front in an irregular pattern along the hairline, and the two-, three- and four-hair grafts placed further behind to create more density. To attain the most natural result each graft contains a single follicular unit, the collection of usually two to three hairs all within a tiny bunch, which is the way that hair grows in most individuals. By transplanting using follicular units, the way hair grows naturally, the results of the hair transplantation are virtually undetectable. Precise planting of the transplants in a random pattern results in a hairline that does not look like a line. Follicular unit grafting is the most advanced procedure, requiring a team of trained assistants to cut each graft under the microscope.

Donor hair strip before dissection into follicular units

100 grafts to as many as 3500 grafts can be transplanted in a single, virtually painless procedure lasting only several hours. The procedure is performed in the center, in a sterile, safe, yet comfortable environment. The majority of individuals choose to have the procedure performed under local anesthesia with a mild short-acting sedative. For the small number of more anxious patients, heavier sedation is available. To achieve anesthesia painlessly, a computer-controlled device is used. Whatever the type of anesthesia, patients report the procedure to be comfortable and enjoyable, and whatever discomfort is felt, it is much less than going to the dentist and is a small price to pay to have a lifetime of growing hair.

Patients leave the FHM(follicular unit micrografting) bandage-free. Antibiotics and medicine to reduce the chance of swelling are taken the first three days after the procedure. Mild pain pills are taken, if at all, the first night or two to make sleeping more comfortable; any discomfort is from the donor site where the stitches are located. The day after the procedure patients return to the office to have their hair shampooed and combed, and can return to work and most regular activities. Weight-lifting, heavy exercise, and swimming can be resumed after one week, once the stitches used to close the donor site have been removed.

The transplanted hair begins to grow in two to three months. To help accelerate the growth of the transplants, we place most of his patients on minoxidil 5%, to be applied nightly until the hairs begin to grow. In a small number of patients, many of the hairs begin to grow immediately after transplantation, providing even more rapid results. In many patients, a second, and occasionally a third, procedure is performed as soon as four to six months later to further increase the density of the hair. In some patients, subsequent procedures are only performed after there has been more hair loss in the future, after a period of several years. Except in the minority of cases, hair loss is progressive for the rest of an individual’s lifetime. Any hair restoration process performed by the center will include planning for this future hair loss, making the results of the hair transplant look good today, as well as in the years to come.