Follicular Unit Hair Transplants

FUHT: Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation (FUHT) is a hair restoration procedure where hair is transplanted exclusively in its naturally occurring groups of 1-4 hairs. These groups, or follicular units, are obtained through the microscopic dissection of tissue taken from a single donor strip or extracted directly from the donor area. Because Follicular Unit Hair Transplants mimic the way hair grows in nature, the results, in expert hands, will look completely natural and be indistinguishable from one's original hair.

In Follicular Unit hair Transplantation (FUHT) a thin strip of hair is taken from the back and/or sides of the scalp and the area & that area is closed with the help of sutures The hair from above the incision covers the area so that it is not visible. The donor strip is placed under a series of special dissecting microscopes where the individual follicular units, are carefully dissected into tiny grafts( 1 to 4 units). These grafts are stored in a special holding solution and refrigerated while awaiting placement in the bald or thinning scalp (the recipient area).

Another advantage of Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation is the ability to place these tiny grafts into very small recipient sites. The small sites cause minimal damage to the skin and allow the surgeon to safely transplant thousands of grafts in a single session and to complete the hair restoration as quickly as possible. The tiny needle-sized recipient sites heal in just a few days without leaving any marks. The depth, angle, and distribution of these recipient sites are a critical aspect of the hair transplantation if the results are to look perfectly natural. Their proper placement is a special art and skill of the experienced hair transplant surgeon.

Once the recipient sites are made, the follicular unit grafts are carefully inserted into the scalp. The 1-hair grafts are placed at the hairline, the 2's immediately behind them and the larger 3- and 4-hair units are placed in the central, forelock area. The recipient site sizes are matched to the different size follicular unit grafts, so that a snug fit is created. This facilitates healing, enhances growth of the follicles and permits a very easy post-op course.

In both the procedure, the hair transplant is visible for about a week. Some patients cover the area with their existing hair and others choose to wear a cap, when they are in public. Patients can resume normal daily activities the second day following their hair restoration surgery, although there are some restrictions on strenuous exercise, smoking and drinking. New hair growth starts to appear in 2 to 3 months and is generally complete in 10 to 12 months.