Hair transplantation works by extracting hairs with their intact follicular units (FU’s) from a donor area where the hair is abundant and not prone to balding. Follicular units (FU’s) are then implanted into the area that has thinning hair or none at all.
The implanted follicles then find a new blood supply and continue to grow as they did previously. If done properly the area from which follicles have been extracted will show no obvious signs of thinning even if short haircuts are worn.
follicULAR extractioN METHODS
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FUe
Follicular Unit
Extraction
A newer, more advanced technique used by our TRICHOGENICS surgeons, involving the process of extracting hair follicles individually.
Once extracted, FU's are separated into single, double, triple, and quadruple hairs.
Single hairs are then carefully implanted at the frontal hairline (giving a softer more natural appearance) with denser hairs going further back.
The FUE technique when done correctly, leaves tiny dot scars that will be almost invisible, even when wearing short haircuts.
OUR PREFERED METHOD
FUT
Follicular Unit
Transplantation
The first, older method, called FUT involves a linear piece of tissue with hair follicles extracted from a back area of the scalp.
The tissue is then processed by technicians under a microscope, where individual follicular units (FUs) are separated and then implanted into the bald area.
This technique generally leaves a linear scar at the back of the head, takes longer to heal and can have more postoperative complications.
Something you should know...
There are many hair transplant terms that may seem confusing. Terms such as the Sapphire Technique, DHI method, DNI technique, and Forceps technique refer to the different methods of FU implantation into the area of concern. Your surgeon will evaluate and recommend the best option for you.
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follicULAR IMPLANTATION METHODS
OUR PREFERED METHOD
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Sapphire
Technique
The “sapphire technique” is a method whereby incisions (channels), are created using a blade made from a sapphire crystal. The hairs are then implanted into these channels using either forceps or Dull Needle Implanters (DNI).
The Sapphire blade is preferred over steel blades as it is extremely sharp and causes less damage to the tissue. This leads to improved post-operative healing, and lowered risks for complications.
This is generally the preferred technique used at TRICHOGENICS.
FORCEPS
Technique
After channels are created using sapphire blades, follicular units (FUs) are inserted into the open channels (implantation). Very fine, sharp-tipped forceps are used to implant the FU’s. This process can be done by technician assistants and typically yields good results in skilled hands.
Disadvantages: graft handling is increased which can predispose the FU’s to greater damage.
Advantages: technique is widely practised and speed of implantation is typically faster.
Note: for every hour a FU spends outside the body, its survival rate drops by 1-2.5%. Implantation speed is thus crucial.
DULL NEEDLE
IMPLANTERS (DNI)
Dull needles implanters are instruments used to house the FU while it is being implanted into an already created channel. They avoid excessive handling and the force placed on the graft by forceps, thereby increasing the survival rate of the grafts.
Disadvantages: not widely practised. Increased implantation time in unskilled hands.
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)
With this technique, channels are NOT created in the balding area.
After the FU’s are extracted, they are loaded into needle pens. The needle is then inserted into the scalp and the FU is deployed individually.
Advantages: less trauma to the tissue and improved healing.
Disadvantages: time-consuming, expensive and difficult to achieve a dense hair result.
FEMALE HAIR
TRANSPLANTATION
Hair transplantation for females requires a diagnostic approach. For females, the most important aspect of the hair transplant process is identifying the cause of hair loss. This diagnosis involves a combination of blood tests accompanied by an in-person consultation with our TRICHOGENICS team.
If you are based in another country, our team will refer you to a dermatologist and or endocrinologist in your area for this assessment prior to surgery.
Similar to the process of male hair transplantation, hairline designs are specifically tailored for the female aesthetic. For the process, only the donor area requires shaving and can be hidden underneath the surrounding hair with ease.
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BEARD
TRANSPLANTATION
With advances in hair transplantation techniques, it is now possible to perform transplantation of follicular units (FUs) to the facial region.
Beard and moustache transplant procedures have grown popular in recent years to emphasize masculine features with natural results.
This corresponds with findings that men with beards are perceived as more masculine, attracting a more positive female response over men whose faces are
clean-shaven.
Good candidates for facial hair transplantation include:
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Those who have no existing hair or low density coverage from birth (gaps in the beard)
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Individuals suffering from hair loss due to burns, injuries, acne, cleft lip correction or other surgeries
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Transgender patients seeking masculinization
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EYEBROW
TRANSPLANTATION
Eyebrows make an important contribution to facial symmetry and the ability to maintain expression. Single follicular units are used to restore eyebrows- offering natural results.
Eyebrow hair loss can be a result of:
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Physical injuries
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Systemic or local diseases that causes loss of eyebrows and/or eyelashes
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Genetic inability to grow eyebrows and/or eyelashes
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Overplucking (reshaping eyebrows) resulting in follicle damage
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Self-inflicted plucking of eyebrows and/or eyelashes (trichotillomania)
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Treatments that result in eyebrow or eyelash loss—e.g. radiation therapy, chemotherapy etc.
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