Hair Transplant Procedure – Graft Placement Techniques
Introduction
Hair transplant procedures have evolved significantly over the years, offering innovative techniques for restoring natural-looking hairlines. One crucial aspect of a successful hair transplant is graft placement. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 graft placement techniques used by hair transplant surgeons to achieve remarkable results.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
FUT, also known as the strip method, involves removing a thin strip of hair-bearing skin from the donor area. The strip is then dissected into individual follicular units, which are carefully placed in the recipient site.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
FUE is a minimally invasive technique where individual hair follicles are extracted directly from the donor area using tiny punches. These follicles are then implanted into the recipient site one by one.
Robotic Hair Transplantation
Robotic hair transplantation utilizes advanced robotic systems to assist the surgeon in harvesting and placing follicular units precisely. This technique enhances the accuracy and speed of the procedure.
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)
DHI is a modified FUE technique where the harvested follicles are immediately implanted into the recipient site without the need for creating incisions beforehand. This results in reduced procedure time and faster recovery.
Sapphire FUE
In Sapphire FUE, the surgeon uses sapphire blades instead of traditional steel punches to create incisions in the recipient area. The use of sapphire offers better control, precision, and potentially faster healing.
Percutaneous FUE (PFUE)
PFUE is a hybrid technique that combines FUT and FUE principles. The surgeon creates small incisions using a needle before extracting and implanting the follicles, reducing trauma to the scalp.
Micro-grafts and Mini-grafts
Micro-grafts and mini-grafts contain a smaller number of hair follicles per graft, making them ideal for refining the hairline and adding density to specific areas.
Lateral Slit Technique
The lateral slit technique involves creating tiny horizontal incisions in the recipient site, allowing the surgeon to angle the hair grafts for a more natural appearance.
Stick-and-Place Technique
The stick-and-place technique involves using a specially designed implanter pen to make incisions and simultaneously place the grafts directly into the scalp, streamlining the process and reducing tissue trauma.
In conclusion, the success of a hair transplant heavily relies on precision and skill in graft placement. With various techniques available, patients now have more options than ever to achieve their desired results.