Follicular Units
What are follicular units/grafts and why are they important?
Histologists, who study human tissue, have long acknowledged the presence of follicular units in the growth of human hair. However, physicians performing hair restoration surgery have largely disregarded this fact.
Upon closer examination of scalp hair trimmed to a length of 1-2 mm, it becomes evident that hair actually grows in small groups or “bundles.” These bundles typically consist of 1, 2, 3, sometimes 4, and rarely 5 hairs.
These hair bundles, along with their accompanying support system (sebaceous glands, erector pilae muscle, etc.), make up what is now known as the “Follicular Unit.” Surprisingly, these 1-5 hair bundles usually exit the scalp through a single pore.
Under a powerful microscope, these Follicular Units are distinct anatomical entities that are individually enveloped by connective tissue. Therefore, the integrity of the follicular unit is crucial for ensuring the maximum growth of hair.
Apart from the full terminal hairs, the follicular unit also contains 1-2 fine vellus hairs, sebaceous glands, a small muscle, tiny nerves and blood vessels, and a thin band of collagen that surrounds the unit (known as the perifolliculum). In areas of the scalp affected by genetic balding, healthy terminal hairs gradually give way to smaller and finer hairs known as “miniaturized” hairs.
Both FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplants necessitate the precise dissection of each follicular unit to preserve all its components. This ensures the optimal survival and growth of transplanted hair. When transplanted intact and with utmost care, these follicular units are indistinguishable from naturally occurring ones.
By utilizing nature’s own building blocks, follicular unit hair transplantation consistently delivers natural and dependable results.
Hair Transplant Procedure Types
FOLLICULAR UNIT TRANSPLANT (FUT)
The FUT method, also known as the ‘strip method,’ is the most commonly performed hair transplant procedure worldwide. It is known for its excellent patient outcomes and high rates of hair retention and regrowth.
FOLLICULAR UNIT EXTRACTION (FUE)
FUE is another primary method of obtaining follicular units for hair transplantation. It is popular in the United States and globally. FUE involves extracting follicular units one by one, without the need for a strip of donor hair or stitches.
Robotic Hair Transplants
ARTAS™ ROBOTIC HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
ARTAS® Robotic Assisted FUE is a state-of-the-art hair transplant surgery technology offered by Hair Restoration Centers. This robotic system uses imaging technology to map the precise location of follicular units on the scalp. It then guides the surgeon in selecting and harvesting the best grafts for transplantation. The procedure is minimally invasive, and the donor sites heal quickly, with no detectable scarring.
NEOGRAFT HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
NeoGraft is an advanced mode of FUE that has been FDA approved. It utilizes a semi-automated instrument to harvest hair follicles and strategically implant them into the thinning area. The precise harvesting technique eliminates the need for incisions, resulting in minimal scarring and faster recovery. The automated nature of NeoGraft ensures accurate and remarkable results in a shorter timeframe.
