Hair transplant techniques and technologies: What produces the most natural results?

Follicular unit grafts is an effective hair transplant technique that is produces long-lasting, natural-looking results. Hair follicle grafts that are transplanted maintain their natural structure, and as a result, this novel technology is beginning to replace the outdated punch grafts. Follicles are removed from the sides or back of the scalp because these are regions of continuous hair growth. These follicles are individually grafted into the needed regions and the surrounding hair covers the donor region so that the surgery is usually undetectable minutes after the transplantation. This procedure requires small incisions, which lead to quicker recovery times and less long-term scarring. In addition, the surgeon can follow the normal pattern of the hairline of each individual’s scalp. Finally, more blood and oxygen circulate within the hair grafts, which enhance hair follicle survival. Some surgeons have further advanced this technique by utilizing ultra-refined follicular units.

Another up-and-coming form of hair transplantation that leads to natural-looking results is called LED polarized magnification, which is also based on follicular unit grafts. This technique allows doctors to create optimal recipient sites through enhanced visualization of the scalp and hair follicles. In addition, this magnification method results in shorter operating times and less destruction of healthy hair follicles, which leads to the maximal density of new hair growth [1]. The technique is currently producing long-term and natural-looking results for both men and women who have different stages of hair loss.

Patients with thick, curly hair can typically expect to see a greater density of new hair growth than individuals with thin, straight hair when equal amounts of hair follicles are transplanted for each patient. Nonetheless, treatment plans are created to meet each client’s individual needs and degree of hair loss. Furthermore, before this type of procedure is performed, doctors and medical staff usually first determine if an individual is a good candidate for this type of hair transplant.

The main reason both of these techniques lead to natural-looking results is because they are based on follicular unit grafts as opposed to the punch grafts which were used in the past. The difference between these two methods is that, punch grafts cause a blotchy, hair-plug appearance, whereas follicular unit grafts lead to dense sections of new hair growth.

References

1. Avram MR.  Polarized LED magnification for optimal recipient site creation during hair transplantation. Dermatologic Surgery, 2005;31(9):1124-1127.