The gold standard in hair transplant is Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), which has been the only permanent and natural solution to treat hair loss for both men and women alike. Also gaining popularity is eyebrow restoration and body hair transplant.
Follicular unit transplantation is a newer surgical technique that continues the modern emphasis on achieving a “natural” look from hair transplants. It is a technique that, like micrografting, uses 1 to 4 units to achieve an even distribution of hair coverage over the scalp and avoid the “row of corn” appearance that was common many years ago.
In order to remove follicular units from the back of the scalp without damaging them, the donor tissue must be removed in one piece. This "single strip" harvesting technique was first described by Dr. Brandy in the article, "A Single Scar Technique for Donor Harvesting in Hair Transplantation," which was published in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery. This innovative method of harvesting is an essential component of follicular unit hair transplantation, as it not only preserves the follicular units, but also prevents damage (transection) to the individual hair follicles. Dr. Brandy has further developed this technique by inventing a multi-bladed scalpel, which affords patients a cleaner incision that heals leaving one fine scar in the donor area.
Another essential component of Follicular Unit Transplantation is the dissection using stereo-microscopic dissection or loupe magnification. With these techniques, the follicular units are removed individually from the donor tissue to avoid damage. Stereomicroscopic dissection and loupe magnification have been shown to produce an increased yield (as much as 30%) of both the number of follicular units, as well as the total amount of hair.
The benefits of follicular hair transplantation are immeasurable. While there are numerous benefits, the greatest benefit for the patient is the creation of the most natural hair transplant possible.
Why does the Follicular Transplant most resemble natural growing hair? The microscope allows the technician to cut away the greatest amount of epithelium (top layer of skin) with each follicular unit. By cutting the greatest amount of epithelium away from the follicular unit (graft), the units are significantly smaller than mini/micro grafts and therefore can be placed in puncture sites placed closer together creating the most natural hair transplant possible.
