Difference Between Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation and Plugs?

Hair Transplantation has improved significantly in technology in over the past 20 years. At Dermatology and Hair Restoration Specialists, Dr. Behnam uses the most advanced techniques and technologies to produce the most natural outcome. At a conference on losing hair loss Angeles, Dr. Behnam reviewed the traditional forms of hair grafts that were used and compared them to Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation.

Dr. Orentreich first populated the use of plugs in hair transplantation. The actual term plug refers to a 4mm punch that contains hair. These plugs consisted of 4mm round punches, with multiple grafts that are basically placed very close to one another. Unfortunately, the result looked very unnatural, often referred to as “pluggy.” The donor area in the back of the scalp that the plugs were removed from also became unappealing. Where the 4mm punches were removed, the scars formed in a circular fashion, resulting in a feature of scaring that looked like multiple bullet holes. Because of its unnatural look, it was easily detectable and and the procedure fell out of favor.

Over the past 20 years, the entire field of hair transplantation was refined. The introduction of stereoscopic microscopes allows us to dissect each individual hair graft the way they grow in nature. So Follicle Unit Transplantation refers to the transplantation of each individual follicle graft.

Follicular units grow in a few different forms. There are some Follicular units that have only 1 single hair in them. There are those that have 2, and there are those that have 3 or 4 individual hairs in them. For the frontal hairline, we only utilize the Follicular units that have 1 single hair in them because that is how a natural hairline grows. The Follicular units that have 2, 3 or 4 hair units in them are used in the center of the scalp to give the impression of fullness.

What makes Follicular Unit Transplantation possible is the advances in technology and techniques. With stereomicroscopes and new dissecting devices, we are able to cut each individual hair the way it grows naturally, as Follicular units. Experience is very important in the use of microscopes. At Dermatology and Hair Restoration Specialists, the staff members that use the microscopes have at least 10-15 years experience in dissecting individual hair follicles into the 0.8mm width. This requires experience and a lot of patience.

In addition to microscopes, the utilization of correct illumination allows us to carefully dissect even the smallest grey hair or light blond hair. We can dissect hair grafts so small that when implanted it looks very natural. The use of custom made blades of 0.8mm also allow grafts of such a small size to be implanted without any difficulties. The custom made blades significantly contribute to no scaring on the frontal scalp and gives it its natural look.

At Dermatology and Hair Restoration Specialists, we are dedicated to the sole use of Follicle Unit Transplantation. We do not use any traditional plugs, slot grafts or slit grafts in any of the cases. We use the most advanced technologies, including the microscopes, custom made blades and the smallest of follicle unit grafts, to make your transplantation as natural as possible.

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