Hair Transplant and Hair Transplant Techniques
Hair transplantation must be performed under the supervision of a plastic surgeon or a specialized dermatologist.
Hair transplantation is a procedure where hair follicles (hair roots) are taken from the nape area at regular intervals and implanted in the areas that require coverage. The techniques for hair transplantation are continuously evolving and improving.
Micro Motor FUE Technique:
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is the most commonly used hair transplant technique. Hair follicles are extracted with the help of a micro motor. A punch, which is an attachment with a diameter of 0.6 – 0.8 mm, is attached to the motor. The motor speed is adjusted to the optimum rate, and hair follicles are extracted. The depth and speed of the punch are adjusted according to the patient’s skin type.
Manual Technique Hair Transplantation:
The manual punch technique is a specialized method and is performed only in a few clinics. This technique involves manually extracting hair grafts one by one with a special punch, resembling a pen tip. When the manual punch technique is used, the graft loss is minimal. While the graft loss with the micromotor FUE is generally 10-15%, with the manual punch, it does not exceed 1-2%. This is an important consideration for patients with weak donor areas or those requiring a second session of hair transplantation.
Manual technique hair transplantation typically takes one day for up to 2,300 grafts. However, for patients requiring more than 2,300 grafts, the procedure may take two days. In cases where manual punch extraction is performed, there will be no visible scar in the donor area, and the healing time is faster. Two days after the hair transplant, the donor area will appear as if no extraction has occurred.
Manual technique hair transplantation is a more refined and costly procedure. It is not preferred for every patient, especially for those with insufficient donor areas or those needing a second hair transplant session.
DHI Technique Hair Transplantation:
The DHI technique is primarily known for implanting hair without damaging the existing hair in sparse areas. It is often preferred for women with hair thinning due to male-pattern baldness, and men with sparse hair. Hair transplantation is performed without making incisions using an injection technique. Thanks to the special tool, the direction of the hair can be controlled. The waiting time for the roots during the procedure is minimized, reducing the risk of graft loss. This technique results in a denser and more natural appearance after the procedure. Up to 2,300 grafts can be transplanted per day. If more grafts are needed, the procedure can be performed on two consecutive days.
Canal Opening Techniques:
Sagittal (Vertical) Slit Technique:
This is the most commonly used canal opening technique. However, it is not suitable for all areas of the hair and may cause difficulty in directing the hair growth. It should be applied according to the areas to be transplanted.
Lateral (Horizontal) Slit Technique:
This technique is used by only a few clinics, but it allows the desired direction and angle for hair growth to be achieved everywhere. The angle adjustments with lateral slit can be made according to the natural direction of hair growth. During the canal opening process, sapphire-tipped pens are now used instead of steel micro slits. Sapphire is a durable and smooth material, and it is more compatible with human skin. It does not disturb blood circulation and significantly reduces the risk of allergies and sensitivity. This speeds up the healing process after the transplantation.
Achieving a Natural-Looking Hair Transplant Result:
To achieve a natural-looking hair transplant, the best hair transplant technique should be selected according to the patient’s current hair situation. FUE technique is applied for patients with sufficient grafts, while the manual technique is preferred for patients with critical donor areas and large hair loss.
Before the transplant, the hairline, especially the front line, should be drawn according to the person’s face. The doctor will draw the hairline according to natural measurements, and then the patient’s preferences will be considered to create the ideal hairline.
During the procedure, the direction of hair growth should be accurately calculated when opening the canals. The canal opening should be performed according to the patient’s hair growth direction to avoid unnatural results post-transplantation.
The maximum number of grafts a normal hair transplant candidate can receive from the donor area is 4,000 to 4,500. If too many grafts are taken from the donor area or if the grafts are not extracted at regular intervals, the donor area’s aesthetic appearance can be compromised. White gaps may appear in the donor area. It is essential not to damage the donor area to ensure that it remains healthy and usable for potential future transplants.
In conclusion, for a natural-looking and successful hair transplant, it is essential to choose a reliable clinic and experienced surgeon to avoid regrets later.
