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Follicular Unit Micrograft
Follicular
Unit
Micrograft
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Follicular
Unit Micrografting
Transplanting
of follicular unit micrografts is the most commonly chosen
hair restoration procedure. In Dr. Epstein's hands, this
technique results in hairlines that both look and function
naturally, with minimal interference in lifestyle. Hair
grafting has been performed for more than 30 years, but
it is only in the past five years that technological
advancements, as well as a greater appreciation of hairline
aesthetics, have made the results of this procedure virtually
undetectable.
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Photo G1-03a
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Photo G1-03b
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Photo G1-03c
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Before. |
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Photo G1-03d
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Photo G1-03e
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Photo G1-03f
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After one procedure of 3,000 grafts. |
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Since 1993, Dr. Epstein has been using only the most modern techniques,
which includes the removal of only a single strip of donor hairs from
the back of the head with each session, plastic surgery closure of
the donor area resulting in a single fine line from where the hairs
were removed, proper hairline placement, and the use of exclusively
micrografts and, in select patients, minigrafts. Since 1999, Dr. Epstein
has been a leader in the most modern technique of microscopic follicular
unit grafting. By taking hairs from the back of the head from areas
that are not susceptible to ever going bald, and transplanting those
hairs into bald or thinning areas on the top and front of the head,
a permanent and natural-appearing full head of hair can be attained
using the individual's own hairs.
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Donor
strip is removed from back of head
and site is stitched closed. |
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After
closure, donor site is totally
disguised by surrounding hair.
Grafts are cut from the donor strip under
the microscope... then implanted in tiny
recipient sites close together. |
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Results
after one session...
and thicker, natural appearing hair
after second session. |
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Each follicular unit micrograft contains one to three, occasionally four
hairs. Usually a combination of these different sized grafts is used
in the hair restoration, with the one-hair grafts going up front in
an irregular pattern along the hairline, and the two-, three- and four-hair
grafts placed further behind to create more density. To attain the
most natural result each graft contains a single follicular unit, the
collection of usually two to three hairs all within a tiny bunch, which
is the way that hair grows in most individuals. By transplanting using
follicular units, the way hair grows naturally, the results of the
hair transplantation are virtually undetectable. Precise planting
of the transplants in a random pattern results in a hairline that does
not look like a line. Follicular unit grafting is the most advanced
procedure, requiring a team of trained assistants to cut each graft
under the microscope.
100 grafts to as many as 3000 grafts can be transplanted in a single, virtually
painless procedure lasting only several hours. The procedure is performed
in the office, in a sterile, safe, yet comfortable environment. The majority
of individuals choose to have the procedure performed under local anesthesia
with a mild short-acting sedative. For the small number of more anxious
patients, heavier sedation is available. To achieve anesthesia painlessly,
the Wand, a computer-controlled device, is used. Whatever the type of
anesthesia, patients report the procedure to be comfortable and enjoyable,
and whatever discomfort is felt, it is much less than going to the dentist
and is a small price to pay to have a lifetime of growing hair.
Patients leave the FHR bandage-free. Antibiotics and medicine to reduce
the chance of swelling are taken the first three days after the procedure.
Mild pain pills are taken, if at all, the first night or two to make sleeping
more comfortable; any discomfort is from the donor site where the stitches
are located. The day after the procedure patients return to the office
to have their hair shampooed and combed, and can return to work and most
regular activities. Weight-lifting, heavy exercise, and swimming can be
resumed after one week, once the stitches used to close the donor site
have been removed.
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This photographs shows what the hairline looks like one day after a procedure |
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One day after the procedure,
there are tiny crusts around each graft. |
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One week after the procedure,
the small hairs can be seen growing from the scalp. |
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The transplanted hair begins to grow in two to three months. To help accelerate
the growth of the transplants, Dr. Epstein places most of his patients
on minoxidil 5%, to be applied nightly until the hairs begin to grow.
In a small number of patients, many of the hairs begin to grow immediately
after transplantation, providing even more rapid results. In many patients,
a second, and occasionally a third, procedure is performed as soon
as four to six months later to further increase the density of the
hair. In some patients, subsequent procedures are only performed after
there has been more hair loss in the future, after a period of several
years. Except in the minority of cases, hair loss is progressive for
the rest of an individual’s lifetime. Any hair restoration process
performed by Dr. Epstein will include planning for this future hair
loss, making the results of the hair transplant look good today, as
well as in the years to come.
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| Click here to view hundreds of Dr Epstein's before and after photos of follicular unit graphing. |
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