Hair transplant & grafts – everything you need to know

In hair transplantation, terms such as “grafts” and “hair follicles” are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing. A graft is a small unit of tissue (follicular unit). It is taken from the scalp and may contain one or more hair follicles.

A hair follicle, on the other hand, is the tiny structure in the skin from which hair grows. During a hair transplant, grafts are taken from a donor area, usually from the back of the head. These grafts are then transplanted into the areas affected by hair loss.

It is important to carefully plan the number and type of grafts to achieve both natural hair density and an aesthetically pleasing result. The complexity of the grafts, such as how many hair follicles they contain, can also affect healing time and the final result.

Hair loss is a common phenomenon that can affect men and women of all ages. The causes are manifold:

• genetic predisposition
• Hormone fluctuations
• Stress
• unhealthy diet
• Medication

They can all lead to hair thinning or bald patches. In some cases, hair loss may be temporary and recover on its own. However, for many people it is permanent.

In such cases, hair transplantation can provide an effective solution to restore self-confidence and improve hair density.

This surgical procedure is often recommended when other therapies, such as medications or topical treatments, have not been effective. Grafts play a crucial role in this process, as they are the basic building blocks of hair transplantation.

The extent of hair loss is often assessed using classification systems such as the Norwood scale. This scale divides hair loss into different levels, from mild to severe.

This classification is useful not only for diagnosis. It is also crucial for planning a hair transplant.

The more advanced the stage of hair loss, the more grafts are usually needed. This is necessary to achieve a natural-looking and dense hair appearance.

For example, someone in Norwood stage 3 may need between 800 and 1200 grafts. Someone in advanced Norwood stage 6 or 7, on the other hand, might need more than 3000 or 4000 grafts per square centimeter, respectively.

It is important to seek advice from a specialist. Thus, the individual need for grafts can be precisely determined. This helps to set realistic expectations for the outcome of the hair transplant.

Two main methods are available for the extraction of grafts:
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). In the FUE method, individual grafts are taken directly from the scalp, which results in smaller scars and a shorter healing time.

In the FUT method, a strip of scalp is removed from which grafts are then isolated. Although this method often delivers more grafts at one time, it can result in a visible scar.

The choice of
Technique
can influence the number of available grafts and thus the final result. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the decision should be made in consultation with a qualified specialist.

The process of a hair transplant often begins with a detailed preliminary examination. This involves assessing the stage of hair loss and estimating the number of grafts needed.

After this planning phase, the actual transplantation takes place. In a surgical procedure, the grafts are taken from the donor region during hair transplantation. They are then implanted into the bald or thinning areas.

This procedure can take several hours and is usually performed under local anesthesia. After surgery, some follow-up care is required.

This includes regular cleaning of the grafted areas and possibly taking medications to relieve pain or prevent infection.

The
healing process
may take a few weeks. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully to achieve the best possible result.

A successful hair transplantation is the result of a well thought-out and individually coordinated planning. The number of grafts is a significant factor. It significantly influences the esthetic result and the patient’s satisfaction.

Too few or too many grafts can jeopardize the desired result and even lead to complications. Therefore, it is very important to choose a qualified and experienced specialist.

A well-executed procedure is based on a careful preliminary examination and precise planning of the grafts needed. This can significantly improve not only the external appearance, but also self-confidence and quality of life.