
Hair Transplant
Nano-fat hair transplantation, methods of graft collection and placement in hair transplantation, are procedures performed in light of technological advancements and vary according to the size of the area to be transplanted. Hair transplantation involves transferring strong hair follicles, known as grafts, from the donor area behind the ears to the recipient area where hair is lacking or sparse. In the 1930s, Japanese Dr. SasagawaMD introduced the process of transplanting hair follicles. Until 1980, hair transplantation methods without natural results continued to be used. With the advancement of technology and the discovery of new implant materials, modern and different methods that achieve more natural results were developed in the early 1990s. Successful aesthetic hair transplantation methods used today emerged in this way.
Hair loss in both men and women is attributed to changes in weather conditions, variations in nutritional values, endocrine reasons, and genetic factors. If hair loss is not addressed, hair follicles gradually diminish over time, leading to baldness. The goal of hair transplantation is to relocate healthy and strong hair follicles to improve the aesthetic appearance.
Methods used in transplantation:
- FUE
- Sapphire FUE
- Multi-Implanter
- Unshaven
- DHI
- DHI Plus Gold
Hair Transplantation Stages:
- Local anesthesia application
- Collection of hair follicles
- Opening channels
- Placement of hair follicles
Local Anesthesia: The recipient area is numbed using a spraying method to ensure a painless and comfortable hair transplantation experience. Since needles are not used, the person does not feel pain. The sensitivity of the scalp is reduced. Local anesthesia is then applied to enhance its effect and prolong its duration.
Graft Collection: Initially, grafts needed for the donor area are individually collected using micro-motors. The collected grafts are kept alive in an organ transplant solution.
Opening Channels: This is a stage that requires professionalism and determines the quality of hair transplantation. The naturalness of the hairline, especially, is crucial. Hair should be transplanted in the direction it naturally grows. Channels are sometimes opened sagittally and sometimes horizontally. It is essential to implant based on the direction of the hair and avoid creating a “Tufted Head” appearance or the need to change the location of grafts with a second operation.
Graft Placement: Grafts are individually placed into the area where hair transplantation will be performed. During Nano-fat hair transplantation, the process of placing grafts takes approximately 2-3 hours.
Common characteristics of the used methods:
- Operation Duration: 4-6 hours
- Anesthesia: Local
- Sensitivity Period: 1 – 3 Days
- Return to Work: Immediately
- Full Recovery: 7 days
- Longevity of Results: Permanent
FUE
Hair loss in men can result from various factors such as genetic makeup, environmental factors, harsh hair products, and stress. It is best to address hair loss before it progresses. FUE hair transplantation yields a natural appearance. FUE hair transplantation is performed based on the individual’s scalp structure and facial features. Men who experience hair loss often feel unhappy because it can make them appear older and less attractive. After hair transplantation, self-confidence increases, and they feel younger and more handsome. FUE Hair Transplantation is the most commonly practiced method worldwide. FUE Hair Transplantation (Follicular Unit Extraction), introduced after 2002, is based on extracting hair follicles from the donor area on the back of the head without creating a linear incision. In the FUE hair transplantation method under local anesthesia, grafts are individually extracted from the donor area using a FUE micro-motor. The extracted grafts are placed into small incisions made in the recipient area. In a single session, an average of 2000 to 5000 grafts are collected. If necessary, a second session can be performed for further collection. The most significant advantages of the FUE hair transplantation method are the permanence of the transplanted hair and its continued growth. The FUE method can be applied to both men and women and leaves no scars or marks due to the lack of sutures.
FUE hair transplantation, along with other methods introduced in recent years (pen, robotic, DHI, micromotor, etc.), is based on the fundamental principle of the FUE Hair Transplantation method. While initially performed using a device called a “manual punch,” the FUE method is now carried out using a medical device called a “micro-motor.” This is why you may encounter the term “micro-motor FUE” in your research.
The FUE method is conducted in a sterile environment, similar to other surgical procedures. Since hair transplantation is an aesthetic procedure, the operating environment must be suitable for the process. All necessary tests are performed before the operation. The hair follicles collected during the operation are stored in an appropriate environment until placement. The process is completed in a single session, which lasts several hours. It is recommended to take a shower with shampoo the day before or the morning of the operation.
Sapphire FUE
The Sapphire FUE method involves opening channels in the transplantation area using sapphire blades. Sapphire blades are used instead of metal slits for this purpose. The use of sapphire blades offers several advantages:
- Natural Appearance: The channels opened with sapphire blades mimic the natural structure of hair, allowing for a more aesthetic appearance.
- Less Trauma: Sapphire blades are sharper and require less pressure to open channels, reducing trauma to the tissue.
- Higher Density: Channels opened with sapphire blades can be smaller and denser, resulting in a more compact and fuller look.
The Sapphire FUE method provides excellent results in terms of both natural appearance and density. It is particularly suitable for individuals with curly hair, as it allows for more precise angle and direction control during channel opening.
Multi-Implanter
The Multi-Implanter method is designed to optimize the process of graft placement. During traditional FUE hair transplantation, the extracted grafts are stored in a solution until they are implanted into the recipient area. The Multi-Implanter method streamlines this process by integrating graft extraction and implantation. This can lead to a shorter procedure time and potentially better graft survival rates.
Unshaven
Traditional FUE hair transplantation requires shaving the donor area to facilitate graft extraction. However, not all individuals are comfortable with shaving their hair. The Unshaven FUE method offers a solution by allowing hair transplantation without the need for a complete shave. Only a small area is trimmed to facilitate graft extraction, allowing the rest of the hair to cover the shaven area.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)
DHI, also known as the Choi Implanter Pen technique, is a variation of the FUE method. In DHI, the grafts are implanted directly into the recipient area without the need to create incisions beforehand. This is achieved using a special implanter pen, which has a hollow needle through which the graft is inserted. DHI allows for more control over the depth, angle, and direction of graft placement, potentially leading to a more natural-looking result.
DHI Plus Gold
The DHI Plus Gold method builds upon the DHI technique by incorporating the use of gold needles. Gold needles are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can potentially lead to better graft survival rates. The DHI Plus Gold method aims to combine the advantages of DHI implantation with the potential benefits of gold needles.
It’s important to note that the choice of hair transplantation method depends on various factors, including the individual’s hair characteristics, donor area availability, desired outcomes, and the expertise of the medical team performing the procedure. Consulting with a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon is crucial to determine the most suitable method for each individual case.