FAQs

Follicular Unit Extraction is a style of hair transplanting where the extraction of the grafts is done by a small punch-type instrument, harvesting the grafts in their natural groups of hairs.

Usually, the donor area is located at the back or sides of the head where the hair follicles have a different genetic code and tend to produce full-size hairs over a person’s lifetime. Even when these follicles are transplanted into an area of baldness, they retain their hair-growing qualities.

Gone are the days when hair transplants were large, tuft-like and unnatural looking. Today the grafts consist of between one and four hairs each and even with close inspection, look completely natural.

Hair transplantation is an exacting procedure, involving a team of technicians and your surgeon. The procedure can take around three to six hours, depending on the number of grafts transplanted and the area and quality of the recipient area.

The smallest session is 500 grafts and the largest we prefer to do is 4000 grafts. Technically there is no limit to the number of grafts that can be transplanted in one session but we believe that in the larger “mega-sessions,” which some doctors advocate, the yield drops and patient comfort is reduced. It is safer and easier to plan for medium size sessions so any small areas where further grafts are required can be handled in the scheduled treatment program.

This of course depends on the area of hair loss that needs to be covered. For example, about 500 to 1500 grafts could be used to fill in receded temple areas. A person with dark hair and light skin colour may need more grafts than someone with less contrast.

As a guide, about 500 grafts can be placed in an area about the size of your little finger, depending on how loosely they are packed. Once they have grown, further grafts can be placed into the spaces between the new follicles, bringing about further hair density. This process can be repeated until the hair density is quite thick, as the latest transplant techniques cause little or no harm to existing follicles.

Hair transplantation can never create hair as dense as your own, original hair but does give a very natural-looking appearance. Some hair transplant centres claim that they can restore 98 percent of a natural hairline or give their patients a full head of thick hair. In most cases, these claims are simply not true.

Consider this: If a dense grafting session is performed in the temple areas to treat early thinning (recession), this may lock the patient into further dense (i.e. expensive) sessions when further hair loss occurs. If the donor area becomes depleted, the patient may have insufficient hair to complete the program with an even hair distribution.

Right after the treatment, your scalp will be red and slightly swollen.

No. The technique we use in FUT to remove the donor strip and the shape of the strip gives an excellent result that is barely noticeable. FUE method will leave small, round marks, once again, barely noticeable. The existing hair will cover any markings very well. The back of the head does not alter shape due to the amount of elasticity in the skin.

Sometimes follicles may need three to four months to rest before they start growing, however, in some cases, growth is not apparent until six months with continued thickening for 12 months. The use of Minoxidil solution and/or Propecia tablets is highly recommended before and after the procedure. Minoxidil – to assist in more rapid hair growth and Propecia/Finasteride – to assist in halting further hair loss.

Most patients find that they can return to work the next day after the procedure. Occasionally there may be some slight bruising or swelling around the forehead that may need one or two days to resolve. Hard exercise and gym work can be progressively resumed two days after the procedure, with unrestricted activity allowed after two weeks.

The new grafts need to be protected and treated gently for about 10 days after the procedure. In most cases, the scalp can be gently washed the day after the procedure. Medici Capelli will recommend some professional hair care products and some medication to help boost follicle growth and keep the treated area and all of your hair looking its very best.

Yes. It is surprising just how much the back and side areas of your scalp can yield yet still give a totally natural look. A number of procedures can be performed, depending on the quality and amount of hair the donor area has.