The most common modern procedure for hair transplantation is a method that is known as Follicular Unit Transplantation. In this method, the goal is to mimic natural hair growth patterns by transplanting hairs in what is sometimes called their natural, “follicular units”. These units consist of a very small number of neighboring follicles that grow in close vicinity with each other, typically between one and five follicles grow per unit.

These units are selected from parts of the head such as the sides or back, called donor areas, which are genetically programmed to resist baldness. After the scalp has been treated with antibiotics, the follicle units are harvested from the donor areas. Once these are harvested, the resulting wounded areas must be closed for healing. For optimum success, the harvested follicular units are cleaned from excess fatty tissues. During this process the surgeon and his or her assistants are careful not to inflict any damage at all upon the cells of the follicles that will be necessary for the final grafting. To get an in-depth explanation of the procedure and its related dangers and benfits, please continue to the Hair Loss Learning Center.

The last part of the procedure requires the surgeon to employ a fine needle in puncturing the areas for the follicle grafting. Since hair transplants are often if not always performed for cosmetic purposes, the surgeon will use a predetermined pattern as well as specific angling of his puncturing tool so as to recreate a natural hair growth pattern. This optimizes both the appearance and the functionality of the transplant.

After the procedure, different surgeons will advise slightly different care for the best results in healing and acquiring a firm “setting” of the grafts in place. Certain things are critical for all patients. All newly grafted areas, for instance, must be shielded from sunlight. Surgeons also recommend the commencement of regular, gentle shampooing of the area within two days of the operation. This is to prevent the formation of scabs around the hair follicles which could result in subsequent loss of the grafted section. With care and a little patience, hair normally begins to grow and thicken on the patients scalp within two to three months.