Hair transplantation with removal of a strip of scalp (traditional technique)

description

Men and women suffer from hair loss and balding. Hair micro grafts (Follicular Unit Extraction or strips removal) transformed this hair reconstruction surgery.

Thanks to these new techniques, residual scars are reduced.

With FUE, there is no visible scar.

However, in this area one technique is not "better" than another one, since every technique needs to be adapted to every patient depending on his/her balding and expectations.

The procedure is always the same: remove hair from the back and side of the head, where they never fall, to transplant them in the balding areas of the forehead, the vertex and the tonsure.

There are two removal techniques: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT).

A strip of scalp is removed from the back and side of the head, where they never fall. The cut is sutured. In most cases, after healing there will be an almost invisible scar thread.

The strip removed is between 10 and 20 cm long and 1.2 cm width. Then it is cut through a microscope in grafts of 1 to 3 hairs (micro grafts).

Micro grafts are transplanted one by one in the receiving areas.

A small crust will appear on every implant and will fall after about two weeks. The implanted hair will fall too before growing back, during the 3rd month after surgery. Several sessions may be necessary on the same receiving area to reach the expected density.

The operation is light and performed under local anaesthesia. A small crust will appear on every graft and fall between 8 and 10 days. The transplanted hair will fall with the crust and grow back between the 2nd and the 3rd month. They grow of 1 cm every month.

Shampoos are possible 48 hours after surgery. Patients are advised to wait the 4th week after surgery before practising any sports. Headaches can appear during a few days and are well balanced by the usual pain-killers.

During the recovery period there can be oedema (swelling) and bruising. Their importance and duration vary from one person to another. The final aspect will be appreciated within 3 to 6 months after surgery. In every case, at least two surgeries are necessary to reach the expected hair density.

Page réalisée d'après les fiches d'information de la Société Française de Chirurgie Plastique Reconstructrice et Esthétique

Page created according to the information sheets of the authority of the French Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery (Société Française de Chirurgie Plastique Reconstructrice et Esthétique - SOFCPRE)

in summary

Before the procedure

Medical exams: 2 surgical consultations.
Recommendations: stop smoking 1 month before, stop aspirin-based and anti-inflammatory medication 10 days before the surgery.
Signing of the estimate, informed consent and medical photographies.
Reflection period: 15 days between the first consultation and the surgery.

The procedure

Anaesthesia: local with sedation most of the time, or neuroleptanalgesy.
Duration of the procedure: 3 to 6 hours depending on the quantity of hair grafted.
Return home: the very same day.

Follow-up and result

Special care: none on the first days, then application of sweet almond oil and shampoo for the crusts to fall.
Removal of the staples in the hair: on the 14th day.
Desocialisation after the surgery: 24 to 72 hours.
You can go back to physical activities 1.5 month.
Professional activities: 24 to 72 hours, depending on your professional situation.
Final result: new growth from the 3rd month, final result 1 year after the surgery.

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