Hair transplantation, sometimes also known as ‘body shaping surgery’, is a form of cosmetic surgery that is used to combat hair loss in men and women. The procedure is carried out by extracting hair from one region within your body (the donor site) and implanting it into the recipient site. This surgery involves the removal of skin that is where hair was to be transplanted. It is typically very successful.
The method of hair transplantation can be classified into three fundamental procedures. The first is the Follicular Unit Extraction or simply FUE, method. The procedure is performed using tiny plugs of skin remove from the location of the recipient using hair follicles. The follicles then are surgically removed and the skin sealed up.
Second procedure is referred to as strip harvesting of the follicular unit or PIN. In this method, small skin grafts are taken from the site of recipient and then implanted into small strips around the scalp. These strips will be removed when they have fully developed, and then the grafts are placed. The grafts might require replacement several times, as they will need to expand. As they get bigger the scar tissue develops around them.
Third procedure is known as autologous fat transfers. In this process, excess fat from another region of your body is collected and transferred to the scalp. The grafts are taken from your own body, via a donor or through a tool to extract fat. The procedure is more difficult than Strip Harvesting since the fat must be taken from a source which is not compatible with the skin. It will also be lengthy because autologous grafts have to undergo numerous procedures before they can be placed on the donor scalp.
Fourth procedure is also known by the name of Local anesthesia Unit Transplantation or LAS transplant surgery. In this procedure, general anesthesia is utilized. One graft is extracted at a time while the scalp is opened to allow for the procedure. This procedure uses a lower amount of grafts than is performed with Strip Harvesting and follicular unit transplantation and has been proven to be more effective.
The fifth and final step of Strip Harvesting referred to as transplantation of the follicular unit (fut). This procedure involves the entire follicular unit is harvested before the scalp is opened up in order to allow the follicle regenerate. Once the follicular unit has been transplanted, hair will begin to expand.