What is Hair Graft?

A hair graft refers to a small cluster of hair follicles that is removed from a donor area of the scalp (typically the back or sides of the head, where hair is more resistant to balding) and transplanted to a recipient area where hair loss or thinning has occurred. These follicular grafts contain hair follicles along with surrounding tissue, and they are the building blocks of hair transplantation.

There are different types of hair grafts used in hair transplantation procedures, including:

1. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): In FUT, a strip of scalp containing multiple hair follicles is surgically removed from the donor area, and then dissected under a microscope into individual follicular units (grafts) before being transplanted into the recipient area.

2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): In FUE, individual follicular units are extracted directly from the donor area using a small punch tool. These grafts are then transplanted into the recipient area.

Each hair graft typically contains 1-4 hair follicles, although there can be variations. The number of grafts needed for a hair transplant depends on factors such as the extent of hair loss, the desired density of hair in the recipient area, and the quality of the donor hair.

After the hair grafts are harvested, they are meticulously implanted into tiny incisions made in the recipient area of the scalp. The placement of the grafts is crucial for achieving a natural-looking result, as the direction, angle, and density of the transplanted hair must match the surrounding native hair.

The process of implanting the grafts requires precision and expertise from the surgical team. The surgeon strategically places the grafts to create a natural-looking hairline and restore hair density in areas affected by hair loss or thinning.

Once the grafts are implanted, they enter a healing phase where the transplanted hair sheds within a few weeks. This shedding is a normal part of the hair transplantation process, and it is followed by a period of dormancy. After several months, new hair growth begins as the transplanted follicles start producing hair. Over time, the hair continues to grow, providing natural-looking and permanent results.

Post-operative care and follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring the progress of hair growth and addressing any concerns or questions that may arise during the recovery period. With proper care and adherence to post-operative instructions, patients can expect to see significant improvement in hair density and appearance over time.