The Art and Craft of Grafts Placement in Hair Transplantation

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In hair transplant terminology, graft is a generic term for unit of hair-bearing tissue that is removed usually form back of head and placed into a hairless zone. The insertion of grafts into created sites is the final step during hair transplantation. The placement of graft plays very important role in the survival of hair follicles and on the final results. Proper handling and correct placement of grafts is critical to the success of the final outcome of surgery.

Grafts placement refers to a systematic method filling of created sites. It may seem like an easy task and one that merits less attention. However, this critical stage can affect ultimately grafts survival and future growth. If the grafts are not handled properly and are inserted in wrong directions lead to a tufty and unnatural growth.

Here are few key factors which greatly effect on grafts placement process:

1: Surgeon:

Prior the grafts placement surgeon creates recipient sites in the hairless area. The accuracy, depth, width, spacing or distance in incisions plays a fundamental role to accommodate graft tissue during the insertion process.

2: Surgical Technicians:

The most of the placement is done by trained technicians and assistants. They need proper training how to dissect, preserve, handle and insert hair follicles. They must know that traumatized grafts results in spotty growth or no growth. Therefore, graft placement must be executed by highly trained, skilled and dedicated team. The team will never be outsourced or temporary.

Determined and experienced assistants know that graft is must be handled with minimum forceps trauma and shaft should never be crushed by the forceps tines. They are aware of the correct size of graft to place in correct recipient site. They never forgot the right direction placement of grafts into sites because they are properly trained for and understand the future growth possibilities. We are blessed with 16 years rich experienced hair transplant technicians who are imminent skilled in placing of right graft to right recipient site.

3: Instruments:

The quality of instruments used for the placement of grafts is also extremely important. Grafts are usually inserted into sites with fine forceps. Different type and quality forceps are being used for handling and insertion the hair follicles. Implanter pens also used for placement of grafts by some practitioners.

4: Grafts Placement Technique:

Grafts are units of hair follicles and are not same with numbers of hair and quality. The quality and colour may also vary- some of the hairs are may thinner or grey. After careful examination of grafts based on their structural integrity and survival chance, the highest graded grafts must be placed in the most visible areas (frontal hairline or temporal) or greatest cosmetic priority. If graft is seemed a lower quality it is inserted in an area of lesser importance (mid of scalp). Single, viable and thinner follicles are placed in the front row of hairline and thicker single follicles are placed in second row of hairline. Good quality double follicles are placed behind the single follicles in the thinnest region and sides. The 3 hairs and 4 hair follicles are placed in the central front region in order to increase density. Rest placement can be done following the technique to achieve the most possible results.

Common Mistakes during Grafts Handling and Placement in Hair Transplant Procedure;

Correct grafts placement and handling can have significant effect on the final outcome of hair transplant surgery. In order to avoid human errors and mistakes in placing grafts we need to focus & address below concerns properly.

Dehydration:

Loss or transaction of grafts have been observed during grafts harvesting, storage and placement. It’s more often noted in dry environment. Extended exposure to air while grafts insertion will lead to dehydration. It is documented while grafts rest on the back of hand or on the finger awaiting placement. The grafts cab be rehydrated constantly with saline spray bottles and keep at a constant chilled temperature before the placement. Bio-life solutions (Hypo Themolsole, ATP Mgcletc) must be used for grafts preservation in order to avoid drying impact. Chilled stored grafts have 12 times more survival than room temperature.

Graft Injury or Physical Trauma:

Grafts injury and trauma is another reason to failure or poor growth. Hair follicles are very delicate and pressing them with placing forceps forcefully or carelessly will cause to trauma or damage of grafts which effect on growth and final results of a hair transplant surgery. Blunt trauma to the bulb of hair follicle influence on survival of grafts. Inexperienced technicians can load many hair follicles at one time or push graft many time while insertion that also results in crushing and damage of the grafts. Every single graft should be handled gently, placed with minimum of trauma and must avoid by compression of forceps tines. Permanent, well trained and experienced assistants can help minimizing trauma by placing grafts safely, gently and properly. Performing PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment will also can associate to minimize the risk of survival of grafts.

Placing Method and Strategy:

We can’t underestimate the placing technique and strategy in the whole process. It directs all details on angle orientation, direction, size fit to site, level of depth, structural integrity and cosmetic priority. Insert, release and adjust are the 3 manners of efficient, safe and precis grafts placement process.

Hair Clinic Dubai is blessed with the greatest exposure team who is rich in experience and delivers the best possible results since last 2 decades.

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