Home  |  Transplant Basics  | Links  | Surgeon Search | Research Library  
   
  RESEARCH
Hair Loss Research Publications and Documents
Hair Loss Discussion Forum
  HAIR LOSS
Hair Loss Causes
Hair Loss Fallacies
Hair Loss in Women
Hair Loss Success Stories
Hair Loss Restoration Goals
Hair Loss Links
  TRANSPLANTS
How Hair Transplants Work
What is Follicular
Unit Transplantation?
What to Look For
Goals and Expectations
Hair Transplant Post-op Expectations
What to Avoid in a Hair Transplant
Find Hair Transplant Surgeons
Hair Transplant Photos
Hair Transplant Grafts
Hair Transplant Repairs
  SITE HELP
Hair Loss Research Center Site Search
Hair Loss Research Centre Site Map
 

Research and find a Great Surgeon.

 

 

This is one of the most commonly asked questions and it is a very important one for those deciding which hair restoration procedure to choose. In contrast to Follicular Unit Transplantation, where the graft sizes are determined by nature, in mini-micrografting (the combination of minigrafts and micrografts as defined in Chapter 6) the graft sizes are arbitrarily determined by the doctor who cuts the donor tissue into the size pieces that he wants. Another name for this technique is mini-micrografts "cut to size."

In mini-micrografting, neither preserving follicular units, nor even keeping hair follicles intact, are felt to be that important. Rather, the speed and economics of the procedure are the deciding factors. Mini-micrografters use a multi-bladed knife to quickly generate thin strips of tissue and then use direct visualization (rather than microscopic control) to cut the tissue. The resulting grafts are generally larger than follicular units and since the excess skin is not trimmed away the donor sites (wounds) are also larger.

It should be apparent from the comparison shown on the next page that Follicular Unit Transplantation is superior in producing a natural, undetectable result, in maximizing healing, and preserving precious donor hair. Mini-micrografting, however, requires a smaller staff and each procedure is cheaper and shorter (although in the end it takes more procedures and therefore may cost just as much for this technique).

For more detailed information on NHI's Follicular Unit Transplantation, please see the reference section in the back of the book. Many of the original articles can be found on our web site www.newhair.com in the section, NHI Medical Publications.

The following table summarizes the major differences between Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Mini-Micrografting

THE GRAFTS FUT Mini-Micrografting
Follicular Units used exclusively Yes No
Graft size Uniformly small Larger
Number of hairs per graft 1-4 1-6 (or more)
Hair/skin ratio in graft High Average
Extra skin transplanted No Yes
Wound size Uniformly small Variable
     
THE TECHNIQUE    
Harvesting type Single-Strip Multi-bladed knife
Microscopes required Yes No
Follicular Units Preserved Yes No
Follicular transection No Yes
Maximizes donor supply Yes No
     
THE RESULTS    
Healing time Fast Slower
Skin surface change No Yes
Maximum fullness Yes No
Undetectable Yes No
     
COST & CONVENIENCE    
Staff requirements Moderate Small
Duration of individual procedure Long Short
Time for complete restoration Short Long
Cost per procedure More Less
Total cost for restoration Similar Similar

 

 
Hair Transplants:
What are Follicular Units?

•What is Follicular Unit Transplantation?

•The Reason for Using Only Follicular Units

•The Importance of Keeping Recipient Sites Small

How is Follicular Unit
Transplantation Different from Mini-Micrografts
 

Special Thanks To
Dr Bill Rassman and Dr Bob Bernstein, who contributed portions of their "Patients Guide to Hair Transplantation" for use on this site. You can visit their excellent in-depth web site at www.newhair.com and request a full free copy of this, 300 page plus, book.

 
 

 


Home  | Top of Page  | Expectations  | Contact Us