Extracting hair follicles typically involves a medical procedure known as hair transplantation or hair restoration surgery.
There are two common methods used for hair follicle extraction…
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) – A strip of skin containing hair follicles is surgically removed from the donor area (usually the back or sides of the head, where hair is more resistant to balding). The removed strip of skin is then dissected under a microscope into individual hair follicular units, which typically contain 1-4 hairs each. These individual follicular units are prepared for transplantation.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – A minimally invasive technique that involves harvesting individual hair follicles directly from the donor area. A small punch or micro-needle is used to make tiny incisions around each hair follicle, and the follicles are then carefully extracted one by one. This method avoids the need for a linear scar as in FUT, and it is suitable for people who prefer a shorter recovery time and less noticeable scarring.
After the hair follicles are extracted using either FUT or FUE, they are prepared for transplantation into the recipient area, which is the area where the patient wants to regrow hair. The recipient area is prepared by making small incisions or slits where the extracted follicles will be placed.
Hair follicle extraction should be performed by a trained and experienced medical professional, such as a dermatologist or a hair transplant surgeon, in a sterile and controlled environment to minimize the risk of infection and scarring. The success of the procedure and the quality of results depend on various factors, including the patient’s individual characteristics, the skill of the surgeon, and the post-operative care provided.
