by Hazel Charles on September 1, 2010
Mini and micrograft hair transplants are both considered older hair transplant techniques, though they are still in use today. The mini and micro grafting replaced the older plug technique and became the standard hair transplant technique until the mid-90s when the FUE (follicular unit extraction) method took over. The main advantages of mini and micro grafting at the time were that it was faster, required less skill and gave a better result than previous techniques.
Minigrafts were popular mostly during 1985 to 1990 and consisted of 3 to 6 hairs. Micrografts were a significant progression, and contained 1 to 2 hairs. Micro grafts were mostly in use during 1990 to 1995.
Mini and micro grafting can be compared to follicular unit extraction, but is not as advanced. Both mini and micro grafts are removed from the donor supply without respect to the individual hair follicle. In detail, the mini and micro graft procedure involves removing donor tissue with a multi-bladed knife. The tissue is then cut into smaller pieces, often without the use a microscope. A surgeon who employs this technique might even just use a regular ruler. Mini and micro grafts contains more skin than an individual hair follicle. This might require larger holes in the receiving area, which can cause more wounding, and negatively affect the outcome of the surgery.
Typically the mini grafts were used to create fullness to areas behind the hairline while the smaller micro grafts were used primarily along the hairline. A combination of mini and micrografting was also used. Mini-micro grafting usually meant inserting larger grafts at the center and smaller grafts around the mini grafts.
Perhaps the most critical point is that mini and micro grafting leaves the surgeon with less flexibility when it comes to controlling the direction of each follicular unit. This is a major disadvantage, because the way in which the hair units are transplanted in the donor area will determine their final direction after the hair transplant. And angling the hair in the right direction is crucial for a natural looking hair transplant.
Micro and mini grafting has mostly been replaced by more up to date hair transplant procedures using entirely follicular unit grafts, such as the FUE method. Though an FUE method procedure requires more time, a better skilled surgeon and perhaps a bigger expense compared to mini and micro grafts, it can be well worth it.
Most hair transplant surgeons recommend that patients choose the FUE method over mini and micro grafting because it heals faster and results in a natural looking hair transplant.
Photo via konstantin sutagyin
by admin on August 30, 2010
Although today’s hair transplant technology have come along way, it is crucial to get it right the first time around, and try to make sure a corrective hair transplant will not be needed. Though hair transplant standards have been raised significantly, it is still possible to get a less than successful hair transplant, and there are a few mistakes that need to be identified. Because getting another hair transplant to fix the first one is an exhausting, frustrating experience that must be avoided at all cost.
Perhaps one of the most common mistakes a hair transplant doctor can make is to attempt to cover an area when there is not enough hair to do so. The doctor needs to make sure that the patient has enough hair that can be transplanted to the balding areas. The area from where the hair is taken is referred to as the donor supply, and is of utmost importance. A low donor supply will not allow for sufficient coverage and can leave important areas too thin. Enough hair must be reserved for future surgeries, as they might be needed if balding continues. Also, spreading the grafts out too far apart doesn’t provide enough coverage and will result in an unnatural look.
Scalp tightness is another problem that some doctors fail to identify. A tight scalp will limit the total amount of donor hair that can be transplanted. Also, taking out a donor strip that is too wide or placing the donor incision too low puts stress on the patients scalp and can result in a more obvious scar. In addition to complicating future hair transplants, the scar itself can become a cosmetic problem.
A hair transplant doctor trying to save time may use a multi-bladed knife for collecting donor tissue. However, using a multi bladed knife can cause unnecessary damage and should be avoided.
Dry or injured grafts are not optimal in the hair transplant process. Grafts are delicate and prone to injury and must be handled with care, as well as be kept in a special solution until they are transplanted into the receiving area of the scalp.
Angling the hair in the wrong direction is a mistake that will undoubtedly look unnatural. In order for the transplant to look natural, the patient’s own hair direction must be closely followed. Placing the hairline too low or too broad is another mistake. Proper placement is just as important with today’s refined hair transplant methods.
It is also important not to get surgeries that are too close in time, as this will not allow a clear view of the final result.
Though most hair transplant doctors do not use the older methods anymore, it is still important not to assume that any doctor can give you the natural hair transplant you are looking for. Find a skilled, experienced surgeon who uses the FUE method (follicular unit extraction) and you are more likely to have a successful outcome.
Photo via OECD
