H+ technique
LOSING YOUR HAIR
Which is the best method?
This is a difficult question to answer as there are proponents of both techniques. Although, FUT is considered an advance over the 'mini-micrografting' hair transplant procedure, many transplant doctors do not consider it as advanced as FUE because the technique still requires larger areas of the scalp to be removed than single follicle extraction. Proponents of the FUT technique say that there are also problems inherent in removing individual follicular units with small punches. First, any significant variation between the incident angle of the punch and the exiting hair can result in graft transection. It is known that it is difficult to keep the punch parallel to the follicles throughout the entire length of the graft as the visual cues used to guide one's hand are lost once the punch passes into the depths of the tissue. Another disadvantage of both follicular techniques is the requirement of long hours of time and skilled teams of assistants for the preparation of 3,000 odd follicular hair transplants through dissection. My feeling is that the final result is very operator related.
What is the H+ method?
The H+ technique has been perfected in Dublin. It essentially is a minimally invasive method of hair restoration which avoids the need for any scalpels or stitching to be required at any point during the procedure. Single hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area (back of the head) and re-implanted with the unique patented device; therefore a strip of donor skin is not required to be removed from the back of the head. Many doctors, including myself, consider this to be the most advanced method of transplanting hair. to techniques like the newer single hair follicle extraction technique. In this method follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area (back of the head) and re-implanted with the unique patented devices. The H+ method is based on the use of genetic testing, the use of growth factors, 633nm light for fibroblast stimulation and the use of quality control during the hair transplant procedures. The hair transplant doctor needs only a single surgical assistant to help him during the follicle hair transplants. The procedure also ensures maximum care to the grafts. The hair transplant doctor can decide upon the exact number of grafts to be removed while he is removing them one-by-one.
Any other advantages with the H+ method?
The best thing about the H+ method is that the hair extraction is simple, painless, and the donor area heals within 2-4 days. Individual hair follicles are removed one by one using the H+ Extractor and Implanter by a surgeon who is wearing high magnification loupes. Patients can listen to music, watch tv and enjoy a light lunch during the procedure, which is completed in four to six hours. There is absolutely no risk of nerve damage because scalpels or stitches are not used. Another advantage of the H- transplant procedure is that it allows the hair transplant surgeon to extract as many grafts as is actually needed and on average, we usually extract and place 3,000-5,000 hairs per day. Bandaging is not necessary following the procedure, allowing the patient to leave the clinic looking just as they did on entering. Unlike the 'strip' technique, there is no scarring with the H+ method and a patient can shave his head or wear all the current cuts and styles. In addition, there is also no waiting period between H+ procedures and hair from all over the body can be used. Body hair follicular grafts have shown growth patterns similar to head hair with no difference in texture but are usually used for enhancing the density in the posterior region of the scalp rather than the hair line. Hair regrowth will be seen after 16 weeks, depending in part on how quickly the capillaries form around the newly relocated follicular units. This newly transferred hair grows naturally in its new location for the rest of the patient's life.
How many sessions will be necessary before hair restoration is complete after the H+ method?
That really depends on the size of the balding area, donor yield and the goal of the patient. In order to achieve a greater density, I would suggest starting early and plan at least two sessions, so that you never really become bald. The numbers of sessions being one or more is aided by the use of genetic programming and special camera densitometry equipment to see under the skin and fully inform the patient of his or her total available donor hair. In each session, the follicles are inserted between existing hairs or previously placed hairs and generally placed up to 1mm apart.
What is the cost of the H+ technique
Because the H+ technique may continue to place hair over a longer period we have decided to allow patients to join a ‘Samson’ club. This means they can contribute about €25 per week for six months and we will provide interest free financing to cover the rest of the cost. Plans usually run over a 3-5 year period making it very easy for the patient to finally achieve his aesthetic goals.
Photo:
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