Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a hair transplant technique that provides excellent results. This is also the reference technique when it comes to hair transplants because it reproduces the natural appearance of hair and natural growth patterns. The FUSS long hair transplant developed by Dr. Bouhanna allows the removal of a large amount of hair – up to 4000 – in a session to aesthetically and permanently correct most alopecia, without shaving beforehand. These follicular units are cut under a microscope while maintaining the length of their stem.
HOW DOES THE PROCEDURE WORK?
#1 HAIR DIAGNOSIS BEFORE THE GRAFT
A scalp assessment using the Bouhanna multifactorial classification method is essential to accurately measure the number of long hair transplants available now and in the future. The measurement of the areas to be treated makes it possible to estimate the number of necessary hairs. The FUSS graft may be recommended even if the density is sparse at the crown. In addition, a trichogram and a biopsy of the scalp are sometimes necessary and will be done directly in our center.
#2 LOCAL ANESTHESIA
The operation is very mild and therefore takes place under local anesthesia. This is made painless by the prior application of anesthetic cream.
#3 STRIP REMOVAL
A horizontal strip of scalp is taken from the area at the back of the head. This strip measures approximately 10 to 30 cm (the size varies according to the number of grafts desired). The sampled area is then closed and sutured. The resulting scar will be thin, linear, virtually imperceptible and will be covered by long hair.
#4 GRAFT EXTRACTION
The next step is to extract the grafts from the strip. This technique does not damage the follicular units. The strip is cut under a microscope into several fragments each containing 2 to 4 hairs (follicular units).
#5 GRAFT AREA PREPARATION
Very small incisions will be made on the treatment site to prepare the skin for graft implantation. This step is crucial and determines the final result of the graft: the incisions are made very close together to imitate natural growth patterns and take angle into account which will determine the direction of hair regrowth.
#6 IMPLANTATION
The follicles are irregularly implanted, one by one, in the incisions in order to look as natural as possible. This step is carried out in several sessions, with 1000-5000 hairs implanted each time.
The FUSS technique makes it easy to select thin or thick, light or dark hair.
#7 SESSION LENGTH
The duration of the procedure varies depending on the number of implanted grafts and can range from 2 to 5 hours.
#8 RESULTS
A small scab will form on each implant and fall off after about two weeks, consequently resulting in the loss of the implanted hair as well, which will grow back around the third month post-treatment. Two to three sessions are required at the same site to obtain a suitable density.
The lack of shaving allows for a resumption of social life the next day because long hair will cover both the sampling area and graft area.
Shampooing is usually permitted 1 to 2 days after the operation.
Sports may be resumed after 3 weeks, post-treatment. Any pain or headaches will be soothed by the prescription of analgesics.
Edema (swelling) occurs sometimes after the procedure, the intensity and duration of which vary greatly from one individual to another (1 to 4 days).
Les avantages de la FUL (à cheveux longs)
- La cicatrice, de 1 mm de largeur est totalement invisible car elle est cachée par la masse chevelue et la nouvelle bande est souvent extraite de façon à reprendre l’ancienne cicatrice lorsque plusieurs séances sont réalisées.
- Le nombre de greffes récoltées par jour peut atteindre 4000 cheveux.
- Les greffes proviennent de la surface centrale dont on est sûr que les cheveux sont permanents
- Le taux de transection (dégradation du greffon lors de l’extraction) est de moins d’un pour cent.
Les inconvenients de la FUL
- Cicatrice linéaire, qui demande une longueur de cheveux de 1 à 2 cm minimum (celle-ci, bien que très fine, peut être estompée par quelques greffes FUE dans un second temps).
- Sensation de tension pendant quelques jours qui disparaît après application de la crème anesthésiante.
Résultats
Un délai d’environ neuf mois est nécessaire pour apprécier le résultat des microgreffes et une deuxième intervention sera parfois nécessaire pour obtenir une densité de cheveux suffisante.