What are Follicular Units? What are grafts?

What is a follicle?

Follicle or Hair follicle is an entire hair up to the hair root with surrounding coverings and glands. In hair transplant, entire follicle is taken from the back of the scalp and planted on the bald area.

What is a Follicular ‘Unit’?

Follicular Units Under magnification (Hair Trimmed)

 

Research has shown that neighbouring hair follicles especially over the scalp grow in together in groups. In a hair transplant, rather than removing individual follicles, follicular units are removed. This approach not only ensures better survival of hair but also produces naturally appearing hairs.

 

What is a graft?

In hair transplantation the word “graft” is synonymous with “follicular unit”

How is ‘required number of grafts’ calculated for a case?

We simply measure the area required to cover in cm² (the bald area) and multiply it by 50. This is because for natural appearance after a hair transplant you generally require 50 follicular units in a cm². For example:

Area of baldness in a typical case = 80cm²

Density to be provided = 50 grafts/cm²

Total grafts required= 80 X 50 = 4000 Grafts.