The capillary micrograft

Hair micrograft
Hair micrograft is a minor surgical procedure that can be carried out under local anaesthesia. The principle is quite simple; the idea is to redistribute existing hair from the back of the head on the front, top, and tonsure in such a manner as to cover the open regions. The hair located in the donor zone, or in the crown so to speak, is programmed to never fall. Understandably, when this hair is redistributed on the scalp, it maintains its genetic code and accordingly, will not resort back to causing once again all the unpleasantness of hair loss or even baldness.

Micrograft and minigraft versus punch
During the eighties the practice known as the capillary graft or punch as it was called, consisted in transplanting an amalgamation of hair in one specific location. The end results were unnatural looking hair. In fact, the new hair resembled more like doll hair rather than normal or natural hair. Micrograft on the other hand was developed during the nineties and consists in transplanting no more that one or two hairs per graft.

This technique is mainly used in the frontal region in such a manner as to recreate a natural and non-apparent line. To re-garnish the tonsure and the top, the technique most often used is minigraft. The latter involves transplanting a maximum of 3 to 4 hairs per graft thus providing greater volume

Micrograft of the follicles
Micrograft of the follicles follows the same basic principle as a regular micrograft with the exception that the hair follicle units are taken into account. There are in fact a formation of 2, 3 or 4 hairs that grow through one single pore. The follicular units are distinct anatomic entities, but each hair within the unit has its own follicle. It is therefore important to pay attention to these units when the hair is cut.

The surgical procedure, step by step

The following is a step-by-step procedure for a person wishing to have a hair transplant and know from the very beginning of the procedure to the return home after surgery what will happen.

The consultation:
Considering the wide range of possible solutions to hair loss, it is very important to meet with a HAIRFAX specialist who will guide you towards the most appropriate solution to your problem. Once it is determined that a transplant is the most appropriate option for you, the following step will be to establish a date that best suits your agenda.

The day of the surgery

Admission:
Upon arrival at the clinic, 30 minutes prior to surgery, the patient presents himself or herself at the reception and the terms of payment are discussed. Once all the paperwork is completed, the patient is now ready to join the surgical team to meet with the surgeon.

Meeting with the physician:
Before initiating the procedure, the patient and the surgeon will discuss his or her general state of health and together they will determine the future hair design.

Pre-medication:
If everything is in order, a nurse will hand out a tablet (antibiotic) to be taken before the session. A painkiller and a tranquilizer will also be made available upon request.

Anaesthetizing the donor zone:
The first step of the surgery consists of anaesthetizing the donor zone with the help of an injection-gun.

The removal:
Removal of the hair strip is carried out in just a few minutes and the wound is thereafter closed with the help of sutures. Afterwards, the patient turns on his or her backside, and remains in this position until the end of the surgery.

Section and implantation:
The strip just removed is then sectioned in small hair units, known as "grafts", which are thereafter implanted on the scalp.

Anaesthetizing the receiving zone:
The receiving zone is anaesthetized in the same way as is the donor zone. The surgeon will then make small crevices on the regions to be covered. Though completely painless, this step may take a little longer depending on the number of grafts to implant.

Transplantation:
The transplantation is beyond doubt the longest part of the procedure because all the small grafts must be implanted one by one in the crevices. During this period, the patient can watch a movie chosen from our own selection, have a snack, sleep, or have a discussion with our technicians. It should be noted that this step is in no way painful for the patient.

Drying the grafts:
Once the grafts are implanted, the scalp is dried using a cool air dryer to secure the grafts firmly in place. This will avoid putting on a bandage.

Review of post-operating instructions:
Before the patient leaves the clinic, the surgeon will explain post-operating instructions to be followed at home and will respond to the patient's final interrogations.

Follow-up:
An appointment is generally taken 6 months after the surgery to see the final results.

Videos are presented in our projection room explaining the micrograft procedure.