When hair transplant surgeries were first introduced, scarring was fairly common. Although an unwanted side effect of the procedure, many patients opted to undergo the surgery despite potential markings. Fortunately, modern technology allows hair transplant physicians to minimize the appearance of hair transplant scars today – allowing patients to see the results they desire. Because the ultimate goal of hair transplant surgery is to surgically recreate a naturally full head of hair, we strategically implement advanced practices that minimize scarring for optimal results. And, with new inventions and procedures being innovated, we can hope that one day, scarless hair transplants will become a reality.
Despite how far we’ve come in the last 60 plus years since the first official hair transplant surgery was performed, we cannot completely eliminate scars – yet. Despite these limitations, the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami employs some of the most advanced methods that are as close to scarless hair transplants as you can get.
Techniques for Virtually Scarless Hair Transplants
Our Mosaic® Hair Restoration technique allows for the most precise and natural-looking outcome. First, our surgeons gather data on your follicular arrangement. We then use said data to design the implantation as it would innately occur. By designing the recipient area on the scalp to match the unique follicular pattern of each patient, we can create a fuller head of hair that mimics your biological makeup.
The Follicular Isolation Technique (FIT) – or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – was developed and implemented by our very own Dr. Paul Rose. Using the FIT method, we remove follicular units one-by-one. Donor hairs are removed with a one-millimeter punch device and the procedure is abetted with a head positioning device to minimize movement. With FIT, patients can completely avoid a more obvious linear scar. Instead, scarring occurs in a dot-like pattern and is virtually undetectable after healing and regrowth. With this method, we see patients benefit from faster healing times and the ability to wear short hairstyles confidently. Patients with limited donor hairs are prime candidates as well.
Our Follicular Unit Grafting (FUG) procedure is similar to the more traditional hair transplant method, with a twist. Our physicians remove the follicular units at once in what is referred to as “single-strip harvesting.” This allows us to remove the units without damaging them to ensure maximum growth. The LEDGE closure technique, developed by Dr. Rose, allows us to minimize the linear scar of a single-strip transplant. Instead of executing a two layer closer, we use a single layer closure to lessen the tension and scar tissue buildup. Patients who undergo the LEDGE closure technique can grow hair through the donor area to conceal the light surgical scar. In addition, we use microscopic dissection to subdivide the follicular units under a microscope. This process has been shown to increase follicular units and hairs by up to 25 percent compared to non-microscopic techniques.
Schedule a Minimally Scarring Hair Transplant
While completely scarless hair transplants have yet to be achieved, they are no longer the obvious surgeries from the past. Instead, you can achieve a fuller head of hair without the sometimes embarrassing signs of surgery. To find out if you’re a hair transplant candidate, schedule a consultation with the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami online or by phone at 305-925-0222.