Is There a Risk of Damaging Hair Follicles?

Your hair follicles are a valuable resource. Currently, there is no method to clone or artificially create hair follicles. So, it is a reasonable concern of hair transplant seekers to use each and every hair follicle in the best possible way.That’s why hair transplant seekers, especially with limited donor hair supply, often ask this question, “is there a risk of damaging hair follicles?” Let us examine why there is a risk of damaging hair follicles and how it can be minimized.

Hair follicles have a risk of damage during many phases of transplant. The first phase is the extraction phase. Let’s examine the damage risk according to the extraction method.

Follicle damage risk during strip removal method

It is assumed that follicle damage risk in the strip removal method is low. However, there is some risk of follicle damage in this procedure also. First, there is some damage to hair follicles at the edge of the strip (where the incision has been made). Some hair follicles will be transected at the incision. Next is the separation phase. The stripis divided into individual hair graft under stereoscopic microscopes. Despite all care, there is still a risk of transection of hair follicles. In addition, there are certain hair follicles in our skin, which are in the telogen phase (a resting phase of hair follicles, in which, they are alive but not growing for a few months). Because there is no hair attached to these hair follicles, they are difficult to see even under the microscope, and there is a good chance that they will be destroyed.

Follicle damage risk during FUE

FUE (follicular unit extraction) employs a different approach to extract hair follicles. Instead of excising a strip from the scalp, it extracts individual hair follicles. A special tool is used to extract hair follicles. This tool is designed to penetrate the skin and engulf the hair root in order to extract it. However, it is possible that this tool will transect the hair root, instead of engulfing it.

How to avoid hair follicle damage?

Well, it is not possible to avoid hair follicle damage completely. You should have realistic expectations regarding follicle damage. However, it can be minimized to a minimum level. Generally, an experienced surgeon and his staff will try to limit follicle damage to 5%.With this level of damage, you can expect to have an excellent resultof your hair transplant.