Last time, I started to explain how hair transplantation for male alopecia works. Today, I would like to continue my brief guide to the main hair transplant surgery methods. I will list the other two most popular ones, and tell how to get prepared to a surgery.

Implanter Pen Fue (IPF)

This combined method of hair transplantation is a kind of FUE, mentioned in the previous article. In this case, a doctor removes donor material in the form of bundles with a rotating punch. Then, the bundles get divided into grafts. After transplantation, rounded scars remain visible throughout the back of the head for life. As a result of this method, the density of grown hair gets up to 50-60 hairs per centimeter.

HFE (Hand follicular extraction)

Now, most patients choose another variation of the method of FUE, a non-surgical technology called HFE. In this case, doctors do not use any rotary mechanisms. In fact, when removing and setting the hair, they use only micro tools-needles. How it works?

A surgeon manually removes follicles or follicular associations (they contain 1-2, less often 3 follicles) from the donor zone, using a micro-tool–punch (0.5-1 mm). Then, a specialist places them in the zone of transplantation with the help of a more advanced medical micro-tool at a given depth and at a given angle. No incisions are required. In the donor zone and in the transplant zone, traces of micro-pricks remain at first, as from a medical injection. In a few days, they completely disappear.

The main advantages of this method hair transplantation include minimal invasiveness, and, accordingly, rapid healing and short rehabilitation. The new hairstyle pleases the natural angle of the grown hair and the natural density (80-120 hairs per cm).

At the same time, this method also has some disadvantage. First of all, mind the duration of surgery (on average, the procedure takes from 2 to 12 hours). Also mind that HFE requires almost handmade jewelry, so you should find an experiences and high qualified surgeon.

So, how exactly hair transplantation works, and how can you get prepared?

Here are the three stages of the hair transplant procedure:

Preparation. First of all, you have to consult a trichologist. In particular, he or she will assess the need for surgery and determine the volume of the transplant. Then, you will have to pass the necessary tests. A week before the operation, stop taking medications that reduce blood clotting. Before starting the procedure, doctors will have to remove some hair on your head. You will also be given local anesthetic.

Transplantation. Whichever method you choose, the procedure will take several hours. If your method of transplantation takes long time, you will have break to rest and eat.

Postoperative care. If you chose the FUT, FUE, or IPF method, you must wear a special bandage for a while and preferably stay at home for five days.

Regardless of the method of hair transplantation, better not wash your hair for 72 hours after the procedure, so as not to damage the newly transplanted follicles!