Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation

Human hair grows in small groups called follicular units. Although widely recognized by histologists (doctors who study human tissue), the existence of follicular units was largely been ignored by doctors performing surgical hair restoration.

A follicular unit from the scalp of an adult consists of 1-4 terminal (full thickness) hair follicles. In areas affected by genetic balding, these healthy hairs are gradually replaced by hairs of smaller diameter and length called "miniaturized" hairs.

In addition to the full terminal hairs, the follicular unit also consists of 1-2 fine vellus hairs, sebaceous (oil) glands, a small muscle (the arrector pili), tiny nerves and blood vessels, and a fine band of collagen that surrounds the unit (the perifolliculum). Since the follicular unit is the hair bearing structure of the skin, it should be kept intact to insure maximum growth.

donor strip before removed. follicular units are clearly visible	a group fo follicular units before the dissection

These are folliclar units arrear on the scalp

naturally growing follicular units	transplanted follicular units right after the surgery

On the surface of the scalp, the follicular unit is seen as a tiny group of hairs that appear to be growing together. It is best to view them under a microscope where they are seen as well-formed structures in the skin.

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