ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FRIZZY HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
Hair transplant techniques are becoming more and more sophisticated and can meet various requirements. In addition to straight or curly hair, it is now possible to benefit from a transplant of frizzy hair (afro hair).
What are the characteristics of this type of hair, and is it possible to use the FUE technique to transplant afro hair? Here is what you need to know about this transplant.
What are the characteristics of afro hair?
Frizzy hair is easily recognisable by its tight curls. Unlike straight hair, frizzy hair grows flat on the scalp, as its main function is to protect the head from the sun’s rays.
This hair also requires special care, particularly because it is dry and brittle. As with individuals with straight or wavy hair, people with afro hair, whether male or female, can also suffer from alopecia (hair loss or thinning).
Frizzy hair transplant: is it possible to use the FUE technique?
Many surgeons specialising in hair transplantation have acquired specific know-how that allows them to perform a hair transplant by FUE on patients with frizzy hair.
As a reminder, the FUE technique, or Follicular Unit Extraction, consists of taking follicular units one by one from the donor area of the patient’s skull (unlike the FUT technique, where a strip is taken from the donor area of the scalp). These follicular units will then be implanted in the bald area of the head. This is now the most commonly used technique for hair transplantation.
However, because Afro hair is more fragile than other types of hair, the bulbs will have to be implanted into the scalp in a different way to a classic FUE implantation.
Before the implantation can take place, the surgeon must examine the patient’s hair to determine the inclination of the hair under the scalp.
When the hair follicles are removed, the transplant specialist must take great care not to damage them, which makes the whole procedure quite delicate.
Therefore, in order to perform such an implantation, and for the transplant to be successful, the specialist must have a high degree of skill and specialisation.
It is therefore possible to use the FUE technique to perform the transplant, but only if the specialist has the required know-how and takes all the necessary precautions.
Afro hair transplant with the FUS technique
The FUS method, or Follicular Unit Segmentation, is a technique for segmenting follicular units under a microscope and is the most commonly used procedure for performing an Afro hair transplant. During the procedure, 1 to 3 hairs are implanted into each pilosebaceous orifice in the recipient part of the patient’s skull.
The objective is to recreate the natural emergence of hair in each orifice, and to give the hair a natural and aesthetic appearance.
The transplant of frizzy hair with the Hybrid Punch
The Hybrid Punch is a modern device that can be found in certain centres specialising in hair transplants. This device will facilitate the operation by preserving the grafts during the extraction phase.
Indeed, it is possible to make adjustments so that the machine manipulates with precision the afro follicular units, which are very sensitive. But the most remarkable thing is that the hybrid punch keeps the African hair bulb in better condition, since it works on an oscillating movement, unlike a conventional rotary punch.
This device, in addition to guaranteeing greater precision, allows the follicular unit extraction procedure to be carried out more quickly than with standard tools.
The hybrid punch is a technical innovation in the field of hair transplantation, and will be perfectly suited to this type of procedure, given the many advantages that this technology offers. The specialist will be able to work more precisely and with much less fatigue, while the patient will remain immobile for a shorter period of time.
Who are the patients concerned by this procedure?
This procedure can be performed on patients suffering from andro-genetic alopecia (hair loss caused by male hormones), or traction alopecia (also known as bun alopecia, which is a loss of hair on the forehead and on the temples). The patient may also request this procedure in order to benefit from a lowering of the hairline.
African hair loss can occur for different reasons: the causes can be common to those of other hair types, such as high periods of stress, a poor lifestyle (especially a poor diet) or the onset of certain diseases. It is also important to know that certain techniques used in hair salons, such as straightening, can have a harmful effect on the hair.
Everyone wishing to undergo this procedure will have to undertake tests and analyses, and will have to undergo a complete health check-up, which will enable the surgeon to confirm the patient’s eligibility. If the patient suffers from certain diseases (scalp disease, cardiovascular problems…) or is undergoing certain types of treatment, then he or she will not be able to benefit from this procedure.
What is the success rate of Afro hair transplantation?
In general, the chances of success of the implantation of frizzy hair are the same as for a “standard” hair transplant, it is especially the surgeon’s expertise and experience that will greatly influence the final result.
What are the risks of hair transplantation?
Like any surgery, hair transplantation carries certain risks, but these are very rare. Among the most common side effects: problems related to crusts, infections, itching sensations, stretching sensations, etc. The surgeon will take the time to explain the possible side effects and the instructions to follow in order to avoid them.
It should be noted that if the transplant is carried out by specialists in accordance with hygiene and safety standards, the risks of infection and complications are almost nil. Only a few inconveniences may occur and will disappear with time.
