Dicing up grafts in FUT

[NW3VKY]

So, I have a question. Is it common for FUT surgeons to dice up natuarally occuring follicular units so they have more "grafts" ?

 

I know sometimes, there may be a reason, such as providing 1 unit grafts for hairline reconstruction and temple points.

 

But, if the crown is being restored, wouldn't it benefit the patient and be more ethical to leave them anatomically as they come grouped ?

 

I have just heard that some surgeons will split up 2,3 and 4 units to singles just so they can have more "grafts". So, in other words, one patient having surgery with a reputable Dr may have

 

2000 grafts consisting of

 

250 1 hair = 250

1000 2 hair = 2000

750 3 hair = 2250

250 4 hair = 1000

Total hairs = 5500 hairs

 

 

Or, with a less reputable Dr - or maybe this is common in the industry -

2000 grafts, cut down:

 

1250 1 hair - 1250

500 2 hair - 1000

250 3 hair - 750

Total hair = 3000 hairs

 

 

So, as you can see, what is important is ascertaining the number of hairs and not the number of grafts, per se. So, how do we go about doing that ? What is the protocol you can ask of the Dr

[NW3VKY]

Would like to hear some responses on this from surgeons or educated key opinion leaders on this topic.

 

Thanks

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

The only time follicular units should be split is when additional 1 hair grafts are needed for hairline work. Otherwise only in unusual cases would this practice be needed.

[orlhair1]

I think the top clinics only do this for the reason that Dr. Charles mentioned. Otherwise the natural occurring groupings are strategically placed by the surgeon for the best and most natural result.