Can you pick up SPECIFIC grafts using FUE?

[Ron5566]

Hey guys, I hope someone can clarify this for me.

I did FUT a year ago, I do suffer from aggressive retrograde alopecia (Which goes almost everywhere in my donor, including the "Safe zone").

Many calls it DUPA but I don't know if that's the case since I first turned to Norwood 6 and only then started to thin in my sides,nap, etc.

When looking at my family members (Uncles, cousins, brother), all are norwood 6-7, at least half of them have thinner sides but EVERYONE still have remaining hair at the sides of their hair.

It's not as thick as it used to be, but there is still hair that is DHT resistant.

My question is - Does doctor could pick only the BEST thick, unminiaturized grafts or he can't know what is miniaturized or not until he pull it off the scalp?

I will appreciate your replies,

Thanks in advance!!

[aaron1234]

28 minutes ago, Ron5566 said:

My question is - Does doctor could pick only the BEST thick, unminiaturized grafts or he can't know what is miniaturized or not until he pull it off the scalp?

Yes, that's one of the pros of FUE.  The doctor can cherry pick the most healthy, robust grafts.  

[Ron5566]

1 minute ago, aaron1234 said:

Yes, that's one of the pros of FUE.  The doctor can cherry pick the most healthy, robust grafts.  

You made me so happy now... My situation is different, I am not looking for full head of hair but just rebuild the hairline / temple points so my SMP will look natural as possible.

 

All my family members are shedding in their donor (including the safe zone) BUT as mentioned all of them have at least 50% remaining hairs at sides (Nape area is gone completely).

As long as it's possible to get only 500 healthy grafts using FUE from my entire donor then I am more than happy, that's all I need.

Thanks for your comment!

[gillenator]

Can you provide some pics so we can offer you some feedback?

The surgeon can determine miniturizatized hair by using a scope...everyone considering a HT procedure should have a microscopic examination of their entire scalp.

[Raphael84]

@Ron5566

As already commented, miniaturised hairs are clearly visible under magnification. 

However, the concern would be that if you were to have higher levels of miniaturisation in your donor area, this could still progress. This may mean that what may appear a healthy and strong follicle today, may not be that strong healthy follicle in 5/10/15 years.

My questions would be -

How old are you?

Do you take any hair loss preventative medication?

What may be deemed your safe donor area today, with further miniaturisation and aggressive retrograde alopecia, may not be deemed you safe donor area in the future. Potentially meaning any extracted follicles, may still be susceptible to loss.

Did you surgeon discuss levels (percentages) of miniaturisation in your donor area with you?

[Gabreille Nelson Mukhia]

6 hours ago, Ron5566 said:

Hey guys, I hope someone can clarify this for me.

I did FUT a year ago, I do suffer from aggressive retrograde alopecia (Which goes almost everywhere in my donor, including the "Safe zone").

Many calls it DUPA but I don't know if that's the case since I first turned to Norwood 6 and only then started to thin in my sides,nap, etc.

When looking at my family members (Uncles, cousins, brother), all are norwood 6-7, at least half of them have thinner sides but EVERYONE still have remaining hair at the sides of their hair.

It's not as thick as it used to be, but there is still hair that is DHT resistant.

My question is - Does doctor could pick only the BEST thick, unminiaturized grafts or he can't know what is miniaturized or not until he pull it off the scalp?

I will appreciate your replies,

Thanks in advance!!

With proper magnification, it shouldn't be a problem for any surgeon to identify the string grafts and then use them for the procedure. If you do have retrograde alopecia then finasteride support is vital. Provided you are willing to take it.

[gillenator]

Any miniaturized hair found in the donor zone is considered DHT receptive and not suitable for transplantation.

Having said that, some patients have still opted to go ahead knowing full well that this DHT receptive hair can and probably will be lost in the future.