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Direct Follicle Transplantation or DFT is a hugely popular and evolving technique of hair transplant. In this method, a small round punch is used for extracting follicular units from a patient’s bald resistant donor areas one at a time. These 1, 2, 3 and 4 hair groupings known as follicular unit grafts are then transplanted into the balding areas of a patient.
The demand along with the popularity for DFT has increased considerably over the past many years, whether, it’s the lack of linear scar related with conventional follicular unit hair transplantation through strip harvesting or FUT, its nature being less invasive or potentially faster healing time. The recent developments in FUE technique as far as hair transplant is concerned has proven that DFT is here to stay.
FAQ about hair transplant and DFT
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for people thinking about
hair transplant and DFT
This is the full/extended version of the FAQ about hair
transplant and DFT.
This FAQ is designed to be helpful in raising awareness about hair transplants.
What is a hair transplant?
Hair transplantation is an
advanced redistribution system for relocating hair follicles from a donor area,
often at the back of the head, and artistically transplanting them to thinning
or bald areas.
With today’s microsurgical technology, a hair transplant
results in a very natural appearance that is only limited by supply and demand.
The supply depends on the amount of viable donor hair you have, viable meaning
the hairs that are genetically programmed to grow for a lifetime. The demand
depends on how great an area the patient wants to cover with the transplanted
hair.
We mainly take hair from areas where you have more than
enough and transplant it to areas where you need it.
What is the DFT method?
DFT is refined the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
technique. Instead of using instruments that are 1 mm in diameter, we use tools
that are 0.5 – 0.9 mm. This leads to faster healing times and a dramatically
reduced risk of visible scarring.
Thanks to the refined technique of DFT, more than 99 % of
grafts will be transplanted intact.
DFT also includes more exact incisions that allow denser
placement.
What is the difference between FUE and DFT?
The methods are similar, but DFT is an improvement over the
original FUE technique. DFT involves tools that are 0.5 -0.9 mm in diameter,
whereas traditional FUE tools measure 1 mm. Aside from denser placement, DFT
shortens the healing time and further reduces the risk of visible scarring.
Additionally, DFT more or less ensures that all transplanted grafts will remain
intact.
What is the difference between DFT and FUT/Strip?
The list below shows you the difference between DFT and
FUT/Strip.
The transplant procedure
FUT/Strip: The STRIP method has been used for many years. It involves
removing a strip of skin from the back of the head (the donor area) using a
scalpel. After removal, the gap at the back of the head is stitched back
together. The strip of skin from the donor area is divided into grafts. Serious
clinics will perform this stage using a microscope, as the grafts should be
divided to contain one, two or three follicles. Unfortunately this is not always
the case, which leads to unnatural-looking hair and dissatisfied patients.
DFT: FUE is an advanced technique for extracting hair follicles done
entirely without a scalpel or stitches. The hair follicles are removed one by
one from a donor area with the help of powerful magnification and special
microsurgical instruments that are less than a millimeter in size. DFT is very
patient-friendly thanks to its minimally invasive nature. The grafts are always
small due to the micro instruments and the method regularly leads to a natural
look.
Is there risk of damaging hair follicles?
FUT/Strip: The scalpel might
damage 10 % or more of the grafts during removal from the donor area or when
grafts are divided. Using a microscope can minimize the risk of damage.
DFT: The risk of damaging grafts is minimal with DFT. The doctor
determines and picks which individual grafts to be transplanted and can always
avoid disturbing or even destroying nearby hair follicles.
What are the surgical techniques?
FUT/Strip: This technique is
extensive and entails linear incisions with a scalpel in both nerve and blood
vessel areas. It is important for these procedures that the doctor has surgical
experience because there is a risk of temporary or permanent loss of sensation.
The area must be sutured and then the stitches are removed after about ten days.
Here there is a risk of visible scarring, although hair growth can provide some
cover.
DFT: Neither scalpel nor stitches are used, which minimizes the risk of
visible scarring. The grafts are transplanted with the help of microscopic (0.60
– 0.90 mm) instruments. Because no stitches are needed, the patient feels
neither pain nor loss of sensation and the surgical area heals within a few
days. The surgical area will be nearly impossible to detect in the future.
What happens after the hair transplant operation?
FUT/Strip: The patient must
avoid physical activity for at least 30 days after the day of surgery.
DFT: The patient can participate actively in sports without restriction
after a week.
What about hair follicle quality?
FUT/Strip: When a strip of
donor skin is removed with a scalpel, a number of hair follicles will be
damaged. However, powerful microscopes, the right instruments and a skilled
surgeon will help minimize the damage.
DFT: Our method at the Dermacity Skin Clinic does not usually damage any
follicles during the operation itself.
Can I check the number of hair follicles?
FUT/Strip: The number of
hair follicles extracted partly depends on the size of the strip of skin removed
and partly on the density of the hair follicles within the strip.
DFT: With DFT, the doctor can determine precisely how many grafts are
needed and transplant exactly the desired number to the recipient area.
Is there scarring after a hair transplant?
FUT/Strip: When a FUT/STRIP
operation is performed, thin scar lines form in the donor and recipient areas.
In most cases, surrounding hair growth will hide the scars. If the hair is kept
short there is a risk that the scarring will be visible.
DFT: Patients are practically scar-free after DFT operation, even if the
hair is kept very short. The grafts are extracted individually, without a
scalpel and without surgical incisions.
How long is the healing period and what is the healing
process like?
FUT/Strip:
After a strip procedure the skin needs about 12 months to heal before another
operation can be performed. The doctor must be sure that the skin has regained
its full elasticity before operating again.
DFT: In consultation with the patient, the doctor transplants the number
of hair follicles needed to the recipient area. It is even possible for patients
to influence the number and positioning of hair follicles during the operation.
New procedures are not subject to waiting periods.
When will all the scabs fall off?
All the scabs should fall off after about seven to ten days.
When can I see the result?
The results will be fully visible 12 months after the
operation.
How long does the transplanted hair last?
Since the hair used is taken from a donor area that is not
sensitive to the hormones that cause hair loss, for example the back of the
head, it will retain its genetic characteristics even after transplantation.
Most patients retain their “new” hair for the rest of their lives. Occasionally,
a percentage of transplanted hair may be lost with old age.
What is meant by follicular units?
A follicular unit is the size of the graft and the number of
hairs the graft holds. Through 30 years of work developing hair transplant
techniques, it is possible to have very small follicular units. Originally
transplants involved large grafts, but now with modern hair transplant methods,
such as FUE, it is possible to have one, two or three hairs in each graft.
What is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)?
FUE makes it possible to transplant individual hair follicles
without a scalpel, without the excision of a strip of skin and without the need
for stitches.
The hair is selected from a donor area, for example the back
of the head or the body, and extracted under local anesthetic. The grafts are
then removed one by one with each graft encapsulated in a small cylinder of
skin.
The surgeon then makes tiny incisions in the recipient area
and determines the thickness and direction of the new hair. The grafts are then
inserted, again under local anesthetic.
The transplant looks entirely natural and the new hair is as
strong and healthy as it was before being transplanted.
How many hairs are transplanted during DFT treatment?
Normally we transplant 500-3,000 grafts per day, which are
equivalent to about 1,000-6,000 hairs.
Does Dr. Manoj Waghmare perform the incisions in the
recipient area?
Yes, Dr. Manoj Waghmare is very particular about determining
the size and direction of each incision.
Will it hurt?
A local anesthetic is used during the treatment. Most
patients experience no pain during or after their hair transplant. The patient
also receives medication after the treatment if he or she wishes, but this is
seldom necessary.
How much does the treatment cost?
The cost depends on the type of treatment and the size of the
area treated, and can vary greatly. We provide this information after a free
consultation at the Dermacity Skin Clinic.
How does treatment at the Dermacity Skin Clinic differ
from other procedures?
We can only express an opinion about our own technique, the
DFT. The most important thing for us is to minimize scarring while achieving
optimal, natural results. We tailor every treatment to suit your needs and
wishes.
Will there be any scarring?
When an incision is made in tissue it always heals via a
process called fibrosis. Fibrosis is the skin’s way of healing. After a
FUT/STRIP treatment there is always a visible scar in the donor area. However,
after DFT treatment, scarring is almost non-existent.
How effective are Regaine and Propecia?
The manufacturers of both Rogaine and Propecia state that
they are not effective for frontal hairlines, an area that is most significant
for most patients.
Some patients experience a slowing down of hair loss when
taking these medicines.
Why don’t all hair transplants look natural?
If you see a recently performed hair transplant that does not
look natural, then the procedure was badly performed. In most cases, our
transplants are impossible to detect with the naked eye.
Is there risk of infection from a hair transplant?
An infection from a hair transplant is rare. If one should
occur it is usually easy to treat with antibiotics, which can be prescribed by
your doctor. To date, we have no record of infection during operations using the
DFT.
How many hairs are needed to cover a certain area?
It is impossible to say before we have examined the patient,
as the number of hairs needed depends on the hair structure and hair quality.
Darker, coarser hair requires fewer hairs to cover the same area as lighter,
thinner hair. The hair required also depends on the patient’s wishes regarding
density and look.
Does Dr. Manoj Waghmare perform hair transplants on women?
Yes. Female hair loss is quite common and women can be
particularly sensitive about it. Studies show that around 50 percent of women
over the age of 50 suffer from female hair loss. Most of them can be helped.
Women often have a similar donor area as men, i.e. the back of the head.
Does Dr. Manoj Waghmare repair less successful hair
transplants?
Yes. DFT is perfect for reconstructing poorly performed
procedures. Every "re-transplant" case has its own special requirements, which
we discuss with patients at a free consultation. Please note that a
reconstruction usually requires more than one treatment.
How much time must pass between two treatments?
A FUT/STRIP operation requires twelve months before another
hair transplant can be done. An extra DFT treatment, however, can take place the
day after.
Why do I not need to spend the night at the clinic after
undergoing DFT treatment
DFT is a minimally invasive technique that does not require a
general anesthetic, only a mild local anesthetic. You will feel fine afterward
and do not need to stay for observation.
How will I be sure that you will extract the exact number
of grafts I have paid for?
Our business and reputation is built on trust, honesty and
respect for the patient and it is our number one priority to make you satisfied.
Although, you are welcome to count them if you want to be extra sure!
Why is DFT practically risk-free?
We have performed many FUE procedures without experiencing
any side effects commonly associated with other hair transplant methods. This
includes infections, permanent numbness, and loss of sensitivity, scarring and
hypersensitivity.
Why does DFT produce no visible scarring?
DFT does not use a scalpel or stitches like FUT/STRIP. For a
more detailed look, see pictures comparing the two methods here.
How can you guarantee that I will have a natural hairline?
After performing a comprehensive examination of your hair
during a free consultation, we can see exactly what we can do. If you are not a
suitable candidate, or have unrealistic expectations, we will not perform the
procedure.
You say DFT is practically painless. How is this possible?
It is possible because we don’t do invasive surgery. The
surgery is minimal and you will heal in days.
Can you aesthetically “fix” or hide scars from earlier
procedures at other clinics?
Alarmingly, over 40 percent of our clients come to us to
remedy unsatisfactory hair transplant operations that they have received earlier
at other practices. We are confident that we can help you as well.
Can you help me regain the feeling in my head after a FUT
/ STRIP operation?
Sadly, we cannot do this.
Can I meet the surgeon who will operate on me?
Yes, it is important that the doctor who will perform the
procedure meets you for a consultation to plan your procedure.
Can I see the doctor’s credentials?
Absolutely!
Can I talk to the surgeon during the operation?
Yes. You will be able to talk as much or as little as you
like throughout the entire operation.
Why do you not use a general anesthetic?
There is no need. Plus, our patients prefer to be awake to
watch films, read or talk to the doctor.
What risks are there associated with general anesthetic?
Can the procedure be compared to any other kind of surgery?
Many of our patient’s have compared the procedure to visiting
the dentist.
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