The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is the Messiah when it comes to matters of the mane. A global nonprofit medical association, the group assists patients with locating a certified hair restoration physician, provides continuing education for practicing doctors, and conducts invaluable research.
One recent statistic reported that a whopping 635,189 surgical hair restoration procedures were performed worldwide in 2016 – a 60 percent surge from just two years prior. As hair restoration techniques rise in popularity and reach the masses, it becomes increasingly important for both doctors and patients to be better educated about the procedures available, and what each one entails. While hair restoration is cosmetic – no surgery is to be taken lightly, as each involves degrees of invasiveness and post-op pain.
In recent years, follicular unit extraction (FUE) has become favored by many hair restoration physicians as a cutting-edge alternative to more invasive, traditional procedures such as follicular unit transplants (FUT).
Completed by cutting, or “punching” tiny incisions around each follicular unit, or bundling and extracting them, FUE is able to sidestep the noticeable, linear scarring that lingers long after a FUT’s “strip method.”
These grafts are then implanted in sparse areas of the scalp. The procedure tends to offer a more natural look – allowing patients to wear short, or buzzed haircuts, and enjoy a swift recuperation period. One source estimates that the donor site will look reasonably healed after only 10 days, making it an excellent option for today’s modern-day guy-on-the-go.
However, it has been brought to light recently, that its name, which contained the word “extraction,” implied a plucking or nonsurgical removal of said hair follicles. This year, the procedure was bestowed with a new name at the suggestion of the ISHRS; it is now referred to as follicular unit excision, denoting the surgical removal of follicles. The fresh moniker is more apropos for conveying the severity of the surgery, as well as the healing process it requires. While linear scars and excessive bleeding are avoided, the excision procedure still leaves wounds that must be properly cared for post-operation.
As they experience a boom in demand, many procedures become available on black markets or are conducted by unqualified professionals; “Botox parties” are a harrowing example of this phenomenon. Over the past 15 years, FUE has been carried out by many nonmedical workers; the result has been disastrous – with many cases of scarring, hair loss (the exact opposite of what clients were hoping for), and even death. The ISHRS’s new name for FUE may help mitigate some of this black-market behavior.
It’s important to always select a reputable professional to perform your hair restoration procedure and communicate with you about the risks, rewards, and recuperation period involved before hopping into that chair.
The experts at Northwest Hair Restoration are highly qualified in a variety of procedures and will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. Brush those bad hair days away once and for all; call (253) 572-2949.
