A brief history of Hair Transplantation

The modern techniques of hair transplantation were developed in the 1950's by Dr. Norman Orentreich of New York City. In its simplest terms, hair transplantation consists of rearranging one's own living hair into a more cosmetically pleasing appearance. Hair follicles are taken from the back and the sides of the head (no new hair is created), where the follicles are genetically programmed to produce hair for a lifetime. Therefore, the hair in this area is known as permanent hair, and this region is known as the "donor site".

For many years the follicles were moved in the form of circular grafts as plugs measuring 3-4mm in diameter and containing an average of 12-16 hairs. While this technique provided coverage, the cosmetic result was often less than natural, producing a "pluggy" look, doll hair or toothbrush appearance, and a harsh, abrupt hairline.

Eventually, in an attempt to recreate a natural appearing hairline, physicians began using smaller and smaller grafts. In the early 1980's, the creation of single hair grafts for use along the leading edge of the hairline was implemented.

Patient A Before		Patient A After
Patient A: K.L. Age 51 Norwood Classification: V before surgery. A common example of the toothbrush or doll hair appearance, not done by HLTC.		Patient A: Seven months after receiving 1550 follicles, a new frontal hairline was created and the previous plugs were hidden. A good example of HLTC's repair of the work of other clinics.

The use of smaller grafts became more widespread and the terms micrograft (1-2 hairs) and minigraft (3-6 hairs) came into being. For a time the use of these small grafts in combination with larger grafts was commonplace.

As refinement progressed even more, it became apparent that the use of the minigrafts alone produced a more natural and uniform appearance. Added advantages of using smaller grafts is that if for some unforseen reason the process is stopped prior to completion, the appearance may be one of thinning, but never abnormal.

In the mid 1980's Dr. Carlos Ubel of Brazil proposed the technique of performing 1,000 grafts or more in one transplant procedure.

In the hands of progressive physicians, hair transplants today consist of the movement of hair follicles singly or in groups of 2 or 3 (with a miniscule amount of skin attached).

Patient B Before		Patient B After
Patient B: D.W. Age 45 Norwood Classification: VI before surgery.		Patient B: Only six months after 1940 follicular transplants.