Are Hair Transplant ‘Grafts’ and ‘Follicular Units’ the Same Thing?

I got a quote from one of the [tag]Hair Transplant[/tag] Network’s recommended clinics of 4000 [tag]follicular units[/tag]. Now, from what I have learned, I think 4000 follicular units = 4000 grafts but the sales executive from this reputed clinic is saying that 4000 follicular units means 2000 grafts. Am I mistaken or taken for a ride?

In response to your question, I’d like to begin by discussing hair transplant nomenclature as it can be somewhat vague.

Often, strip surgery if referred to as “[tag]follicular unit transplantation[/tag]” or “[tag]FUT[/tag]” in contrast to [tag]FUE[/tag] which is [tag]follicular unit extraction[/tag]. However, we prefer the term [tag]FUSS[/tag] or [tag]follicular unit strip surgery[/tag] to describe strip harvesting because, technically speaking, both FUE and strip are forms of [tag]follicular unit transplantation[/tag].

Follicular unit transplantation in either FUE or strip form refers to state-of-the-art implanting of hair grafts in their naturally occurring clusters of 1 to 4 hairs. These clusters are what we term a “follicular unit” or “FU”.

By that definition, grafts and follicular units are one and the same.

There are instances when a [tag]hair restoration[/tag] physician may opt to use some [tag]double follicular units[/tag] (DFU) combined with FUs to create additional density. In such a case, you would have a difference between the number of grafts and the number of follicular units. However, this is not particularly common.

David
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.