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

I got a quote from one of the Hair Transplant Network’s recommended clinics of 4000 follicular units. 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 “follicular unit transplantation” or “FUT” in contrast to FUE which is follicular unit extraction. However, we prefer the term FUSS or follicular unit strip surgery to describe strip harvesting because, technically speaking, both FUE and strip are forms of follicular unit transplantation.

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 hair restoration physician may opt to use some double follicular units (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.

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