Multiple hairs in one follicle

After hair restoration surgery some patients find multiple hairs in one follicle. According to transplantation experts, it’s normal, there is nothing to worry about. But if the hairs sprouting out is too thick and the cluster is above four strands per follicle, it’s causing irritation or redness around the roots. One must consult the doctor to get advice. In normal hair growth, a bunch coming from one follicle is rarely seen in men, women, and children. This condition is also called “compound hair” if a person experiences four to five hairs from a stem it is not a dangerous sign but if the number goes above five, a complete hair examination by an expert is necessary. As the condition may indicate alopecia.

Is it normal having multiple hairs in one follicle?

In natural hair growth, very few people have such a condition. It is not easily noticeable. From a distance, it looks like normal hair but when looking closely one can notice several strands emerging out of one place. This condition is known as pili multigemini. It’s not usually damaging or dangerous. This usually happens in the mustache, beard, and children’s scalp, but can be seen anywhere on the body.

Does it indicate a serious health issue?

The researches so far show no significant health concern related to this condition. A proper consultation is needed only when more than five strands come out. When the number rises to 10 or more,  it may be a sign of permanent scarring Alopecia but in very rare cases.

Some patients have reported a bit of itchiness or irritation around follicles.

Folliculitis

In very few cases folliculitis was noticed. Folliculitis is a condition in which hair’s roots are infected. Some acne-like pustules develop on the scalp. They are painful and may have a bad odor. In such worse cases, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Multiple hairs in one follicle after restorative surgery

Many patients complain of having several strands growing out from one stem after transplant. To understand the phenomena it’s important to know how the follicles are planted.

 FUT

In FUT the surgeon removes a strip of skin having grafts from the donor site. The skin is placed under a high-powered microscope, the FUs are separated and divided into tiny grafts consisting of 1 to 4 strands. Then these are transmitted to the bald area of the scalp. The donor area is stitched up and healed within a few days leaving a linear scar behind.

FUE

This is the most advanced technique in which a single unit is directly extracted from the scalp and incised in the bald area. There is no chance of scarring as each graft is penned out individually.

In both techniques Follicular unit Transplant (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Follicular units are transplanted in a natural grouping of 1-4 strands. so it is not an unnatural thing to see many strands coming out of one stem.

In transplantation techniques generally, single grafts are implanted into the frontal edge to create a realistic look. The second alignment consists of 2s then it gradually turns into 3s per incision. This transition goes denser when 4s are inserted in one incision.

This pattern is followed to create a natural, thicker, and smooth transition of newly planted hair. With this technique, it becomes difficult to judge if someone has gone through surgery.

What’s unnatural after restorative surgery?

Now that is clear after transplant one can have multiple hairs in one follicle. It’s important to look at where the compound units are planted. If they are placed in front of the scalp, the hairline will look extremely unnatural. It simply means the surgery was not done precisely and efficiently. In such a case consulting a doctor is recommended. However, it’s better to research before going through the surgical process and choose a reliable, experienced esthetician to do the job.

Conclusion 

In hair transplantation having multiple hairs in one follicle is possible. The only concern is where the compound units are found. At the top and back of the head, they will look absolutely normal instead it will create a fuller denser look. But on the frontal scalp area double emergence is never welcomed as it creates an artificial line that never looks like natural growth. So be very careful while choosing your esthetician.

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