The strip harvest method (STM) is the most commonly used method of donor strip harvesting, with grafts of 1, 2, 3, and up to 7 follicular units being transferred to the recipient site. The STM has many advantages over FUE, including the ability to harvest donor tissue in the Hair Transplants UK area in a much more controlled manner, thus limiting the grafts to those most suitable for the recipient site. It also helps to preserve the follicle, as the follicle is removed from the donor tissue as a strip, and not a single hair.
The strip harvest method is performed in 3 steps, the first of which is the harvesting of the donor tissue. The donor tissue is prepared in the operating room and the strip of donor tissue is then transferred to the operating room, where it is then harvested. The donor strip is then sent to the laboratory, where it is processed to isolate the donor hair follicles, and then the grafts are prepared and the strip is returned to the operating room. The grafts are then transferred to the recipient site, which is prepared in the operating room, by local anesthesia, and then the strip is placed into the recipient site and sutured shut.
The strips are harvested with a very sharp, long-toothed scalpel, and they are harvested very, very carefully. They are harvested on the back of the head, and are harvested in the hair area. The donor strip is cut on a Hair Transplants UK and then the donor tissue is gently and carefully removed. In order to harvest the donor tissue, the strip must be removed from the scalp, which is not as easy as it sounds. There are many “stories” out there about surgeons that cut their hands up during a procedure, and that is why the strip is harvested on the back of the head, so there is less chance of getting cut.
The surgeon can remove the strip from the scalp, but they must have a very steady hand. When the strip is harvested, the donor strip is pulled down to the surface of the skin, and the surgeon must remove the strip carefully. When the strip is removed, the donor follicles are still attached to the strip and the strip is removed, and the follicles are left on the back of the scalp. Once the strip has been harvested, it is sent to the laboratory, where the follicles are separated from the strip.