Hair Transplants - Transection vs. Yield

[TeeJay73]

Hello,

I would like to make certain that I understand the difference between transection and yield in hair transplantation, and the relationship between the 2 (if there is one).

First, I understand that transection is the unwanted damaging and/or cutting of grafts during hair transplantation. For example, this might occur in strip surgery during the extraction of the donor strip tissue. Or, this might occur during recipient incision creation if an existing hair follicle is poked. Is this the correct definition of transection? Also, if yes, clearly transection is NOT desirable. What are the measures that doctors take (good doctors, such as IAHRS doctors) to minimize transection? I have heard of such measures as "single blades" for extraction of donor strips, but I am not certain what this is, or how it compares to any other ways of extracting donor strips. Is there any way to quantify typical transection rates, let's say during strip surgery? How many grafts are actually damaged typically? How high must transection rates be in order for it to become a negative issue in hair transplantation?

Second, I understand that yield refers to the percentage of transplanted grafts that actually grow. For example, if 100 grafts are transplanted, and 97 of them grow, then the yield is 97%. Is this correct? If yes, what are typical measures taken by good doctors (IAHRS doctors) to maximize yield?

Finally, is there any relationship between transection and yield? For example, if a graft is inadvertently transected, can it still be transplanted, and will it subsequently grow? Or is it doomed?

Thanks for any time spent on these questions. I am gearing up for hair transplant surgery #2 in my near future and I appreciate the opportunity to thoroughly understand this. As a hair loss dude, assuming I have my definitions right, I want minimum transection and maximum yield. I'm sure all hair loss dudes want this!

TeeJay