GIGA SESSIONS

Giga sessions are those in which more than 4000 grafts are transplanted.

Changing trends As techniques improve, the no. of grafts that can

be transplanted in one session has increased. In 2001, when Dr Venkat first learnt hair

transplantation , any thing above 1000 grafts was considered as megasession. Now, only those with grafts above 2500 is considered as megasession

Any thing above 4000 is considered as Giga session.T

This has been made possible my refinement techniques, improvement in anesthesia, and skilled technicians.

How to maximize the no of grafts? It is important to understand that variations occur

between different individuals and the no of grafts that can be done in one session depends on quality of donor area.

Factors determining the no of grafts per session The no of grafts that can be obtained in one session

depends on three factors: 1.Hair density( no of hairs and no of units per sq

cm).Density varies from 70-95 per sq cm in Indian patients

2. Skin elasticity( which determines the maximum width of skin that can be removed safely). The width of skin varies from 1-1.7 cms depending on elasticity in Indian patients

3.Size of head-width of head from one ear to other. This varies from 25-32 cms in most Indian patients.

How to perform Gigasessions? Patients with very good donor( Large head,

loose skin,less tendency for scarring, high density): width 32cm*density 95*width 1.7cm=5,168 grafts—this is very rare in Indian patients.

However this is possible in many Caucasian( western) patients, who have large head, good density, good elasticity with less tendency for scarring.

Typical Indian patient Average Indian patients have the following type of

donor: smaller head, lesser density and greater tendency for scarring as compared to Caucasian patients:

Length 29cm*width 1.3cm* density 85=3200 grafts. So in Indian patients , maximum number is around 3000 grafts

Even this is difficult in many patients as they have smaller head(27cms), lesser density(75),and lesser elasticity(1 cm)=2500 grafts only

SO how do we perform Giga sessions in Indian patients?

This is done by combining different methods. Over 4000-6000 grafts can be done in most Indian

patients as follows: Day 1 morning FUE about 600-800 grafts. This loosens

the skin and helps us to take wider strip for FUT Day 1 afternoon FUT 2500-3500 grafts depending on

quality of donor hair on back of scalp, as explained in previous slide

Day 2 FUE scalp 600-1000 grafts from scalp Day 3 body hair 500-1000 grafts However this needs stamina, and a big budget and

therefore is applicable for select patients only.  

Day 1 morning about 800 FUE has been performed, strip ready for FUT

Day 1 eveningFUT of 3000 has been completed in addition to FUE of 800 = total 3800

Day 2 post lunchFUE of 600 ( below strip suture) has been completed-see how previous FUE –above strip has already healed=4400 grafts

Recipient area- large area covered with 4400 grafts

Giga sessions Thus giga sessions help to cover large

areas.This is particularly helpful for those coming from foreign countries as it helps to avoid a second travel for second session