REINVENTING HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
THE SCIENCE OF FOLLIGEM
FOLLICULAR STEM CELLS
Since the first hair transplant nearly a century ago, the fundamental principle has remained unchanged: donor hair is harvested from the back of the head and relocated to the recipient area. The donor site does not regenerate new hair, leaving "holes" and visible scarring at the back of the head. Total number of transplants are limited because of this.
FOLLIGEM : A REVOLUTION IN HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
Folligem revolutionizes hair restoration by harnessing follicular stem cells for true hair multiplication. Unlike traditional methods that only relocate hair, Folligem's partial longitudinal extraction preserves stem cells in both donor and recipient sites, enabling hair regeneration. This innovative approach offers a potentially unlimited source of hair for transplantation, opening new possibilities in hair restoration.
DONOR AREA
0.5 - 0.6mm partial micro-extraction of
donor folicle
RECIPEINT AREA
Small grafts placed closely together yields denser coverage
Proprietary solution boosts graft viability
RECIPEINT AREA
Achieves higher hair density and natural looking results
DONOR AREA
Donor hair regrows
fully, preserving
valuable follicles
PROCEDURE
RESULTS
KEY PRINCIPLES
UNPARALLED ADVANTAGES
2004
DISCOVERY OF FOLLICULAR STEM CELLS PRESENT IN PLUCKED HAIR & FOLLICULAR CELL CULTURE
In 2004, Dr Coen Gho and his team identified that two distinct areas in the hair follicle contains cells with stem cell characteristics (CK19-positive, Bcl-2-positive, and Bax-negative), located in the upper and lower third of the follicle. These stem cell populations were present in plucked hairs, not just in skin biopsy follicles. The stem cells could be isolated and cultured from plucked hairs while maintaining their characteristics. These findings laid groundwork the development of FOLLIGEM hair transplantation technique.
DONOR HAIR REGROWTH
2010
DONOR HAIR REGROWTH
IN HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
By 2010, it was demonstrated that extracted partial follicular units could regenerate complete, fully-functioning hair follicles when transplanted to recipient areas. The donor sites where partial follicular units were extracted could also regrow hairs, preserving the donor area. This technique effectively produced two viable hair follicles from one original follicle, with a mean multiplication rate of 93.3%, potentially providing an unlimited source of donor hair for transplantation. FOLLIGEM, the revolutionary hair restoration method that preserves and multiplies donor hair follicles was born.
2010
DONOR HAIR REGROWTH
IN BURN VICTIMS
It was also demonstrated that the technique successfully restored hair growth in facial and scalp burn areas, with satisfactory cosmetic results for all patients treated. The technique effectively generated two viable hair follicles from one original follicle, potentially providing an "endless source" of donor hair for transplantation in burn victims. These results showed PL-FUT (now known as FOLLIGEM) to be a promising hair restoration method specifically suited for burn patients with limited donor hair.
2014
DONOR HAIR REGROWTH
IN EYEBROW TRANSPLANTATION
Eyebrow restoration was performed on 10 patients using Folligem technology. Micro-grafts were harvested from the occipital scalp using 0.5 - 0.6 mm needles and carefully implanted into precisely designed eyebrow areas. One-year follow-up revealed natural hair growth in both donor and recipient sites, with no visible scarring. The small graft size enabled highly precise, dense restoration that mimicked natural eyebrow architecture. Notably, hair regrowth occurred in the donor area, preserving its aesthetic integrity. All patients reported high satisfaction with the natural-looking results, which addressed various causes of eyebrow loss including burns and overplucking.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
2014
DEVELOPMENT OF PRESERVATION SOLUTION FOR MICRO-GRAFTS
In 2014, a significant advancement was made with the development of a new preservation solution. This solution was specifically designed to address the challenges of keeping 0.5mm to 0.6mm hair grafts viable during the transplantation process. When tested, this new solution showed significantly better results in maintaining graft viability compared to standard solutions like saline solution or Ringer's lactate. Since its initial development, the solution has continued to be refined and improved. This ongoing research and development has led to the current patented version of the solution.
FROM 2010
CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
FOLLIGEM utilizes several patented and customized tools developed through extensive research to enhance efficiency, precision, and success rate while prioritizing patient comfort.
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Anaesthetic Device - Delivers anaesthetic with minimal discomfort and provides precise control of administration
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Extraction Device & Needles - Hollow, triple-waved tipped needles (0.5-0.6 mm diameter), which allows for extraction of partial follicular units while preserving donor tissue
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Preservation Solution - Proprietary formula maintains graft viability and extends survival time of extracted grafts
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Implantation Tools - Precision microsurgical forceps for graft placement and specialized needles for creating recipient sites
HAIR SCIENCE INSTITUTE
FROM 2005
GLOBAL PATENTS
The research and development of this ground breaking hair transplantation technique culminated in the registration of 4 international patents: "Method for in vivo multiplication of hair".
These patents cover the fundamental aspects of the Folligem technique, including:
The extraction method that preserves follicular stem cells
The use of extracellular matrix components or preservation solutions
The implantation technique for the treated partial follicular units
The concept of hair multiplication through partial follicle extraction and implantation
The patents demonstrate the innovative nature of Folligem, highlighting its potential to multiply hair follicles and preserve donor areas.
FROM 2005
HAIR SCIENCE CLINIC
Hair Science Institute was established as the R&D center for innovative hair transplantation technology, with Dr. Coen Gho at the helm. To commercialize this groundbreaking technique, initially known as HST (Hair Stemcell Transplantation), Dr. Gho founded Hair Science Clinic. The world's first commercial hair duplication procedure using this method was performed in 2005 at the Hair Science Clinic's headquarters in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Following this successful launch, Hair Science Clinic expanded its presence globally. The company established both self-owned and franchised clinics in major cities across Europe and Asia, including Amsterdam, London, Paris, Dusseldorf, Milan, Thessaloniki, Lisbon, Hond Kong and Jakarta.
This expansion allowed the innovative hair transplantation technique to become accessible to patients worldwide, cementing Hair Science Clinic's position as a leader in advanced hair restoration solutions
FROM 2024
FOLLIGEM
In 2024, HST was rebranded as FOLLIGEM, marking a new chapter in hair restoration technology. This advanced technique is now being licensed to hair transplant centers, aesthetic practices, and plastic surgery clinics worldwide, showcasing its versatility and growing recognition in the medical community.
Dr. Coen Gho, the innovator behind FOLLIGEM, continues to lead research and development efforts at Hair Science Institute. His work focuses on refining the technique and exploring new applications, potentially including enhanced follicle multiplication, improved graft survival, and expansion into facial hair restoration.
With its global reach and ongoing innovation, FOLLIGEM is set to revolutionize hair transplantation. As the technology evolves, it promises more effective, natural-looking, and minimally invasive hair restoration solutions for the future.
THE SCIENCE OF FOLLIGEM
CHRONOLOGY
THE SCIENCE OF FOLLIGEM
HOW IT WORKS
0.5-0.6mm
partial extraction
of hair follicle
Donor Hair
Regrows Fully
DONOR HAIR
REGROWS FULLY
FOLLIGEM's patented technique extracts only a portion of each donor follicle using custom equipment and preservation solutions. This ensures full regrowth of donor hair, preserving your natural hair density.
No Scarring
MINIMAL SCARRING
& RAPID RECOVERY
With micro-extraction of just 0.5-0.6mm follicle units, FOLLIGEM minimizes scarring and significantly reduces healing time compared to traditional methods.
High Density
NATURAL APPEARANCE
& HIGH HAIR DENSITY
The smaller follicle units (0.5-0.6mm) allow for closer implantation in the recipient area, resulting in a denser, more natural-looking hair restoration.
Stage 7
Stage 1
POTENTIAL FOR
UNLIMITED TREATMENTS
Because donor hair fully regenerates, FOLLIGEM procedures can be repeated over time. This breakthrough allows for the possibility of reversing even extreme cases of hair loss through multiple sessions.
The FOLLIGEM technique represents a significant advancement over traditional hair transplantation methods, including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). While FUE remains a valuable option for many patients, FOLLIGEM's innovative approach addresses several limitations of traditional techniques, offering a promising alternative for those seeking advanced hair restoration solutions.