Hair transplantation represents a sophisticated surgical discipline that has evolved substantially since its inception in the 1950s. Modern follicular unit transplantation involves the meticulous transfer of hair-bearing tissue from donor regions to areas affected by alopecia. Dr. Gabel’s approach emphasizes the biological integrity of follicular units, which are naturally occurring groupings of one to four terminal hair follicles. By preserving these anatomical structures during harvest and transplantation, the procedure yields results that replicate the natural architecture of scalp hair distribution.
With a dedicated practice focused exclusively on hair restoration surgery, Dr. Gabel employs both surgical and nonsurgical techniques to address male and female pattern hair loss and specialized restoration needs. The Gabel Center’s commitment to technical precision and aesthetic excellence has established the practice as a leading destination for individuals seeking comprehensive hair loss treatment in the Pacific Northwest.
About Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon’s largest city, serves as the cultural and economic hub of the Pacific Northwest region. Situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Portland encompasses a metropolitan area of approximately 2.5 million residents across Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties.
The region’s cultural landscape reflects a blend of Pacific Northwest heritage and contemporary innovation. Portland’s renowned culinary scene, craft beverage industry, and outdoor recreation opportunities attract residents who value both urban amenities and access to natural environments. The proximity to Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Oregon Coast positions Portland as an ideal location for individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Follicular Unit Transplantation, commonly referenced as the strip harvest method, represents the gold standard technique for maximizing follicular unit yield in a single surgical session. The FUT procedure involves excising a linear strip of hair-bearing scalp tissue from the donor region, typically measuring 1.0 to 1.5 centimeters in width and extending across the occipital scalp. Following donor harvest, Dr. Gabel employs a trichophytic closure technique to facilitate optimal wound healing and minimize the appearance of the linear donor scar.
Follicular Unit Excision (FUE)
Follicular Unit Excision is an alternative donor-harvesting technique in which individual follicular units are extracted directly from the donor scalp using specialized punch instruments. The FUE procedure eliminates the linear donor incision inherent to strip-harvest methodology, producing multiple small circular extraction sites that heal as punctate scars distributed across the donor region. This approach appeals to patients who prefer very short hairstyles or those with specific concerns about linear donor scarring.
Megasessions
Megasession hair transplantation describes procedures involving the placement of 3,000 or more follicular unit grafts in a single operative session, with advanced cases frequently exceeding 5,000 grafts. This approach offers substantial advantages in terms of procedural efficiency and cost-effectiveness, enabling comprehensive restoration of extensive areas of alopecia while minimizing the total number of surgical interventions required. Dr. Gabel’s practice employs specialized storage solutions and temperature control measures to preserve grafts during the interval between harvest and placement.
Transplant Techniques
Lateral Slit Technique
The lateral slit technique is Dr. Gabel’s preferred method for establishing recipient sites in hair restoration surgery. This approach involves creating incisions oriented parallel to the natural hair growth direction and perpendicular to the follicular unit orientation. Lateral slits offer distinct advantages over sagittal (perpendicular) incisions, including higher graft survival rates, greater aesthetic naturalness, and superior wound-healing characteristics.
Trichophytic Closure Technique
The trichophytic closure technique is an advanced wound-closure method specifically designed to minimize the visibility of linear donor scars after strip-harvest procedures. This approach involves removing a thin rim of epidermis from one edge of the donor wound, creating a differential-healing surface that promotes hair growth through the mature scar tissue. When executed correctly, the trichophytic closure allows terminal hair follicles to penetrate the scar line, thereby providing natural camouflage of the donor site.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Gabel and the staff at the Gabel Center welcome the opportunity to discuss your hair restoration objectives during a comprehensive consultation. To schedule your consultation at the Gabel Center, please contact our Portland office.
