Hair Loss and Hair Restoration in Women

Design, proof-of-concept of single robotic hair transplant mechanisms for both harvest and implant of hair grafts

The design and development of a prototype for a singular robotic hair transplant system capable of harvesting and implanting hair grafts were executed in this study. To establish a proof-of-concept for hair transplant procedures involving harvesting and implantation, a test system using a spherical phantom of the scalp was selected. The developed prototype of the robotic hair transplant system demonstrates the potential to reduce the duration that grafts remain without a blood supply, thereby minimizing hair graft damage. Additionally, the overall operation time for follicular unit extraction is comparatively shorter than that of conventional systems. Results from the robot vision tests indicate an 89.6% accuracy for hair graft detection with a 4 mm hair length phantom and 97.4% for a 2 mm hair length phantom. In the robot position control test, the root mean square error was found to be 1.268°, with a standard error of the mean of 0.203°. These outcomes suggest that the proposed system performs effectively under the conditions of a spherical phantom with a 2 mm hair length and a 5 mm distance between harvests.

Soft-tissue complications after facial feminization bone surgery

The soft tissues have a considerable impact on whether the results of facial feminization surgery are favorable. Complications or suboptimal results related to the soft tissue may be due to poor choice of surgical approach, improper execution of the surgical technique, a lack of assistance when resuspending the soft tissues during closure, or deficient readaptation of the overlying soft tissue to the new bone contour. This article identifies the possible poor soft-tissue outcomes that may occur after facial feminization bone surgery, describing strategies to prevent them and treatment alternatives.

Female pattern hair loss and polycystic ovarian syndrome: more than just hirsutism

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To explore the recent updates in the diagnosis, management, and clinical implications of androgenic alopecia among patients diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

RECENT FINDINGS

PCOS diagnosis continues to be the most common cause of infertility among reproductively aged women, serving as the most common endocrinopathy among this population. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) has been seen to be associated and more common among patients with PCOS, however, there are limited studies examining the impact of FPHL among PCOS patients. Although hyperandrogenism is associated with FPHL, the pathophysiology continues to be unclear as FPHL can be present with normal biochemical androgen markers. Treatment can be complex, as common treatments to promote hair growth can exacerbate undesired hirsutism, which can be overcome by cosmetic treatments. New second-line treatment options such as low level laser therapy and platelet rich plasma have been emerging, with limited data supporting efficacy.

SUMMARY

PCOS is a complex endocrinological disorder that has significant gynecologic, cutaneous, and metabolic implications that require multidisciplinary collaboration and care. Reproductive goals should be thoroughly discussed prior to starting any treatment, as PCOS is the most common cause of infertility among reproductively-aged women.

CME article Part II. Hair Transplantation: Surgical Technique

The second part of this Hair Transplantation review concentrates on technical aspects of the surgery. First, we review the two main local anesthetics used in hair transplantation, lidocaine and bupivacaine, how to achieve long-lasting local anesthesia, and the techniques used to minimize the pain associated with anesthetic infiltrations. Second, we review the two donor harvesting techniques currently used: strip harvesting FUT and FUE. The technical aspects of each technique are described in detail, along with their advantages and drawbacks. Third, the different methods of graft implantation currently used by the majority of hair surgeons, including premade sites and stick-and-place, and the use of tools such as implanters are discussed. Finally, post-operative care, expected results, and the main complications involved in hair transplant surgery are reviewed.