Hair transplantation: New concepts in 2005

The pros and cons of follicular unit extraction (FUE) versus elliptical donor harvesting (FUT)

Hair transplantation has evolved as a practice since the 1960's with advances in technology and surgical technique. With various surgical techniques in existence, patients and practitioners have an abundance of options to curate the best results for the patient. However, with many options come various benefits and consequences that must be examined on a patient-by-patient basis. This review article sought to examine the various surgical modalities of hair transplantation, to outline the pros and cons of various techniques, and to help outline considerations when choosing a given surgical technique.

Hair diameter measurements for planning follicular unit extraction surgery (FUE): Is there a correlation between the micrometer caliper and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) findings?

BACKGROUND

Hair shaft diameter is one of the most important factors for the outcome of follicular unit extraction (FUE) surgery. In fact, the hair shaft is elliptical. Therefore, it has a long and short axis. Many hair transplantation surgeons use manual micrometer caliper for gauging hair diameter and use the results in the management of recipient and donor area.

AIM

In this study, we aimed to identify the dependability of micrometer caliper and also the hair diameter diversity pattern in the donor area.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Two hundred and seventy hairs were collected from three males with androgenetic alopecia. Hair samples were obtained from the 1 cm² boxes from superior to inferior at the mid-point of temporal, parietal, and occipital donor areas. The diameter of each hair was measured both with a micrometer caliper and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

Average diameter measured by scanning electron microscopy was 83.01 µm for the long axis and 51.51 µm for the short axis. The average value for the micrometer caliper measurement was 53.32 µm. Comparison of micrometer caliper results with the short-axis measurements of SEM revealed a strong significant correlation. The hair diameters from superior, middle, and inferior boxes revealed a tendency to decrease toward the inferior regions.

CONCLUSIONS

A manual micrometer caliper is a dependable tool for planning FUE surgery, and it measures the short axis of the elliptical hair shaft. Hair diameter tends to decrease toward the inferior regions of the donor area.

Robotic Hair Transplantation

Contemporary hair transplant surgery creates natural appearing transplanted hair. The procedure is performed as an outpatient under local anesthesia. Donor harvesting can be performed by either elliptical donor harvesting or follicular unit extraction. An experience surgical team is needed for a high-quality, efficient procedure. Robotic hair transplantation allows precise and efficient removal of follicular units. The robot allows for minimally invasive surgery. Robotic hair transplantation is an important tool for hair transplant surgeons, but does not replace appropriate candidate selection, hairline design, and the judgment of where to place and not place transplanted hair for optimal short- and long-term results.

Basic hair transplantation: 2007

The most common form of hair loss is androgenic alopecia that affects at least half of the male population by age 50 is speculated to be caused by a change in the balance of androgen hormones. Male hair loss occurs in a characteristic pattern of decreased hair growth where hair becomes progressively finer, less pigmented, ceasing growth completely, and then becoming dislodged from the scalp. Hair loss to some patients is a serious issue that can impart a social and psychologic impact on their life. Hair restoration and transplantation have the potential to provide a solution for this problem; however, it is not effective for every patient. This review article looks at past hair transplantation techniques and studies that have provided the basis for current procedures and new research at how to target successful results.