Changing trends in hair restoration surgery

Logic of Hair Transplantation

Hair transplant is a seemingly illogical process wherein we are using a small number of hairs to cover a large area of baldness. This is possible if one understands the logic of this equation. Understanding the pattern of hair distribution, and the sequence of balding, helps us learn the limitations of this technique and give the best possible results to the patient. In this article, we aim to give an understanding of all the processes associated with hair transplantation and the logic behind the same.

A study of donor area in follicular unit hair transplantation

BACKGROUND

The advent of follicular unit transplantation (FUT) has given a natural appearance in the recipient area in the past two decades, but has left behind an unsightly scar in the donor area. A study of donor area and techniques to make it cosmetically acceptable is lacking.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the donor area after follicular unit hair transplantation and to show a few techniques to make the donor scar aesthetically pleasing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The donor area was examined for scar width and patient satisfaction scores of donor area in 30 consecutive patients from March 2012 to February 2013 retrospectively after a minimum of 3 months after the procedure. Complications such as effluvium along suture line, wound infection, dehiscence, necrosis, folliculitis, keloids and wide scars were also noted.

RESULTS

Scar width increased with increase in width of the donor strip. Patient satisfaction scores declined with larger strip widths. The most common complication seen was folliculitis-like lesions. Double trichophytic closure yielded the most aesthetically acceptable scar.

CONCLUSION

FUT produces a linear scar in the donor area, which can be a significant concern in patients wishing to cut their hair short. Restricting the width of the donor strip and trichophytic closure has greatly improved the appearance of the scar.