The Art and Science of Hair Transplantation

Authors

  • Damkerng Pathomvanich Institution Stough Clinic 408/138 Phaholyotin Place 32nd D, Phaholyotin Road, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.

Abstract

Background: Big round grafts (plugs) were extensively used in hair transplantation since 1960 till late 1988. Realizing the doll look, the size of the grafts were getting smaller to split and quarter grafts and finally mini and micro-grafts in the late 1980. In the past few years, the use of follicular unit graft in large quantity have replaced mini-micro grafts to create mother nature looking result. Hair line designed which was straight and bell shape in the past have been changed to irregular and slightly asymmetric to achieve natural and undetectable result.

Materials and Methods: Hair line is drawn in irregular fashion with or without temple hair line restoration. Single strip harvesting under local anesthetic is carefully dissected into follicular unit grafts that contain 1 to 4 hairs. Single hair follicular unit grafts are transplanted in the front row. Follicular unit containing 2 to 4 hairs are mixed and transplanted behind the single hair. Dense packing is required to achieve good density. Natural and undetectable hair growth in good candidate can be observed 10 to 12 months after surgery. Two to three sessions may be needed for added density.

Discussion: Hair transplantation is the art and science challenging the hair transplant surgeons. Understanding the pathogenesis of hair loss, anatomy and hair flow (direction, angle) in conjunction with training in hair restoration are essential for successful and natural results. All follicular unit grafts look best and unnoticeable. Mini-micrografts can also result in natural look if the frontal zone, part side and the crown contain the area at least two centimeters of follicular unit grafts

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Published

2003-09-30

How to Cite

1.
Pathomvanich D. The Art and Science of Hair Transplantation. Thai J Surg [Internet]. 2003 Sep. 30 [cited 2024 Nov. 23];24(3):73-80. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ThaiJSurg/article/view/242920

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 3 (2003): July - September

Section

Original Articles

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Articles must be contributed solely to The Thai Journal of Surgery and when published become the property of the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand. The Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand reserves copyright on all published materials and such materials may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission.