Follicular Unit Transplants - [details]
Grafts of 1 to 4 hairs placed into receptor sites made with very fine
instruments. Mostly 1-2 hairs in hairline zone, 2-4 hairs
attop and back
Uniform distribution and density
Best scalp healing, good in thinning areas
Partial restoration, look natural
Surgeon can be creative in hairline design
Results are contingent on the experience, surgical
mastery, and artistry of your chosen physician
Scalp Reduction
Several methods of surgically removing bald scalp
Decreases size of transplant area
Stretches back
1 to 2 additional procedures
Leaves scar to hide
Thins hair in donor area,
reduces number of grafts
No ultimate benefit to appearance
Scalp Extension
Two step surgical procedure using an implanted extension device
Removal of large area in one month
Device does not show
Risk of infection
More discomfort
Stretches back
More expensive
Creates slot deformity
Scalp Expansion
Silicone balloon inserted under and expended saline injections over several
weeks
Very large areas of scalp can be removed
Risk of infection
Deforms appearance
More discomfort
More expensive
May damage donor hair
Scalp Lift
Extensive surgical procedure with entire scalp moved
Elimination of most baldness in a single procedure,but must create hairline
with 2-4 transplant procedures
General anesthesia
Prolonged discomfort
Permanent scalp numbness
Possible severe complications
Transposition Flaps
Various methods of rotating a section of scalp from the side to the top of
the head
Achieves greatest density of frontal zone
Quicker result
Hair facing backwards
Scar on edge of hairline must be hidden
Risk of hair follicles dying
Does not cover crown
Still requires transplantation to createa natural-looking hairline
Standard Punch Grafts
Transplant containing 5 to 20 hairs
Most specialists believe there aren't any. A small minority believe they
create the highest density of all transplants because a portion of bald
scalp is removed. (These
gentlemen have forgotten the remodeling process of the skin when given
sufficient time)
Classic "tooth brush/plug" appearance
Risk of increased scarring
and cobblestoning
Wastes donor follicles
Difficult to do in thinning hair
Slot Grafts
Oblong shaped punch grafts
Makes long narrow groups of hair rather than round groups
Often discoloration and scarring of scalp
Results not optimal
Laser Grafting
Graft receptor sites are made with laser. Donor site is harvested conventionally
Claims of better healing and more natural appearance, although not in fact
demonstrated
Scars to scalp
Poor yield and stunted hair
Low density
Possible scarring under the skin
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