Synopsis: The partial or complete loss of one’s eyebrows is a relatively common problem and can be caused by disease, accidents, the normal aging process, or can be been self-induced. This paper discusses the importance of eyebrows to one’s appearance and explains the special techniques and surgical skills required for eyebrow restoration.
Robert M. Bernstein, MD, New York, NY and William R. Rassman, MD, Los Angeles, CA Dermatol Surg 2006; 32: 198-204. Background Since it is not known precisely how long it will take for grafts to be securely anchored after a hair transplant, the advice that the medical profession has offered patients regarding post-op care has […]
Synopsis: This study determined exactly how long it takes after a hair transplant for the grafts to be securely anchored in the recipient area, so that they cannot be dislodged. This information is important in guiding the patient’s post-op care after a hair restoration procedure. The study also showed that preventing the formation of crusts following a hair transplant would shorten the time patients are at risk of dislodging grafts. It would also allow them to return to their normal hair care routines more rapidly.
Synopsis: This paper discusses the state-of-the-art in follicular unit extraction. It focuses on the new Three-Step Technique in which a sharp punch is used to cut the epidermis and then a dull punch is used to dissect the follicular unit from the surrounding tissue. The third step being the extraction itself. The “blunt” step significantly reduces follicular transaction, but creates a potential new problem, that of buried grafts. The Three-Step technique increases the number of patients in whom FUE is possible; however, other limitations of the procedure – particularly the lower total yield compared to strip harvesting – remain.
Synopsis: This writing discusses the current status of Follicular Unit Transplantation and some controversial issues regarding this procedure. These issues include: strip harvesting vs. follicular unit extraction, lateral vs. vertical slit recipient sites, which holding solution is best for grafts, the ideal density and the optimal number of grafts that should be performed in one hair transplant session.
Q: I understand that even if you have multiple hair transplants you will only be left with one scar in the donor area. — T.J., Yonkers, N.Y.
A: If the closure is performed without tension, each procedure should result in the same fine scar.
The best-placed incision is in the mid-portion of the permanent donor area. Since there is only one mid-point, there is one best position for the scar. All incisions should lie on this plane leaving one scar.
Q: Is it possible to do a hair transplant using follicular unit extraction without shaving the donor area? — V.S., Syracuse, N.Y.
A: In follicular unit extraction, the area that is extracted is clipped to about 1-mm in length. However, if the session is not too large, then the clipped area can be long and thin so that the patient’s existing hair will cover it. The person’s hair should be left long for the procedure.
Q: There is such a big deal made on the chats about people getting Megasessions of over 4000 grafts per session. When I look at the pictures on your website, the results look great, but I am surprised that not many grafts were used compared to what is being talked about. — N.R., Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
A: My goal is not to transplant as many grafts as possible, but to get the best results possible without exhausting a person’s donor supply. It is important to keep reserves for future hair loss. Unnecessarily large sessions also risk poor growth and have a greater incidence of donor scarring.
Q: Is it possible to have a hair transplant that is totally undetectable immediately following surgery? — G.F., Stamford, C.T.
A: Not unless a person has a fair amount of existing hair that can cover the transplanted area.
Although surgical hair restoration techniques have improved dramatically over the past ten years, and wounds are so small that patients may shower the morning following the procedure, a hair transplant will be detectable for the first week. During this period, there may be some swelling that settles down on the forehead and some crusting and some residual redness.
Please visit the section on the Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration website entitled After Your Hair Restoration for more details. Also see the Instructions After Your Hair Restoration Surgery page regarding the normal post-op course following a hair transplant.
Q: I am considering taking Propecia, but it I went to my local pharmacy in New York City and it is so expensive. Is there a way I can get it cheaper? — A.S.A., Midtown, Manhattan, NYC
A: The website sells Propecia online at a reasonable price. A doctor’s prescription is required.
Please note that Propecia is not yet available in generic form.
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