2007
Developing New Graft Holding Solutions: In Vitro Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules Identifies Vitamin B12 as Micrograft Stabilizing Sustances
Walter Krugluger, MD, Katharina Luciak, Karl Moser and Claudia Moser.
In this study they found that vitamin B12 induced hair shaft growth and the induction of the WNT pathway. This process is highly correlated to cell proliferation in the hair follicle. It seems we are still wrestling with the best holding media for follicular unit grafts.
Update on Forelock Approach of Hair Transplantation
Michael Beehner, MD. Saratoga Springs, NY. Forum.
The rationale for using a frontal forelock in advanced cases of pattern baldness is presented and identified as an important optionfor the young patient with advanced baldness i.e. less than 25 years. The author’s message is not only on how to construct a frontal forelock, but to first,” Do No Harm”.
Densitometry and Video-microscopy
Robert Bernstein, William Rassman,
The paper identifies that miniaturization, not only occurs in the recipient area but also in the occiput and sides of the scalp. Recently it has also been demonstrated that miniaturization can occur below the area of the donor strip. The precise density and composition of follicular units would not be known without this methodology to record these findings. The anatomy, density, and caliber of the follicular unit graft are delineated
Preliminary Experience and Extended Applications for the Use Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma in Hair Transplantation Surgery.
Joseph Greco,
A descriptive article utilizing platelet rich plasma and hair transplant surgery. The author concludes that PRP gel may aid in both the donor and recipient area.
Follicular Unit Plain Speak
Robert Bernstein, William Rassman, Bobby Limmer.
The history of the follicular unit as first defined by Dr. John Headington in 1984 was reviewed. Dr. Limmers technique using stereoscopic dissection followed by the landmark paper from Bernstein and Rassman in 1995 was discussed along with pertinent history of the follicular unit. This forum article highlights the terms and definitions of follicular unit transplantation used today.
2008
“Focal dense-packing” in hair transplantation
Michael L. Beehner, Hair Transplant Forum International January 2008, 18 (1) 1-7
Focal dense packing is a technique used to enhance density within a subset of the entire transplant recipient area. The author describes his philosophy and experience with this technique, along with indications and limitations. The “stick and place” method is used for this approach in order to place each graft deliberately and to its maximal effect.
Psychology of hair transplants
Parsa Mohebi and William R. Rassman, Hair Transplant Forum International March 2008, 18 (2) 41-47
The authors identify the negative psychological results associated with hair loss, and summarize the results of a retrospective, questionnaire-based study of patients who previously underwent hair restoration surgery. The authors conclude that surgery can potentially reverse the psychosocial problems associated with hair loss, and found that men who lost hair at an earlier age were more likely to benefit psychologically from hair restoration surgery.
The use of methylene blue to enhance site visualization and definition of areas by number of hairs per graft
Mauro Speranzini, Hair Transplant Forum International March 2008, 18 (2) 59
Methylene blue staining of recipient sites is a well-established technique that enhances visibility of recipient sites during planting. The author describes an additional technique of using methylene blue as a temporary tattoo to outline the various recipient zones.
Do we need hair follicle stem cells and hair follicle neogenesis to cure common hair loss disorders?
Ralf Paus,Hair Transplant Forum International May 2008, 18 (3) 81-90
In this eloquent and colorful article, the author challenges “conventional wisdom” with regard to the role and effectiveness of stem cell therapy, and systematically assesses, and then generally dismisses, arguments in its favor. While leaving the door open to the possible future role of stem cells for hair loss, the reader will conclude that skepticism of this emerging therapy is in order.
A genetic test for androgenetic alopecia: polymorphisms in the androgen receptor gene provide a genetic screening test for androgenetic alopecia and earlier medical intervention.
Sharon A. Keene, Hair Transplant Forum International May 2008, 18 (3) 91-93
In this article, the author introduces a potentially useful screening test for androgenetic alopecia (AGA.) The highly variable genetic inheritance pattern of baldness makes predicting the onset of and initiating early treatment of balding very challenging. An accurate and non-invasive test could be useful to hair loss specialists as they make recommendations to their patients.
Hair restoration in the age of MRSA
Robert H. True, Hair Transplant Forum International July 2008, 18 (4) 121-130
In this important article, the author reviews the growing danger of MRSA infections as they relate to hair restoration practices. While rare, these infections can be very serious, and the incidence can be significantly reduced by adhering to proper hand washing and sanitizing protocols. The role of targeted screening of staff and/or patients and prompt intervention must be understood.
2009
Hair Sciences: An interview with Dr. Rodney Sinclair on female pattern hair loss
Nilofer Farjo, Rod Sinclair and Nick Rufaut; Hair Transplant Forum International January 2009, 19 (1) 27-29
This article is rich in good information for treating female pattern hair loss by a top expert in hair loss treatment, information that would impact hair transplantation surgery.
The consultation: expectations versus what can be offered in hair transplant surgery
Antonio S. Ruston, Hair Transplant Forum International January 2009, 19 (1) 12-13
Excellent article for educating the patient during consultation and also to consider personality traits that might influence whether or not that patient may be satisfied with the result of hair transplantation surgery.
Notes from the Editor Emeritus
Russell Knudsen, Hair Transplant Forum International March 2009, 19 (2) 45-46
Pitfalls of promising patients results close to perfection are addressed. The unrealistic promotion of Single Pass Transplants and pre-alopecia densities were discussed and well as patient personality traits that could create patient dissatisfaction following hair transplantation surgery.
TrichoScan®: A useful method for measuring hair growth parameters and enhancing patient selection for hair restoration surgery
Jerzy Kolasinski, Hair Transplant Forum International March 2009, 19 (2) 56-59
Significant article describing a sophisticated method of evaluating the donor area prior to transplantation; measuring vellus to terminal hair percentage and hair density, helpful in planning hair transplantation surgery.
Gravity position to prevent facial edema in hair transplantation
Sungjoo Tommy Hwang, Hair Transplant Forum International May 2009, 19 (3) 77-82
Interesting concept that goes against the common postop recommendation of upper body elevation postop, advising that the patient lay flat in bed with the face up rather than elevating the entire upper body. Designed to reduce swelling following hair transplantation.
Hair Sciences: The hair cycle discussed with Dr. Gilliam Westgate
Nilofer Farjo, Hair Transplant Forum International May 2009, 19 (3) 100-102
Informative discussion of anagen, catagen and telogen phases of the hair follicle with an emphasis on exogen.
To divide or not to divide, this is the question
Akaki Tsilosani, Hair Transplant Forum International July 2009, 19 (4) 128-130
Few surgeons have divided the scalp into halves, with one half containing intact follicular units and the other half containing divided follicular units. There was minimal difference in appearance. Unfortunately the result was measured at 5 months, which was a little early for optimal growth, but the result was interesting nevertheless.
Areas of unethical behavior practiced today
William R. Rassman, Hair Transplant Forum International September 2009, 19 (5) 149-153
An article that should be read and reread by those wanting to practice ethical hair restoration. Just as timely today as it was in 2009.
Notes from the Editor Emeritus: Some hair transplant surgeons I have known
Richard C. Shiell, Hair Transplant Forum International September 2009, 19 (5) 154-155
Good light reading that is both educational and humorous, written by a very significant physician in developing hair restoration.
How I do it: The running subcutaneous suture without knots
Ng Bertram and William M. Parsley, Hair Transplant Forum International September 2009, 19 (5) 175-176
In spite of the current popularity of FUE, strip FUT is still alive and well in hair transplantation surgery. Stretched scars were an impetus for developing FUE, but good thin scars with FUT are very achievable with attention to techniques that reduce skin tension.
The Cohen hair loss classification system
Bernard Cohen, Hair Transplant Forum International November 2009, 19 (6) 195-197
This article is an involved and insightful classification of hair loss evaluation based on the size and severity of hair loss in each zone, aiding in the design of hair transplantation surgery.
A visit to the house of Dr. Shoji Okuda
Kenichiro Imagawa and Shigeki Inui, Hair Transplant Forum International November 2009, 19 (6) 200-202
For those interested in the history of hair restoration surgery, this will make for interesting reading. Dr. Okuda wrote some forward thinking articles in the late 1930’s. Had it not been for the war and the language format (an older form of Kanji), these articles would have been widely read and put hair restoration 20 years ahead. Dr. Imagawa’s father, a physician, volunteered to translate all these articles and the articles of other Japanese pioneers.
Cyberspace Chat: Safe management of patients on Plavix® (clopidogrel) for hair restoration surgery (HRS)
Sharon A. Keene, Hair Transplant Forum International November 2009, 19 (6) 210-211
These commentaries followed by Dr. Keene’s assessment are still very important in that Plavix (clopidogrel) is still widely used as a blood thinner. An understanding on how to treat hair transplantation patients on Plavix is vital to our practices.
2010
Comparison of survival of FU grafts trimmed chubby, medium, and skeletonized
Michael L. Beehner Hair Transplant Forum International January 2010, 20 (1) 1-6
This small clinical study on grafts survival is often cited as the most direct evidence that grafts with supportive tissue around the follicles will survive transplantation better than those that contain denuded follicles.
Different options in revision surgical hair restoration
Jeffrey S. Epstein Hair Transplant Forum International May 2010, 20 (3) 73-80
Correction of poorly constructed hairlines is challenging even for the most experienced hair restoration surgeons. Successful correction requires proper selection and application the most effective surgical technique. The author presents case studies of three approaches to hairline correction: Complete or partial excision of the hairline, extensive removal of grafts utilizing FUE (Follicular Unit Excision), and fusiform scalp reduction performed behind the hairline.
A comparison between the preview long hair technique and the classic hair transplant technique
Márcio Crisóstomo, Hair Transplant Forum International July 2010, 20 (4) 116-119
The author presents a prospective small group study comparing preview longhair transplantation (PHL) with conventional strip harvesting with donor hair shaved (CT). Surgery time was longer for the PLH group due to a longer time spent harvesting the donor area, but mainly due to a longer time spent implanting the follicular units. The surgery’s total duration did not exceed 6 hours for any of the patients, and the number of follicular units was similar for both groups. The anxiety of waiting to see the result was lower for patients in the PLH group, and the assessment of the final aesthetic result was considered equal for both techniques.
Multiracial variations in anatomical location of the occipital artery and nerve complex: a key to avoiding injury prior to strip harvesting
Theresa Marie R. Cacas, Damkerng Pathomvanich and Kulakarn Amonpattana Hair Transplant Forum International July 2010, 20 (4) 127-130
In hair transplantation, both the occipital nerve and artery become susceptible to trauma with donor dissection at the posterior occipital scalp. Chances of transection are even higher if tumescent anesthesia is not administered appropriately, and if anatomical landmarks for these structures are not considered during the overall planning of donor harvesting. Current studies available to identify these structures use palpable bony landmarks as reference points. These landmarks, however, vary among patients and multiracial groups, and may even be absent in some individuals. This study demonstrates that the reflection of the skin of the external ear and scalp is easily identifiable and is a useful landmark in identification of the occipital artery–nerve complex thereby diminishing the risk of injury during surgery.
Hair’s the Question“?”: Anesthesia in Hair Transplant Surgery
Sara Wasserbauer, Hair Transplant Forum International September 2010, 20 (5) 161-162
Hair’s the Question is a very popular clinical quiz for hair restoration surgeons that is a regular feature in the Hair Transplant Forum international. This quis is an important review of pr0per anesthesia in hair transplant surgery and is a worthwhile read for hair transplant surgeons of all levels.
Optimizing the efficiency of recipient area estimation: a comparative study
Shobit Caroli, Damkerng Pathomvanich, Kulakarn Amonpattana and Therasa Marie Cacas, Hair Transplant Forum International September 2010, 20 (6) 177-185
The authors describe a new method of accurately measuring the size of the recipient area in hair transplantation. In a small group prospective study, they compare this modified Chang method with the Chang and Farjo methods and find their approach to be more accurate. The value of having the most accurate measurement is enabling the surgeon to precisely determine the number of grafts needed to cover the area being transplanted.
How I do it: Powered blunt dissection with the SAFE System for FUE (Part I)
Bertram Ng and James A. Harris Hair Transplant Forum International September 2010, 20 (6) 188-189
Dr James Harris provides a detailed description of his powered S.A.F.E. technique for performing follicular unit excision. This technique has been widely adapted throughout the field of hair transplantation and is recognized a reducing follicle transection and producing high quality grafts for hair transplantation.
For access to more articles, please click (here) for 2011-2018