A Review of Modern Surgical Hair Restoration Techniques

    January 2008 in “ Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery ”
    Richard C. Shiell
    Image of study
    TLDR Modern hair restoration techniques have evolved from punch grafting to methods like micro-grafting and follicular unit transplantation, but they are labor-intensive, expensive, and can lead to patient dissatisfaction. Future treatments may involve cloned hair follicles and drugs like finasteride.
    The document, from 15 years ago, reviewed the evolution of surgical hair restoration techniques up to 2007. It discussed the transition from the initial "punch grafting" technique to more modern methods like "micro-grafting," "mini-grafting," and "follicular unit transplantation." It also mentioned alternative approaches like the Choi Implanter and the development of follicular unit extraction (FUE) to address issues with scarring. The document emphasized the importance of the surgeon's skill and noted that hair transplantation had become labor-intensive and expensive. It also highlighted the increasing patient dissatisfaction due to unrealistic expectations set by surgeons. The potential of cloned hair follicles and the impact of the drug finasteride on early hair loss treatment were also discussed, suggesting that chemical and genetic correction might eventually replace surgical hair transplantation.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 173 results

      community How long should you take fin/dut for, before getting a transplant?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  14 upvotes 2 years ago
      The user started taking dutasteride a month ago and is seeking advice on whether to wait for a year before getting a hair transplant, as it could potentially strengthen the donor-zone and require fewer grafts, or to get a transplant immediately, extracting only the "strong hairs" not affected by dutasteride. The user is unsure which approach is correct.

      community Review of my consultation with Dr Zarev

      in Treatment  58 upvotes 2 years ago
      The user had a detailed 3.5-hour consultation with Dr. Zarev for hair loss treatment, praising his meticulous approach and innovative techniques, and was prescribed topical finasteride and minoxidil. Other users agreed on Zarev's expertise, noting his long waiting list and the high quality of his work, with one surgery per week and a focus on individual patient care.

      community Results after 3 years on Fin and Min

      in Progress Pictures  143 upvotes 5 months ago
      The user has been using oral finasteride and topical minoxidil for three years, seeing some regrowth initially but mostly maintenance afterward. Suggestions for further improvement include trying dutasteride, RU58841, or a hair transplant.

    Related Research

    3 / 3 results