Review Article: Changing Trends in Hair Restoration Surgery
December 2006
TLDR Hair restoration surgery has improved to transplant hair in natural groupings, but it's labor-intensive and can't fully restore normal hair density.
The 2006 document reviews the evolution and current trends in hair restoration surgery, particularly for treating androgenetic alopecia. It describes the shift from using large grafts to follicular unit transplantation (FUT), which transplants hair in natural groupings for a more realistic appearance and allows for denser graft packing. The review mentions mega-sessions with over 1000 grafts and the importance of microscopic dissection. However, FUT is noted to be labor-intensive and costly. The document also addresses the limitations of achieving normal hair density, with hair restoration typically reaching 30-40 units/cm², and the importance of patient characteristics such as hair density and diameter. It emphasizes the need for skilled dermatosurgeons, informed patient consent, and meticulous postoperative care to ensure satisfactory outcomes.
