Correction of the Cornrow Transplant and Other Common Problems in Surgical Hair Restoration
April 2000
in “
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
”
surgical hair restoration cornrow appearance plug reduction micrograft transplantation forehead length modification 2-mm punches 4-mm punches plug removal transitional zone micrografts minigrafts residual donor hair arnica post-operative edema follicular transection primary hair restoration natural results minimal scarring minimal downtime hair transplant hair plugs hairline modification small grafts healing punches donor hair edema treatment hair restoration safety
TLDR The document suggests fixing common hair transplant issues by combining artistic principles with plug reduction, recycling, and additional micrograft transplantation, while also potentially using arnica to help with post-operative swelling.
The document from 23 years ago discusses the correction of common problems in surgical hair restoration, particularly the 'cornrow' appearance. Dr. Vogel's approach combines artistic principles with plug reduction and recycling, and when possible, additional micrograft transplantation. He also suggests modifying the length of the forehead to improve facial proportions while removing unsightly plugs or scars. The document mentions the use of 2-mm punches for plug reductions and larger punches (4-mm) for plug removal to promote healing. In cases where the anterior hairline is high enough, a transitional zone can be created using micrografts and minigrafts around and in front of the plugs, provided there is sufficient residual donor hair. The document also mentions the use of arnica to potentially help resolve post-operative edema. The author agrees with Dr. Vogel's approach, but notes that the graft yield from the plug reduction and recycling technique is often lower due to follicular transection. The author believes that the main objective of primary hair restoration should be safety, natural results, minimal scarring, and minimal downtime, which can be achieved with the exclusive use of very small grafts in large numbers (1000 to 2500 per session).
