Graft Harvesting and Management of the Donor Site

August 2013 in “ Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America ”

Kenneth A. Buchwach

TLDR The conclusion is that careful planning and technique in hair transplant surgery are crucial for successful graft harvesting and minimizing scars, with proper aftercare to avoid complications.

The document from August 1, 2013, outlines the procedures and considerations for graft harvesting and donor site management in hair transplantation. It emphasizes the importance of careful preoperative planning, including assessing scalp laxity and donor hair characteristics, and suggests preoperative scalp massage to increase laxity. The harvesting technique involves removing a donor strip in portions to adjust for graft yield and scalp laxity, with attention to minimizing transection of hair follicles and leaving an inconspicuous scar. The document also describes the closure technique, including the trichophytic closure for less visible scars, and addresses the management of preexisting scars. Postoperative care recommendations include gentle washing, applying antibiotic ointment, and gradually resuming physical activities to prevent complications like widened scars. The document notes that hypoesthesia is common but usually resolves over time, and complete anesthesia is rare with proper technique.

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Graft Harvesting and Management of the Donor Site

Research cited in this study

research Managing the Donor Area to Minimize Scarring

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