Hair Deformities: Treatment Through Hair Restoration Surgery

The 2004 document discusses the treatment of hair deformities through hair restoration surgery (HRS), including advancements in techniques such as hair-bearing flaps, tissue expanders, and hair transplantation. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural history of hair loss, hairline design, and medical therapies like finasteride and minoxidil, particularly for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The evolution of HRS is traced from early Japanese dermatologists to modern follicular unit transplantation, which yields natural-looking results. The document also details the use of tissue expansion in reconstructive surgery, despite the temporary cosmetic deformity it causes during the process. Case studies are presented, including a 42-year-old man who underwent corrective surgery for an unnatural appearance from old transplant techniques, another 42-year-old man with flap necrosis, and a 7-year-old boy with a scalp defect treated with tissue expansion. Additionally, two cases of scalp burns are described, highlighting the successful use of tissue expansion and the importance of surgeon skill in HRS, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery. The document concludes that a combination of these techniques can effectively treat scalp deformities and underscores the rapidly changing nature of the field, recommending further education for practitioners.