Hair Restoration: Understanding Alopecia and Modern Techniques

Alopecia, a condition that affects a significant percentage of the population, can cause considerable cosmetic deformity. Understanding the pathophysiology and etiology of alopecia is crucial for surgeons interested in hair restoration. Over the past two decades, the field has seen rapid evolution, with a growing emphasis on the use of the follicular unit to achieve natural-looking surgical results. This shift has moved hair restoration away from the historical use of large plug grafts, scalp flaps, and scalp reductions, towards follicular unit grafting and follicular unit extraction. Surgeons practicing these procedures should have a comprehensive understanding of the indications, contraindications, and potential complications associated with them.