TLDR Staged hair transplantation on free flaps effectively restores hair and improves satisfaction for patients with scalp reconstruction.
This case report presents a novel approach to treating severe alopecia in a 41-year-old female following free flap reconstruction for malignant scalp tumor resection. The patient, who experienced significant psychological distress due to baldness, underwent staged autologous hair transplantation using follicular unit extraction (FUE) directly onto the flap. The procedure involved two sessions, with 2,289 grafts in the first and 2,571 in the second, achieving complete coverage with ~35 FU/cm² and no complications. The patient was highly satisfied with the natural aesthetic outcome. This case, the first reported in China and the third globally, demonstrates that staged FUE transplantation on free flaps is a viable, minimally invasive solution for post-oncologic alopecia, expanding reconstructive options for patients.
8 citations
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September 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” More people are searching for hair transplants online, preferring Follicular Unit Excision over Follicular Unit Transplant. There's also a rise in female patients and interest in beard, eyebrow transplants, and non-surgical treatments like platelet rich plasma.
6 citations
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July 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Surgeons make more mistakes in hair transplant procedures as they get tired or do more work.
27 citations
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September 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders” Hair transplantation may work for some types of scarring alopecia, but results vary and more research is needed.
44 citations
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April 2012 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Scarring alopecias are complex hair loss disorders that require early treatment to prevent permanent hair loss.
5 citations
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December 2011 in “Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery” Hair grafts can successfully reconstruct a beard on reconstructed jaw skin, improving appearance and patient satisfaction.
4 citations
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February 2008 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Hair transplant surgery successfully restored a woman's pubic hair, improving her appearance and satisfaction.
October 2022 in “IntechOpen eBooks” Hair loss due to scarring can be treated by reducing inflammation, removing scar tissue, and transplanting hair. The Follicular Unit Extraction technique is effective but requires skill and time. Future focus should be on scar-less healing methods.
1 citations
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October 2018 in “InTech eBooks” The document concludes that treatments for cicatricial alopecia are not well-supported by evidence, but hair transplantation shows more predictable and satisfactory results.
5 citations
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February 2024 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” FUE hair transplant effectively treats burn-related hair loss with natural results and quick recovery.
28 citations
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August 2013 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America” Body and beard hair can be used for hair restoration in severely bald patients, but the technique is complex and costly.
15 citations
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January 2019 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology” Early treatment helps stop hair loss in women of color.
