Minimal Scars for Scalp Surgery

In 2007, Patrick Frechet, MD, introduced a new surgical technique for scalp surgery aimed at minimizing scarring. The study involved over 100 cases and demonstrated that by avoiding incisions into the galea aponeurotica and using a hypodermic incision, deepithelialization of the lower lip of the wound, and precise suturing, scars were significantly less visible, with 70% to 100% of cases showing thinner scars compared to traditional methods. The technique, which also avoids deep sutures and foreign bodies, resulted in scars that were sometimes only visible under high magnification. While the galea's role in scar widening is not fully understood, the technique's focus on reducing tension and limiting wound width to 10 mm or less has led to minimal visible scarring in most cases. However, the technique may have limitations for larger hair transplant sessions and may not be as effective for secondary or tertiary graft strip harvests due to increased tension.