Reconstructive Hair Transplantation of the Face and Scalp
May 2005
in “
Seminars in Plastic Surgery
”
TLDR Hair transplantation using micrografts and minigrafts is effective and safe for facial and scalp reconstruction with natural-looking results.
The document from May 2005 by Alfonso Barrera, M.D., details the advancements in reconstructive hair transplantation using micrografts and minigrafts for the face and scalp, achieved over a decade of practice from 1993 to 2004. Barrera performed over 750 transplantations with a high satisfaction rate and a low complication rate, noting only four cases (0.8%) of significant complications such as keloid scarring and poor hair growth. The technique's success is attributed to careful attention to hair growth direction, texture, and aesthetic planning, which allows for natural-looking results and minimal scarring. The document also offers guidance for surgeons new to hair transplantation, emphasizing the need for a skilled team, starting with smaller graft sessions, and the importance of having the right equipment. It concludes that hair transplantation is a valuable addition to a plastic surgeon's practice for both aesthetic and reconstructive purposes.