An Update on Hair Restoration Therapy

July 2009 in “ Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery ”

Thomas H. Lee, Timothy K. Minton

follicular unit transplant surgery follicular unit extraction FUE follicular unit strip surgery graft placement density follicular units linear donor scar powered punching device Minoxidil Finasteride Dutasteride Ketaconazole Latanoprost female hair loss Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Hair restoration techniques like follicular unit transplant surgery and follicular unit extraction are effective, with ideal graft placement density between 20-30 units per cm². Medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride can help maintain and regrow hair.

In 2009, Thomas S. Lee and Timothy J. Minton reviewed hair restoration techniques, focusing on follicular unit transplant surgery and follicular unit extraction (FUE). They concluded that while follicular unit strip surgery was the gold standard for hair replacement, FUE was also effective and could see further improvements. Ideal graft placement density was between 20 and 30 follicular units per cm², as higher densities could compromise graft survival. FUE could avoid the potential for a linear donor scar, but had its own disadvantages, including a higher risk of follicle damage. The review also discussed the use of a powered punching device for harvesting follicular units, and medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride for maintaining and thickening existing hair and regrowing hair follicles. Other medications under investigation included Dutasteride, Ketaconazole, and Latanoprost. Strategies for dealing with complications from previous hair restoration procedures and the treatment of female hair loss were also addressed.

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