TLDR Dr. Shoji Okuda's early hair transplantation techniques were rediscovered after being overlooked due to World War II.
In 1939, Japanese doctor Shoji Okuda published a series of papers on hair transplantation techniques, which were similar to those later described by Dr. Norman Orentreich in 1959. Okuda's work, which was largely forgotten due to the onset of World War II, included hair transplantation for cicatricial alopecia, as well as pubic hair, eyebrow, and mustache reconstruction using custom-made punches with a diameter of 1.5–5mm. He found that the optimal survival rate of transplanted hair was achieved with punches of 2.5–4mm in diameter. Okuda also discovered that scalp hair could survive and continue to grow at any site, and that all cases of hetero-hair-transplantation were unsuccessful. His work was rediscovered 30 years later by German surgeon Professor H.C. Friederich. Okuda's original papers were translated into English and made available to scholars in 2003.
19 citations,
September 2009 in “The Journal of Dermatology” Dr. Shoji Okuda was a pioneer in hair transplant surgery, but his work was initially overlooked and is now recognized alongside Dr. Norman Orentreich.
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25 citations,
March 2009 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Eyebrow transplantation can be successful for Asians with the right technique and care, but regular maintenance is necessary.
15 citations,
May 2005 in “Seminars in Plastic Surgery” The document concludes that hair follicular unit transplantation is an effective method for eyebrow and eyelash reconstruction, with patients happy despite needing regular trimming.
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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.
6 citations,
January 2010 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas” Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation has become a less invasive procedure with natural results, suitable for certain adults with hair loss.
14 citations,
May 2019 in “Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery” FUE hair transplant is a promising method with benefits like less scarring, but requires a skilled surgeon and can damage hair follicles.