Dense-packing hair grafting technique for restoration of cicatricial alopecia / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the possibility of using dense-packing hair grafting technique for restoration of cicatricial alopecia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Under local anesthesia, a scalp strip was harvested from the back of the head. A series of micro-grafts with 1-3 hairs and mini-grafts with 4-6 hairs were created from this strip. In the scarring recipient area, micro-slots were made with a 18 G needle for the micro-grafts and mini-slits were made with a No. 64 mini-blade for the mini-grafts. The grafts were then implanted into these holes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ninety-six patients with 128 bald scarring areas, resulted from burn, trauma or infection, were treated with the above-mentioned technique from April. 1998 to February. 2000. All of the patients were satisfied with the appearance. In the micro-graft area, the graft density reached 10-15 mini-grafts/cm2 per session. In the micro-graft area, the graft density reached 16-19 micro-grafts/cm2 per session. Postoperative following-up for more than 1 year showed that the grafted hairs were growing well with 90%-95% survival of the hair. One third of the patients obtained satisfactory results with only one session. Two thirds of the patients needed the second session to improve the appearance.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The dense-packing hair grafting technique is a simple, safe and effective method for hair restoration surgery. It is not only used for male pattern baldness, but could also be applied for restoration of cicatricial alopecia.</p>