Micropigmentation.

Micropigmentation and microblading is a popular technique now a days which is used as a semi permanent method for camoflaging various dermatological indications. This article will elaborate upon various indications of micropigmenation. Micropigmentation is used in variety of dermatological conditions like semi permanent make up and vitiligo (stable forms). In this technique, a thorough knowledge of the indication and colour theory is crucial to achieve near to natural output. Micropigmentation or medical tattooing is a novel and easy to learn technique to camouflage various dermatological conditions like stable vitiligo, alopecia (androgenetic alopecia or stable alopecia areata) as well as for semi permanent make up.

Follicular Unit Extraction [FUE] - One Procedure, Many Uses.

Follicular unit extraction [FUE] is a minimally invasive hair restoration surgery popularly known for its utility in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). In FUE, individual follicular grafts are extracted from donor area and implanted in the recipient area. Advantages of FUE are that it is comparatively 'scarless', has faster healing time, has less downtime and requires less technical staff. This article is aimed to highlight upon the multi-faceted utility of FUE technique in various dermatological indications like androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, facial hair restoration, tractional alopecia, scarring alopecia, body hair transplant, vitiligo as well as hirsutism.

Microblading and the Science Behind it.

Eyebrows have been known to be an importance aspect of facial aesthetics and eyebrow restoration is now a part of anti-ageing procedures too. Microblading is a new technique in the field of permanent cosmetics for eyebrow restoration. Currently, it is one of the most sort after treatment in aesthetic procedures due to the curiosity and awareness raised by social media. Microblading is a form of superficial micropigmentation, wherein pigment is deposited till the papillary dermis, with the help of a manual device and a blade consisting of stacked needles. The resultant crisp, discrete hair like incisions simulate the eyebrow hair to give a natural look. The results are semi-permanent and last only 12-18 months. In the recent years, with the advancement in the instrumentation of microblading there have been several modifications in this procedure. Microblading has now found its applications not only in cosmetic treatments but also in dermatological conditions such as alopecia totalis, hypothyroidism, chemotherapy induced madarosis etc. It is a vital tool in any dermatology or cosmetic practise for its extensive applications. But with the rise in popularity of microblading, there is also a rise of untrained professionals performing it leading to a rise in its side-effects. This article aims at not only guiding on the instrumentation and procedure of microblading but also its pre and post procedure care, interaction with other aesthetic procedures and treating its complications.

Donor Area Acute Effluvium following Follicular Unit Extraction-Trichoscopic Simulator of Alopecia Areata: Series of Four Cases.

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a popular hair transplant technique, which involves extraction of follicular grafts from the donor area, usually occipital area of scalp. We have described few cases where non-scarring alopecia patches appeared at donor area similar to that of alopecia areata clinically, after 2-3 weeks of surgery. Even trichoscopically, findings were similar to alopecia areata showing exclamation marks, black dots. However, on histopathology, there were dilated blood vessels, mucin deposition, and only few lymphocytes, which mimic histopathology of healing wound. We hypothesize that compromised blood supply and trauma to the existing hairs after harvesting can lead to post-hair transplant effluvium, which is probably due to anagen effluvium.

Effect of COVID-19 Outbreak on Hair Transplant Field of India.

World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection a global pandemic. All cosmetic, aesthetic, and hair transplant (HT) surgeries are stopped as elective surgeries may become the reason for infection spread. Most of the HT clinics have stopped surgeries or postponed till lockdown date limit. This pandemic situation has caused financial implications for these setups. India is still working to flatten the curve of the pandemic. Once the peak of the pandemic is over, virus may become endemic, and the risk of transmission of the disease to the HT team is also a possibility. HT field of India is thus in an extremely challenging position. We did a survey among the members of Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons of India (AHRS) to know the current status of the HT field of India and surgeon's perspective toward the situation.

Complications in Hair Transplantation.

Hair transplantation is a relatively safe surgery and is associated with very few complications. It is a cosmetic surgery so the complications may impact social and psychological aspect of the patient. Every hair transplantation surgeon should be aware of possible complications and techniques for the prevention and techniques of their management. Most of the complications are avoidable and can be minimized by proper surgical technique and wound care. Counseling and discussion with the patient before surgery help in proper planning and avoid patient dissatisfaction. Every patient should be individualized, planned, and operated with an aim to zero-down the complications and complaints.