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Dermatol Surg 2002 Sep;28(9):783-94

The art of repair in surgical hair restoration part I: basic repair strategies.


BACKGROUND: An increasingly important part of many hair restoration practices is the correction of hair transplants that were performed using older, outdated methods, or the correction of hair transplants that have left disfiguring results. The skill and judgment involved in these repair procedures often exceed those needed to operate on patients who have had no prior surgery. The use of small grafts alone does not protect the patient from poor work. Errors in surgical and aesthetic judgment, performing procedures on noncandidate patients, and the failure to communicate successfully with patients about realistic expectations remain major problems. OBJECTIVE: This two-part series presents new insights into repair strategies and expands upon several techniques previously described in the hair restoration literature. The focus is on creative aesthetic solutions to solve the supply/demand limitations inherent in most repairs. This article is written to serve as a guide for surgeons who perform repairs in their daily practices. METHODS: The repairs are performed by excision with reimplantation and/or by camouflage. Follicular unit transplantation is used for the restorative aspects of the procedure. RESULTS: Using punch or linear excision techniques allows the surgeon to relocate poorly planted grafts to areas that are more appropriate. In special situations, removal of grafts without reimplantation can be accomplished using lasers or electrolysis. The key elements of camouflage include creating a deep zone of follicular units, angling grafts in their natural direction, and using forward and side weighting of grafts to increase the appearance of fullness. The available donor supply is limited by hair density, scalp laxity, and scar placement. CONCLUSION: Presented with significant cosmetic problems and severely limited donor reserves, the surgeon performing restorative hair transplantation work faces distinct challenges. Meticulous surgical techniques and optimal utilization of a limited hair supply will enable the surgeon to achieve the best possible cosmetic results for patients requiring repairs.


J Dermatol 2002 Apr;29(4):197-201

Ultrastructural study of acquired pili torti-like hair defects accompanying pseudopelade.


Acquired structural hair defects are caused by various physical and chemical manipulations. Plucked hairs and hair follicle biopsy specimens of pili torti-like hairs that arose from pseudopelade scalp were studied. In scanning electron microscopy, the hair shafts had a segmental pili torti-like appearance, accompanied by oblique or longitudinal grooves and ridges. In light microscopy, the hair follicles showed an asymmetric hair bulb and inner root sheath, and a shortened keratogenous zone within sclerosing fibrous connective tissue. In transmission electron microscopy, the numbers and thickness of the hair cuticle cells were different on the opposite sides of the hair shaft. The hair cuticle was irregularly shaped and formed asymmetric waves. The tonofilaments in the hair cortex ran almost parallel to the hair axis. From these findings, it was clear that the grooves and ridges were produced by the deformed hair cuticle and cortex, whose shapes were modulated by the asymmetric inner root sheath. This asymmetry most likely resulted from a dysfunctional dermal papilla, which was affected by fibrosis. The pili torti-like appearance appeared to be caused by the grooves and ridges that ran obliquely on the hair shaft surface.


J Am Acad Dermatol 2002 Apr;46(4):541-4

Sulfasalazine for alopecia areata.


Sulfasalazine is used as a therapy for various autoimmune conditions, including psoriasis; its effectiveness is presumed to be the result of its immunomodulatory effects. We have treated patients with severe alopecia areata with sulfasalazine as part of our dermatology practice and have noticed cosmetically acceptable regrowth in 23% of patients in whom a response could be determined. In view of its good safety profile, sulfasalazine may be considered for systemic treatment of severe alopecia areata.


Eur J Dermatol 2002 Jan-Feb;12(1):38-49

Long-term (5-year) multinational experience with finasteride 1 mg in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia.


BACKGROUND: Finasteride 1 mg (Propecia) is indicated for the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss, MPHL). However, the long-term (> 2 years) efficacy and safety of finasteride in this population has not been previously reported. Objectives. To assess the efficacy and safety of finasteride in men with MPHL compared to treatment with placebo over five years. METHODS: In two 1-year, Phase III trials, 1,553 men with MPHL were randomized to receive finasteride 1 mg/day or placebo, and 1,215 men continued in up to four 1-year, placebo-controlled extension studies. Efficacy was evaluated by hair counts, patient and investigator assessments, and panel review of clinical photographs. RESULTS: Treatment with finasteride led to durable improvements in scalp hair over five years (p 3/4 0.001 versus placebo, all endpoints), while treatment with placebo led to progressive hair loss. Finasteride was generally well tolerated and no new safety concerns were identified during long-term use. CONCLUSIONS: In men with MPHL, long-term treatment with finasteride 1 mg/day over five years was well tolerated, led to durable improvements in scalp hair growth, and slowed the further progression of hair loss that occurred without treatment.


Since hair growth is a complicated biological process, modern science has yet to grasp a complete picture. A number of traditional and alternative therapeutic methods that include drugs, surgery, and suppelements have been developed to help those who are losing hair. Unfortunately, none of these approaches are perfect for all hair loss problems due to the complexity of the phenomenon and diverse nature of the causes underlying hair loss. Also, most of chemical drugs and hair transplantation surgeries are accompanied by undesirable side effects.

DreamPharm offers Hair Million (have you heard?) to help treat hair loss problems. Numerous anecdotal cases have demonstrated that this herbal formula based on traditional Chinese herbs actually improves hair thinning and hair loss, a condition often associated with aging, for a significant fraction of people who take the formula regularly. It is not yet understood how Hair Million can stop hair loss and promote hair growth. No scientific research or placebo controlled clinical analysis has been performed on these herbs. Lack of scientific/clinical research is not uncommon in herbal arena. Nonetheless, there are two merits in this hair restoration herbal formula: Firstly, Hair Million is relatively inexpensive, and secondly, it is made of edible herbs that are known to be safe when consumed in regular quantities. Propecia is a clinically tested prescription medication.












DHEA has been suggested to provide numerous potential benefits. DHEA (or dehydroepiandrosterone) is converted into androgens (male hormones) or estrogens (female hormones) in the cells.






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