Hair transplantation: Basic overview - 08/09/21

Doi : 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.03.124

Francisco Jimenez, MD ^a,^⁎ , Majid Alam, PhD ^b,^c, James E. Vogel, MD ^d, Marc Avram, MD ^e,^f
^a Mediteknia Dermatology and Hair Transplant Clinic, Universidad Fernando Pessoa Canarias, Gran Canaria, Spain
^b Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
^c Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
^d Department of Plastic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital and School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
^e Weill Cornell Medical School, New York, New York
^f Private Practice, New York, New York

^∗Correspondence to: Francisco Jimenez, MD, Mediteknia Clinica, Av. Alcalde Ramirez Bethencourt, 20, Las Palmas de, Gran Canaria 35004, Spain.Mediteknia ClinicaAv. Alcalde Ramirez Bethencourt, 20, Las Palmas deGran Canaria35004Spain

Abstract

Modern hair restoration surgery is based on a technique known as follicular unit transplantation, in which follicular units are the exclusive structures used as hair grafts. In Part 1 of this 2-part review, we describe how the techniques employed in hair transplantation have evolved into their present forms. Anatomic concepts of specific relevance for dermatologists are discussed, including the distribution and ex vivo morphology of scalp follicular units. Male androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss are the most common reasons for hair loss consultations with dermatologists and will be the primary focus of this review. However, because not all hair disorders are suitable for transplantation, this review will also describe which scalp conditions are amenable to surgery and which are not. Guidelines are provided to help dermatologists better define good and bad candidates for hair transplantation. Other conditions for which hair transplantation surgery is indicated are reviewed.

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Key words : androgenetic alopecia, follicular unit excision, follicular unit, FUE, hair follicle, hair grafting, hair transplantation, scarring alopecia, strip harvesting

Abbreviations used : AGA, FDA, FFA, FU, LLLT, PRP

Plan

Introduction

The follicular unit: essential knowledge for surgeons

Key point

Distribution of follicular units on the scalp

The terminal hair follicle

Hair transplantation for androgenetic alopecia

Key points

Male androgenetic alopecia

Female pattern hair loss

Choosing good candidates for hair transplantation

Hair transplantation in scarring alopecias

Key points

Hair transplantation in other scalp and nonscalp conditions

Key points

	Funding sources: None.
	IRB approval status: Not applicable.
	Date of release: October 2021.
	Expiration date: October 2024.
	Reprints not available from the authors.