Operation Restore
Locks of Love
National Alopecia
Areata Foundation
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THE HAIR RESTORATION REPORT June 2003 Congratulations! You have been selected to receive this issue of the "HAIR RESTORATION REPORT." This report contains tips on how to make the most out of the hair you already have, slow the hair loss process and more effectively plan and manage the restoration of your hair. In This Issue: The "TRUTH" About Micro-SurgeryAs some already know surgical hair restoration is more natural than ever before. In fact, because of the use of microsurgical instruments it is possible and even routine to transplant actual follicles. These follicles typically contain 1, 2 or 3 hairs. This requires the use of smaller instrumentation in making the "receptor sites." Receptor sites are the locations where the transplanted follicles will be placed. But there has been a lot of misinformation and commercialization lately over the various surgical instruments used today for making the receptor sites for the hair transplant grafts to be placed. I thought I would take this opportunity to explain the differences. After a small portion of scalp is removed from the back of the head (we call this the "donor area") it is divided into pieces to be transplanted. These pieces can be as small as one, two or three hair micro-grafts (also called follicular units), or four to seven-hair grafts, also called mini-grafts. The instruments used to make the receptor sites for these
grafts are divided into two categories: The round hollow punch varies in size from 0.75mm to 4.5mm to accommodate the grafts of various sizes. Very few physicians use the older large punch since they give a pluggy look. The hollow punch, not only comes in a round shape, but also can be oval or elliptical and also vary in size. This type of punch is called a "slot punch." Solid blades do not remove the tissue but do cause compression of the grafts and the skin between the grafts. Some physicians have used various gauge hypodermic needles to make these incisions, while others have flattened the needle in order for it to make a slit incision rather than a round incision, and this is referred to as a "Nokor" needle. There are many different types and shapes of blades used for this procedure, some blades are very long and pointed, some are short and spear-like, others are shaped more like a flat chisel. Some blades are shaped at a 40-degree angle, and still others are shaped like a paddle; each having its own champion Some blades can be adjusted to various lengths; such as the "lightening knife" while other models have a fixed length of how deep they can enter into the skin, such as the "Minde" knife, which is available in different sizes, from 1.3mm to 3mm in length. All these dozens of blades and punches are well known to the experienced hair transplant surgeon and have been tried by most of them over the years. There is no one right way or "my way" of making these incisions. Each physician has his own personal preference. Far more important is the selection of a surgeon. Evaluating their skill, experience and judgment is far more critical than the type or shape of the instrument they use to create these receptor site incisions. Don't be fooled by the announcement of a "revolutionary new blade." The fact is that these instruments have been available for many years and have been adapted to hair restoration surgery. If you seek more information about hair restoration, I recommend that you contact a medical doctor that has years of experience specializing only in hair restoration. These professionals see the most number of patients and have the greatest level of experience. Thank You and Best Regards, Randall Sword, MD, FACEP, Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgeons ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- LIVE Surgery One-on-One with the doctor Irvine One-on-One with the doctor Want to know more about the many options available to you in hair restoration, hair maintenance and hair replacement? Contact the Sword Medical Center office nearest you 1-800-242-6900 or go to www.swordmedical.com |
