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Alopecia and techniques in hair restoration: an overview for the cosmetic surgeon

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Abstract

Purpose

Alopecia is a debilitating disorder affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Although challenging to treat, advances in hair restoration technologies have led to multiple viable options with excellent clinical results. This paper seeks to provide an overview of hair loss and the currently utilized techniques in hair transplantation in order to serve as a reference source for the facial plastic surgeon.

Methods

A comprehensive review of recent literature regarding the evaluation of, and management modalities for, alopecia was performed.

Results

The follicular unit extraction technique and the strip harvest technique are both widely used for patients desiring transplantation. While both techniques can lead to successful outcomes, each has pros and cons that are important to understand prior to engaging in the procedure.

Conclusion

Advancements in hair restoration technologies implementing robotics, manual, or motorized follicular unit extraction have facilitated optimization of outcomes. Adjuvant treatment modalities including robotics and platelet-rich plasma injections have shown utility in augmenting transplantation.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Rohan Joshi

  2. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State University Medical Center, State College, PA, USA

    Tom Shokri

  3. University of North Texas Health Sciences Center College of Medicine, Fort Worth, TX, USA

    Austin Baker

  4. Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, TX, USA

    Scott Kohlert, Mofiyinfolu Sokoya & Yadranko Ducic

  5. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA

    Sameep Kadakia

  6. Foundation for Hair Restoration, Miami, FL, USA

    Jeffrey Epstein

  7. Department of Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA

    R. Michael Johnson

Authors
  1. Rohan Joshi
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  2. Tom Shokri
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  3. Austin Baker
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  4. Scott Kohlert
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  5. Mofiyinfolu Sokoya
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  6. Sameep Kadakia
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Correspondence to Sameep Kadakia.

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Joshi, R., Shokri, T., Baker, A. et al. Alopecia and techniques in hair restoration: an overview for the cosmetic surgeon. Oral Maxillofac Surg 23, 123–131 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-019-00750-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-019-00750-9

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