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Although eyelash transplantation is performed much like a modern hair transplant procedure (and is often practiced by the same hair restoration physicians), finding information on the technique is not an easy task. Because of this, coalition surgeon Dr. Bijan Feriduni wrote a descriptive article on eyelash transplantation. According to Dr. Feriduni:

1. Indications :

Basically, there are two groups, for whom eyelash transplantation is eligible :

A. Women and men – independent of age, skin color, hair color or skin type, because this aesthetic operation is eligible for everybody who would like to have longer or fuller eyelashes;

B. The second group comprises those people for whom the method is used as a reconstructive measure. After an accident or burnings, the eyelash transplant procedure is the only possibility to have ones own eyelashes.

2. Techniques for eyelash transplantation in my clinic :

Harvesting technique – (Follicular unit strip harvesting)

A small strip with long donor hair (I always try to use thick, strong, double hair units ) is harvested from the back of the scalp, the long donor hairs are stereo-microscopically dissected (trimmed as closely as possible with a minimum of surrounding tissue) from the strip and prepared for transplantation.

This question comes from a member of the Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums:

A past follicular unit transplantation procedure left me with a less than desirable hair transplant scar. I’m now investigating a scar revision procedure and I’m wondering the potential pitfalls and risks of this operation?

Although revising a follicular unit transplantation (FUT) scar is usually considered less invasive than a hair transplant procedure, there are still certain risks and issues involved. In most cases, the undesirable strip scar is removed in the same fashion as the donor portion in a FUT procedure – by removing a portion of scalp (varying in width and length) from the universal donor zone and closing the wound with sutures or staples. Because of this, some issues associated with traditional hair transplant operations – scar stretching, laxity (“looseness”)  in the donor region, and closure tension, are still relevant in a revision procedure.

However, one of the most significant complications from a scar revision procedure comes from many patient’s desire to obtain and implant additional follicular unit grafts from the excised scar region. During many revision operations, excess scalp (containing implantable grafts) is removed from around the scar region and the additional follicular grafts are transplanted into balding areas. However taking excess scalp (around the excised scar tissue) simply for the intent of obtaining extra grafts can often create another sub-optimal scar. In various cases, it may be advantageous to simply remove the scar tissue and close a smaller area instead of trying to revise the scar and obtain additional grafts.

This question comes from a member of the Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums:

Years ago, I underwent an antiquated hair transplant surgery where multi-unit, hair plug grafts were implanted in my hairline. After years of turmoil, I’ve decided to have these pluggy grafts removed, or punched-out, and seek a modern, state-of-the-art hair transplant procedure at a later date. However, I’m wondering how long it will take before the redness caused by the hair plug removal procedure fades away?

Because of the size of multi-unit, plug grafts, it’s reasonable to worry about redness and swealling from a removal procedure. Keep in mind that although hair plugs are removed much like follicular unit grafts in a follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure, the trauma caused by the size of the punch grafts will result in some swelling and redness in the extraction area. For the sake of comparison, a typical follicular unit extraction tool will measure 0.7 – 0.9 mm in diameter, whereas the average plug graft measures (and will require an extraction tool) 3.5 – 4 mm in width.

On average, the redness created by hair plug removal will last anywhere from 2 – 3 weeks. However, keep in mind that the wider the graft, the more trauma caused during extraction, and the longer the area will remain red. For example, a micro or mini-graft (a plug graft dissected into smaller, but still unnecessarily large segments) extraction would remain red for less time than a punch or plug graft removal.

This inquiry was asked by a member of our Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums:

This question has to do with my hair loss, but not loss from my head. I’ve recently noticed that the hair on the outside of my legs, just above my ankles is bald and smooth while the rest of my legs are quite hairy. I researched online, and it seems as if many other individuals suffer from body hair loss. Does anyone know what causes this phenomenon, and if a hair transplant procedure or medications (like finasteride and minoxidil) will restore the hair?

After some investigation, it appears that you’re right and this is a commonly discussed issue. However, finding answers proves a much more difficult task. From my research, it seems as if there are two schools of thought:

1. Body hair loss (such as leg hair loss) is type of genetic condition in men aged 35 years and older. Much like male pattern baldness, body hair loss is highly influenced by your genes and likely carried out by certain hormones.

2. Body hair loss is a type of traction alopecia (hair loss from pulling or tension on the hairs) from wearing tight socks or continually crossing one’s legs in a particular position.

Regardless, it appears as if most experts don’t suggest any oral/topical medications or surgical solutions for the issue, though switching to low-cut socks and refraining from continual leg-crossing may help if the ankle hair loss is caused by traction alopecia.
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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

This question, asked by a member of the Hair Loss Discussion Forums, was answered by Coalition physician Dr. Cam Simmons:

If only one portion of my follicular unit transplantation (FUT) scar has stretched, is it better to solely revise the stretched section or the entire strip scar (including the non-stretched area)?

If your only concern is the hair transplant scar, I would usually only revise areas of the scar that have stretched and leave the good areas alone.

The tension on the closure has more to do with the width of the strip than the length. Every scar revision is unique, but if the vertical scalp laxity (“looseness” of the scalp) is greater than the width of the scar there is a good chance that scar revision would be successful. If it isn’t, you would need to consider serial partial scar revisions and/or transplanting follicular unit grafts into the scar.

Cam Simmons, MD, ABHRS
Canadian Hair Transplant Centre,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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Technorati Tags: follicular unit transplantation, FUT, strip scar, hair transplant scar, scar revision, scalp laxity, follicular unit grafts

This question, asked on the Hair Restoration Discussion Forum, was answered by recommended hair transplant surgeon Dr. William H. Lindsey of McLean, Virginia:

Since modern follicular unit transplantation surgeries leave such little scarring in the donor area, why aren’t hair restoration physicians performing more scalp reductions in the crown? It seems like there is greater laxity in the crown compared to the donor area, meaning a lot of bald scalp could be reduced with minimal scarring?

My guess is that there are 3 reasons why scalp reductions aren’t occurring today:

First, scars can be a real problem and can potentially disfigure someone, even in the best of hands. Additionally, tissue expansion really let us remove a lot of bald scalp, but very few men want to walk around with a balloon expander in for a month, when they can have a modern transplant.

Second, the surrounding hair can get pulled into an unnatural position.

Third, modern follicular unit grafting has greatly improved overall results with minimal potential complications.

Finally, using my landscape analogies that I use with patients: Imagine you have a farm that has a hill with no trees. It is easier to plant trees on the hill, than it is to grade the hill down to level so that surrounding tree’d land camouflages it.

William H. Lindsey, MD, FACS

McLean, VA

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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

Our popular community is #1 in helping hair loss sufferers find credible information and treatments for baldness. To join dozens of active members who regularly answer questions, share their experiences, photos, videos, and more, visit our discussion forum.

Below, we’ve compiled some of the latest hot topic hair loss questions and answers we received from our Associate Publisher Bill Seemiller and expert hair restoration physicians.

Feel free to ask your own questions and get answers on our hair restoration forum or privately by emailing help@hairtransplantnetwork.com.

How Dense Packing Affects Hair Transplant Growth Yield

Why Rogaine Foam Isn’t Recommended for Women

Are Scalp Reductions Always Bad? (Dr. Michael Beehner)

Accutane Induced Hair Loss and Hair Transplant Surgery

Bill Seemiller – Falceros
Managing Publisher/Editor

Technorati Tags: hair loss, baldness, Bill Seemiller, hair restoration, Bill Seemiller, Falceros

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is becoming an increasingly popular hair transplant procedure for men who don’t want a linear strip scar.  However, men with advanced hair loss are quickly learning that the available donor hair supply via FUE is typically less abundant than via follicular unit transplantation (FUT).  Thus, follicular unit extraction enthusiasts are turning to body and beard hair for alternative sources of donor hair to fill remaining balding areas.

The idea of using beard hair as a rich source of donor has enticed members of our community.  Though body hair has been notoriously inconsistent in terms of hair growth yield, beard hair is considered a viable and robust source of donor hair.  However, patients are reluctant to make use of this donor source due to risks of scarring on the face.

To learn about the benefits and risks of using beard hair for transplanting, visit “Beard Hair Transplant – Donor Scarring”.  You are encouraged to offer your input.

Bill Seemiller – aka Falceros
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum
Follow our community on Twitter
Watch hair transplant videos on YouTube

Technorati Tags: hair transplant, hair loss, donor hair, FUE, follicular unit extraction, beard hair, balding, body hair, hair growth, beard hair for transplanting, Bill Seemiller, Falceros

Our large hair restoration community is made up of thousands of balding men and women searching for real hair restoration solutions and dozens of prescreened expert hair loss doctors. See how we prescreen hair restoration physicians. Many of these physicians regularly contribute their expert opinions and advice on important issues related to hair restoration.

Below, we’ve compiled some of the most recent and vital input we’ve received from leading physician member of our community and presented them below for your benefit.

Feel free to ask your own questions and get answers on our hair loss forum or privately by emailing help@hairtransplantnetwork.com.

Hair Procedures for Women with High Foreheads (Dr. Sheldon Kabaker)

Is Propecia Required after Hair Transplant Surgery? (Dr. Michael Beehner)

When Should I Expect my Hair Transplant to Grow? (Dr. Robert True)

Do Body Hair Transplants Work? (Dr. Cam Simmons)

Bill Seemiller – aka Falceros
Associate Publisher/Editor

Technorati Tags: hair restoration, balding, hair restoration solutions, hair loss, Dr. Sheldon Kabaker, Dr. Michael Beehner, Dr. Robert True, Dr. Cam Simmons

This question was posed by a hair loss sufferer seeking hair loss help on our hair restoration forum and answered by Dr. Michael Beehner of Saratoga Springs, NY.  Dr. Beehner is one of our recommended hair restoration physicians. His professional answer is below.

What’s the deal with scalp reductions? I’ve seen that many recommended physicians on the Hair Transplant Network no longer perform them, and I’ve seen elsewhere that they are frowned upon, but why? It makes sense that if you can reduce the bald area that needs to be covered, you can have a better overall result when you/if you decide to have a transplant.  

I performed my last scalp reduction 10 years ago, but did many of them my first 10 years before that. The one writer is correct.  You felt like a miracle man when you held that “before” Polaroid next to the “after” one and proudly gave the patient copies. But a few months later they always stretched back to some extent. Nine years ago I did a study on 11 consecutive scalp reduction patients and found that the stretchback percentage was around 40%. For example, if you removed a 5cm wide area of bald scalp, a few months later the side-to-side measurement would be as if you only removed 3cm instead of 5cm.

There are several other negatives also. While 80% of them had wonderful scars that were virtually impossible to see later on, the other 20% could shine in the night almost and were devilish to camouflage with grafts.