Graft Harvesting

Hair from the back and sides of the head, which is resistant to the balding process, is known as the permanent donor zone. This is a limited and finite resource from which we are able to harvest the hair that will be used in the transplant process. We utilize specific techniques in our surgery to optimize the use of this limited resource. This is done specifically by minimizing transection (cutting across) of hair follicles during excision of the donor hair; and by minimizing scarring in the donor area, which would interfere with any subsequent donor hair harvesting.

To minimize transection, the donor hair is harvested as a single elliptical strip of scalp, which has been tumesced (pumped up) with a saline solution. Use of multibladed scalpels, which results in increased transection, is specifically avoided. Closure of the donor site wound is achieved using surgical grade stainless steel staples designed specifically for cosmetic surgery. The resultant scarring is very minimal and we feel this justifies the few days of mild discomfort, as compared with traditional suturing techniques.