[Dense-packing hair grafting technique for restoration of cicatricial alopecia].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the possibility of using dense-packing hair grafting technique for restoration of cicatricial alopecia.


METHODS
Under local anesthesia, a scalp strip was harvested from the back of the head. A series of micro-grafts with 1-3 hairs and mini-grafts with 4-6 hairs were created from this strip. In the scarring recipient area, micro-slots were made with a 18 G needle for the micro-grafts and mini-slits were made with a No. 64 mini-blade for the mini-grafts. The grafts were then implanted into these holes.


RESULTS
Ninety-six patients with 128 bald scarring areas, resulted from burn, trauma or infection, were treated with the above-mentioned technique from April. 1998 to February. 2000. All of the patients were satisfied with the appearance. In the micro-graft area, the graft density reached 10-15 mini-grafts/cm2 per session. In the micro-graft area, the graft density reached 16-19 micro-grafts/cm2 per session. Postoperative following-up for more than 1 year showed that the grafted hairs were growing well with 90%-95% survival of the hair. One third of the patients obtained satisfactory results with only one session. Two thirds of the patients needed the second session to improve the appearance.


CONCLUSIONS
The dense-packing hair grafting technique is a simple, safe and effective method for hair restoration surgery. It is not only used for male pattern baldness, but could also be applied for restoration of cicatricial alopecia.
Wang
Jiping
J
Hair Transplantation Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital of CAMS, Beijing 100041, China.
Fan
Jincai
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002921:Cicatrix; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged