Review of factors affecting the growth and survival of follicular grafts

• Published in: Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery Vol. 3; no. 2; pp. 69 - 75
• Main Authors: Parsley, William M, Perez-Meza, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01.05.2010; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Apoptosis; Deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA; Hair; Hair follicles; Hair transplantation; ischemia reperfusion injury; Oxidative stress; Oxygen; Physiological aspects; platelet-rich plasma; Postoperative period; Review; Rodents; storage solutions; Studies; Transplantation; Wound healing; ischemia reperfusion injury; Hair transplantation; platelet-rich plasma; storage solutions
• ISSN: 0974-2077; 0974-5157
• DOI: 10.4103/0974-2077.69014

Great strides have been made in hair restoration over the past 20 years. A better understanding of natural balding and non-balding patterns along with more respect for ageing has helped guide proper hairline design. Additionally, the use of smaller grafts has created a significantly improved natural appearance to the transplanted grafts. Inconsistent growth and survival of follicular grafts, however, has continued to be a problem that has perplexed hair restoration surgeons. This review attempts to explore the stresses affecting grafts during transplantation and some of the complexities involved in graft growth and survival. These authors reviewed the literature to determine the primary scope of aspects influencing growth and survival of follicular grafts. This scope includes patient selection, operating techniques, graft care, storage solutions and additives. The primary focus of the hair restoration surgeons should first be attention to the fundamentals of hair care, hydration, temperature, time out of body and gentle handling. Factors such as advanced storage solutions and additives can be helpful once the fundamentals have been addressed.