A novel application of the infrared coagulator in hair transplantation. Significant reduction of width of the donor site wound.

[BACKGROUND] The infrared coagulator, a by-product of laser technology, has been used in dermatology in a variety of settings. During hair transplantation sessions, we observed a significant reduction of the donor ellipse width while performing hemostasis with the infrared coagulator.

[OBJECTIVE] Quantitative assessment of the donor wound width after infrared coagulator use, and correlation to the number of previous transplant sessions and patients' age.

[METHODS] Twenty-four patients (22 men, two women) underwent hair transplantation. The infrared coagulator was utilized for hemostasis with a pulse duration of 2.5 seconds.

[RESULTS] The infrared coagulator produced an average donor area decrease of 42%, while achieving rapid hemostasis. No correlation was demonstrated to number of previous transplant sessions or patients' age.

[CONCLUSIONS] The infrared coagulator significantly decreases the donor wound width while providing hemostasis. Advantages include the potential of larger donor strip harvest, minimal tissue manipulation, and less traumatic closure.