Laser hair transplantation II.

[BACKGROUND] In a previous study, hair-bearing grafts inserted into slits prepared with an ultrapulse Co2 laser were shown to produce results that combined the advantages of round grafts and slit grafts: specifically, maximum density with minimum transitional clumpiness. A variety of other advantages and disadvantages of laser transplanting were outlined.

[OBJECTIVE] The purpose of this study was to investigate what would occur when larger numbers of grafts were involved.

[METHODS] Only alopecic areas were used as test sites. Each time any given number of grafts was studied, we would wait for good hair growth before increasing that number in subsequent individuals. Evaluations were made on the basis of direct observation and photographs.

[RESULTS] The benefits noted with small numbers of grafts were confirmed with larger numbers. Hair dispersion and density are remarkably natural looking after even one session in an alopecic area. These results assure an important role for Co2 lasers in hair transplanting. The procedure however is currently more time consuming and associated with other disadvantages, which are discussed. In particular, hair growth is delayed 2-6 weeks as compared with conventional grafting. The imminent availability of a scanner to produce consistent speed and ideal graft spacing and positioning will minimize or eliminate the most significant disadvantages and create important new advantages.