Surgical hair restoration

Modern hair restoration surgery is predicated on the understanding of the follicular unit. In this work, the concept of both the follicular unit and the multiple follicular unit is introduced. Preoperative considerations involve evaluating the quality of donor hair for transplantation, extent and pattern of alopecia, along with possible dermatologic, systemic, or psychological conditions that would obviate the possibility of surgical intervention. The role of Food and Drug Administration-approved medical management, finasteride and minoxidil, are discussed. The technique is outlined, with an emphasis on understanding how to recreate natural hair patterns across the different regions of the scalp and how to ensure proper graft survival and growth.