Dr. Carlos K. Wesley: Importance of Minimal Color Contrast (2567 grafts))

[Billena]

This patient illustrates the importance of minimal color contrast between the hair and the skin. A 2567-graft session to the frontal half of his scalp can be seen before, during, and 18 months after treatment. Because the 35-year-old patient traveled a great distance to reach Dr. Wesley's center, the "after" images that he volunteered were taken in his own home.

 

Edited May 16, 2013 by Billena

[Spanker]

Did this gentleman have an HT prior to this one?

 

Color is important, but there is also not much that can be done about it either.

[Dr. Carlos Wesley]

Hi, Spanker.

 

Nope. This was the patient's very first HT. He was quite nervous coming in for the session and concerned about a natural appearance down the road. He's no longer concerned.

 

While there's not a whole lot a patient can do regarding their color contrast (other than not dying their hair as they age), the physician can certainly alter his/her surgical design based on the degree of color contrast between hair and scalp. When the contrast is significant, a softer hairline design provides a more natural appearance. When contrast is minimal, a more aggressive approach to hairline density may be appropriate.

[Blake Bloxham]

Great work! Thanks for sharing.

[agenteye]

Nice work Dr. Wesley!! I bet this patient was thrilled with his result, and rightfully so! He looks like a completely different person! 2500+ grafts did him very well :-)

[SADbutTRUE]

great result , very natural

[Dr. Carlos Wesley]

Thanks again for your comments.

 

While I didn't use them in this patient, his minimal color contrast (just like that in this grey-haired Caucasian patient, for example) also makes him a great candidate for double follicular units (DFUs) that would be tucked well behind the finest hairs that are placed within a hairline. This provides great coverage as the hair gradient of softness to density progresses backwards.