Hair shaft thickness makes a huge difference, 2 identical procedures by Dr. Lindsey McLean VA

[Dr. William Lindsey]

The last 2 Fridays, we have had exactly the same cases; but on 2 patients with very different hair characteristics. In our initial consultation, and preop consultation, I emphasized that one of these fellows has great donor hair, and ought to get a fantastic result with coverage of his crown. The other fellow has probably the second thinnest hairs that I have worked with. I suggested he should "spend" that thin but densely packed donor hair, up front. Rather he preferred to get some crown coverage and understands the limitations that his thin hairs give us both to work with.

 

Both of these guys are mid 50's military guys, very intelligent and have "pre-studied" most of the issues that we usually go over in the consultation. Each has a significant sized crown defect and tan scalp skin. But patient 1 has really thick coarse black hair and patient 2 has fine brown hair. There scalp laxity was similar and both wanted 2500 grafts.

 

Both had easy to do cases with little bleeding. Although I expect both to be satisfied, it is imperative that patients are educated as to what they "bring to the table" as far as donor and recipient characteristics, and how that will influence end results--even with perfect and complete growth.

 

Attached are preop, and postop pics. One has gone back to theatre; and I expect both to return in the spring, if not sooner. I'll try to update this at that time.

 

Dr. Lindsey McLean VA