Planting grafts rows or random

[Abby]

I ve noticed some surgeons plant grafts in nice uniform rows while others plant grafts randomly willy nilly. I there a reason for this if so what is the most prefered method.

[Abby]

I ve noticed some surgeons plant grafts in nice uniform rows while others plant grafts randomly willy nilly. I there a reason for this if so what is the most prefered method.

[Bill - Seemiller]

Abby,

 

There are a number of approaches and sometimes it's hard to say which approach is better. The key in evaluating technique is following the progress of the patient and most importantly, looking at the final result.

 

What I can tell you is, uniform rows can be dangerous if they are placed like corn rows. But leading physicians creating "rows" will "shingle" the grafts to create the most natural result and greatest illusion of density.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

[Dr. William Lindsey]

Back to tree/forest analogies.

 

Drive by a Christmas tree farm and you can tell it was not made by nature. Drive by a national forest and all you see is randomness.

 

With hair, most of us try to make at least the first half inch of hairline on back as random as we can so that it looks natural. That includes making an irregular hairline. Perfectly straight hairlines are not natural. I personally use a laser level to draw a nice straight hairline for the patient to approve placement, then we "zig zag" it up to get a natural appearance when making slits.

 

Dr. Lindsey McLean VA