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Vertical harvesting in hair transplantation
1Dermatology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3E 1E2, Canada. md766@hotmail.com
Background:
There are several methods for harvesting from donor area, including punch graft, multiple bladed knife, or single bladed knife excision followed by excision of an ellipse. Vertical harvesting is excellent for avoiding follicular transections because of complete visualization of the angle of the hair exiting the scalp. Also, the donor area is easier to visualize because of rock-hard tumescence achieved during the totality of procedure. Only an experienced surgeon using a multiple bladed knife would have fewer follicular transections.
Objective:
Optimal yield of the donor area: ie, minimal transection, thus less hair follicle transection.
Method:
Vertical harvesting of slivers of hair measuring 0.75-1.85 cm in height, and 3-4 millimeters in width using #10 solitary bladed knife and Optivisor (as magnification).
Result:
In our opinion, there is less transection of the follicular bulbs leading to an increase in yield.
Conclusion:
Patient comfort is maximized because the patient lies on one side. Another advantage is the reduced role of the technician, therefore requiring fewer technicians.