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A method for evaluating and treating the temporal peak region in patients with male pattern baldness
1Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Background:
In the past, hair restoration surgeons have focused most of their attention and efforts on the reconstruction of the hairline region and the area on top of the head. However, little attention has been given to the temporal peaks and the areas immediately posterior to them.
Objective:
The goals of this article are to describe the pattern baldness process at the temporal peaks and the region immediately posterior to them, and to describe a method for the evaluation and treatment of these very important and often neglected areas.
Methods:
A method for evaluating and grading the temporal peak region is given. A surgical technique for treating this problem is described. This method consists of making 1.0 mm spear blade incisions at a very acute 10 degrees angle in the newly designed anterior peak and in between the hair follicles that remain in the area posterior to the peak. The grafting of the finest one-haired grafts available in between existing hair follicles is accomplished with the help of 3.5x expandable loupes. The anterior temporal peak design is coordinated with the position of the frontal hairline restoration; the more anterior the hairline, the more anterior the temporal peak and vice-versa.
Results:
The results of evaluating the temporal peak areas and treating them appropriately have consistently restored the cosmetic harmony between the frontal hairline and the temporal peak region. It is important, however, to only utilize the finest hairs available to create an aesthetically pleasing result.
Conclusion:
When evaluating patients for hair restoration surgery, it should be a common practice to evaluate the temporal peak regions and the areas immediately posterior to them. These areas should be appropriately treated so that the frontal hair restoration coordinates with that of the temporal peak. The further anterior one comes with the hairline, the more anterior must come with the temporal peak restoration and vice-versa.