Hair Therapy & Transplantation
Open Access

Abstract

Conventional Suture Material versus Staplers in the Closure of Donor Area in Hair Transplant. Which is Better?

 Syed Mubashir, Peerzada Sajad , Farhan Rasool, Iffat Hassan, Yasmeen Jabeen and Sacchidanand S

Androgenetic alopecia is associated with a lot of psychological stress and hair transplant is the surgical modality of choice when medical treatment fails. The hair transplantation techniques are becoming more and more advanced with each passing day with focus on the aesthetic outcome and being more patient friendly and convenient for the surgeon too. Closing the donor area is a challenge as it leaves a scar and decreases the chances of second transplant if needed. Thus the technique of donor area closure and the choice of suture material are important determinants of the final cosmetic outcome of donor area. In this study we have compared the cosmetic outcome of conventional suture material (prolene) with staplers in the closure of donor wound area. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the aesthetic outcome of donor area scar following the closure of donor area with prolene and staplers. Material and Methods: Twenty eight patients with androgenetic alopecia (grade III-V) were enrolled for the study. The patients were divided into two groups. In one group prolene 3-0 was used while in the other group staplers were used for the closure of donor wound area. Written informed consent was taken from all the patients and procedure was explained to them. All the patients were followed for six months post-transplant. Results: The cosmetic outcome of using prolene and staplers in the closure of donor area was almost equivalent as far as the scar formation is concerned. Conclusion: Prolene and staplers are both effective in the closure of donor area in follicular unit hair transplant, but staplers can be convenient as far as closing donor area is concerned as it needs not much surgical skills and saves time in closing donor area also.