From: Dragonette, Inc., 205 W. Wacker, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60606
FOR: The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, 930 Meacham Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Contact:
Shari Cartwright
(312) 424-5311
E-mail: [email protected]
DEVELOPMENTS IN LASER TECHNIQUES ADVANCE HAIR RESTORATION
CO2 Laser With Computerized Scanner Boosts Hair Restoration Effectiveness
BARCELONA, Spain (Oct. 15, 1997) - New developments combining cutting-edge technology with familiar laser techniques increases effectiveness in hair restoration surgery. The carbon dioxide laser in combination with a computerized pattern generator offers a more effective method of creating recipient sites for hair grafts, according to research to be presented at the annual meeting of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) in Barcelona, Spain, October 15-19.
"This study indicates that the CO2 laser is an exceptional tool for hair restoration surgery," said Barry E. DiBernardo, M.D., F.A.C.S., clinical assistant professor of plastic surgery at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey and director of the National Institute of Aesthetic Surgery, Montclair, N.J., who will present the study. "The controlled analysis of hair growth, hair quality and histology of this research dramatically illustrates the efficacy of the laser technique."
Hair restoration surgery is the only permanent solution available to those who suffer from hair loss. An estimated 30,000 to 42,000 hair restoration surgeries were performed in the U.S. in 1991, representing a 450 percent increase over the number performed in 1981.1
The first prospective study to directly compare the use of the CO2 laser with the cold steel technique, it directly addresses the effectiveness of the two techniques and provides potential new directions for the future. The international study included 48 patients at four medical centers in Montclair, N.J. and San Diego, Calif. in the U.S.; London, England; and Helsinki, Finland. The procedure involved making slits for the hair grafts on the right side of each patient's head with the cold steel technique (making an opening in the scalp with the traditional steel punch) and on the left side with the CO2 laser. Preliminary data show that the side of the head that received the laser treatment had improved quality of hair due to "slot" creation.
The UltraPulse CO2 laser, which issues short high-powered pulses that create scalp openings with less bleeding, was adjusted for this study to less than 100 microns of thermal damage. This allowed enough heat to seal blood vessels and reduce bleeding, but did not prevent the presence of plasma in the site which provides important nutrients to the hair graft during the first 24 to 48 hours after replanting. The laser was fitted with the Ultracut handpiece, adaptable software that aims laser pulses into accurate geometric patterns on specific areas of the scalp. Financial support for this study was provided by Coherent Medical, Palo Alto, California.
Opinions of the Laser's Effectiveness Are Varied
A review of the literature also to be presented at the meeting suggested that experts offer differing opinions on the effectiveness of the laser, recently introduced as a new instrument for hair restoration procedures.
"The laser is an exciting new tool, but it is not yet considered the definitive 'state-of-the art' instrument," said Marc R. Avram, MD, director of cosmetic surgery, division of dermatology, New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center in New York. "While it offers certain advantages, we are continuing to investigate its effectiveness in hair restoration procedures."
Opinions reflected in various studies range from a clear advantage over traditional steel punches (the cold steel technique) to a clear contraindication in hair transplant surgery. The heat generated by the laser at the site of the incision cauterizes the blood vessels and dramatically reduces the amount of bleeding. However, some experts believe that reduced amount of blood in the recipient site hinders the healthy growth of the grafted hair and provides a less successful outcome for hair transplant patients.
Hair Loss Cannot be Prevented, May Negatively Affect Self-Esteem
Hair loss, a condition that cannot be prevented, affects 35 million men and 21 million women in the U.S., with varying impact on their psychological, social and emotional well-being. As new and more advanced options become available, an increasing number of men and women are looking for ways to replace or restore lost hair.
Male-pattern baldness is usually more extensive and dramatic than female-pattern baldness. The most common type of male-pattern baldness begins with minimal recession at the hairline and temple areas that progresses from both temples in a triangular pattern. However, no single sequence of balding is followed by all men.
In female-pattern baldness, hair loss occurs in a more diffuse pattern. Women tend to retain their front hairline but the hair becomes thinner in a rectangular pattern at the top of the head. Early signs of female-pattern baldness often become evident with a widening center part.
Research shows that hair loss can have varying negative effects on self-esteem, depending upon an individual's personality, sex, age and marital status. Hair loss usually makes a person look older. Those who lose their hair feel less attractive and are frustrated because they are helpless to prevent it.
According to specialists, hair restoration surgery has become the most popular elective surgery among men in the U.S. There is every indication that as younger, more active generations continue to age and therefore desire a more youthful appearance, the procedures will become even more popular, especially among baby-boomers, who are reaching an age often characterized as "transitional" in terms of hair loss.
Despite the recent introduction of products claiming to stimulate hair growth, hair restoration surgery remains the only permanent solution for hair loss, or alopecia, a problem that affects two in five (35 million) males, and one in four (21 million) females in the U.S. Temporary topical remedies such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) often fail to provide expected results. According to a recent study, Minoxidil provides a dense regrowth of hair in only five to ten percent of cases, and moderate hair growth in only 15 to 20 percent of cases. In clinical trials of women ages 18 to 45 with mild to moderate degrees of hair loss, only 19 percent reported only moderate regrowth, while 40 percent had minimal regrowth after using Minoxidil for eight months. Additionally, hair growth will cease if Minoxidil is not applied twice daily.
Founded in 1992, ISHRS is the largest professional international organization in the field of hair restoration surgery and is dedicated to promoting the advancement of the specialty through education and continuing quality improvement. A not-for-profit voluntary organization, ISHRS membership is composed of more than 900 physicians and hair restoration specialists. Consumers in the United States looking for a hair restoration specialist in their area may call 1-800-444-2737 for a referral.
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