Stick-and-Place Technique to Give You Fuller Hair
The Problem with Pre-Made Openings
Most surgeons first go through the existing hair and make all of the recipient openings. After all of the openings have been made, they leave and have the technicians implant the hair grafts into these pre-made openings. Since skin is elastic, the openings begin to shrink almost immediately after they are created. To counteract this effect, surgeons will make larger openings. Because the graft openings are larger, less grafts can be implanted per square centimeter, reducing density and the natural look of the final result. The larger openings can also have a negative impact on the blood supply to the nearby, existing hair follicles.
Smaller Openings- Healthier Grafts - Better Density - Less Shock Loss
Smaller openings are possible when using the stick-and-place method as they are filled with a hair graft immediately before they shrink. Smaller openings create less skin damage, maintain a healthier blood supply, reduce the risk of shock loss and allow the openings to be made closer together. Smaller openings and more follicles per square centimeter result in greater transplant density. The stick-and-place method also eliminates the risk of leaving openings unfilled or inadvertently placing two grafts into the same opening - problems often associated with standard pre-made openings. Finally, unlike pre-made openings which commit one to a predefined graft distribution, the stick-and-place method gives Dr. Konior the flexibility to customize graft placement so as to optimize the outcome. The "stick-and-place method" is utilized exclusively for patients who require grafts to be implanted among existing hair. This method assures the greatest precision possible so as to minimize shock loss and adjacent follicular damage.
Potential Stick-and-Place Candidates
The six photographs above illustrate examples of potential stick-and-place candidates. In order to increase density, these patients will need hair grafts to be implanted within the existing hair. Extra care using precise openings is needed to minimize the risk of shock loss and adjacent follicle damage.
To contact our Oakbrook Terrace hair restoration office serving Chicago for a preliminary assessment of your hair loss, complete the virtual consultation form or call us at 630-932-9690.
