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.

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The stick-and-place method offers a substantial advantage for patients who need grafts placed within an area of existing hair.  The alternative method to stick-and-place, using pre-made openings, is the most common method used, but it can compromise a good final result.

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


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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.

Dr. Raymond J. Konior, MD, FACS

Chicago Hair Institute

Dr. Raymond J. Konior and the team at the Chicago Hair Institute offer world-class treatment backed by over 30 years of expertise in the field of hair restoration. Our doctors are nationally affiliated with professional associations including:

  • American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
  • International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
  • American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

To learn more or to schedule an appointment at our Chicago, IL, hair restoration clinic, contact us online or call (630) 932-9690.

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