Maybe off subject, but I have a question regardin hair transplants

[andibelle]

Hi Dr. Meale!
Thanks so much for the wonderful information about the term "over-filled." If you don't mind, I have another question.... In conjuction with my breast augmentation, I am also having a scar revision and hair transplant to repair a large scar left on my scalp from childhood surgeries for skin cancer. I have read that using Minoxidil prior to the transplant would help the hair follicles "take" when transplanted- do you recommend this for your patients? And, after he surgery, how long before you can wash your hair, swim, color your hair, etc... And do you have to use special hair care products after the transplant? I realize this is an unusual question for a Breast Augmentation Forum, but any information would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much for your time and expertise!
Sincerely,
Andi

[Dr. Mele]

Dear Andibelle:

No problems. I do more plastic surgery than breast augmentation. :P As much as I love the concept that the super specialist will do the best job. The reality is that those who do plastic surgery well, can do a wide range of plastic surgery well. I really enjoy the variety of procedures, patients, ages in my specialty. This is what keeps my skills sharp, and my interest high.

The best treatment for scalp scars that have hair loss, when possible, is direct excision and closure. The edges should be bevelled to allow the hair to grow close to, or even through the scar.

For larger areas, tissue expanders are used to stretch the normal scalp and allow for primary closure of the defect left after removing the hairless scalp. This is a multistage procedure, looks quite strange with the expanders in place, but can allow for the replacement of up the HALF the scalp. I have used this to reconstruct the hairline after burns or removal of large scalp tumors.

I am not certain how hair transplants are being used. I am assuming you are talking about micro grafts (2-3 hairs/graft) and mini grafts (1 hair/graft). They do not work as well when placed in scar tissue. Perhaps for the anterior hair line? This is the hazard of trying to provide information without all the facts. Without seeing you, I can't give you any direct advice, just general information. The best candidates for hair transplants are patients with lighter colored and curly hair.

Minoxidil can help graft survive, and increase the growth. I have had some patients use it; however, sometimes the hair grows thicker (more course) than the normal hair and stands out too much.

Once the grafts have "taken" they are treated like you normal hair. It is your normal hair. As far as the waiting period to wash your hair, swim, color your hair, etc..., you should ask your surgeon. The timing varies, and I don't want to get you in trouble.

Good luck with both procedures.

[andibelle]

Thank you so much Dr. Mele! I am so grateful for your expertise! I had to laugh reading your response.. Especially about the expanders... I started my surgeries at age 9, but the affected area covered so much of scalp that 2 expanders had to be inserted under my scalp and I had weekly saline injections to stretch my scalp... (an incredibly awkward way to spend your adolescent years- with two big saline boobies in your head- ha ha!).... Even after the expanders several more surgeries were required, and eventually I was left with a large scar. At that time, the PS wanted to continue surgeries to make the scar smaller, but I was so burnt out on surgeries I just decided to live with the scar (my long hair generally covers it as long as it is styled properly). SO, technically, I suppose my breast augmentation isn't necessarily my first experience with saline :-) Thank you again for your reply!
Sincerely,
Andi