Why do some surgeons shave the hair in the recipient areas and Dr. Epstein does not require this?
Yes, it is true that many surgeons require the patient to have a shaved head for the transplant procedure. However, I find that most of my patients find this a significant inconvenience for it makes it more difficult to conceal the transplanted areas for the first few weeks post-procedure. Thus, while it takes a bit more time to perform the procedure with the hair left long, I am able to work between the existing hairs most of the time without requiring the shaving of the hair. It is NOT true that shaving the head permits more accurate placement - for in fact, with the shaved head, it is more difficult to assess the natural direction as well as distribution of existing hairs. However, especially in patients with fine hairs, the procedure can proceed a bit quicker with the hair cut short (similar to how you wear it), but once again, I do not require this of my patients.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS