Suturing Techniques

For Follicular Unit Transplants

If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jae Pak, please click on this link: Jae Pak MD Medical
*NHI Medical is no longer available for consultations or procedures.

After the donor strip is removed, the wound edges are closed to leave a fine, hairline scar. The method in which the donor area is closed is very important for a number of reasons. A good donor closure will:

  • Be more comfortable after the procedure.
  • Heal more quickly.
  • Produce a fine scar that will be undetectable even if you wear your hair relatively short.
  • Preserve the maximum amount of hair for future transplants.

At NHI we have researched almost every conceivable type of donor closure. We have found that for most patients the following two types of closures best achieve the above goals. Your NHI physician will choose the one that will be best suited for your individual needs.

Monocryl Sutures

It is absorbable so it does not have to be removed.This is an absorbable suture made by Johnson and Johnson. It was introduced into the hair transplant field by Dr. Robert Bernstein. It offers the following advantages:

  • It is very strong, so a very fine suture can be used
  • Its small needle can be used to perfectly align the wound edges.
  • It is especially useful in tight scalps
  • It is skin colored so that it is practically undetectable
  • Very comfortable

Monocryl sutures in place.

Metal Staples

A very small metal staple, manufactured by 3M, is available for use in hair transplantation. Staples are generally removed 7-14 days after the procedure. They offer the following advantages:

  • Fast to place
  • Very low tissue reactivity
  • Permits very rapid healing
  • Especially good for loose scalps
  • Easier to remove than non-absorbable sutures
  • In the appropriate patient, it will maximally preserve donor hair.

Placing staples close to donor site.

Staples in place.

Fine donor scar after staples have been removed.

© New Hair Institute. All photos on this site depict actual NHI patients and are the property of NHI.

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