HAIR TRANSPLANT FORUM

A plug redistribution is where unnatural, large grafts are removed from the scalp. These grafts are then trimmed to a more natural size (1, 2, or 3 hairs) and placed into the scalp. Larger grafts can be removed from the hairline, split into single hairs, and then replaced into the hairline in a more natural configuration. Some people who have had plug surgeries to the frontal third would now like to have the bald look. This is also possible with plug redistribution. Sometimes a patient would like to remove plugs and replace them back into the donor scars. The bottom line is that if you don't like your large grafts, you DO have the option to move them.

It is important in these types of surgeries that you work closely with your clinic to clarify expectations and possible risks. Some smaller repairs can be done in one surgery, but it may take more than one surgery to achieve the results you want depending on your specific situation.

Here is an example of a plug redistribution. There is still some pinkness to the area, but will improve as healing continues. The black dots are markers for the camera to have something to focus on. It's difficult to take a focused picture of an area without contrast. The change in his appearance has been amazing so far. Expect updates in the future.

GirlTech... This is a great improvement... Will he require more work in the future?

It has been 39 days since this patient's last procedure, so we will monitor his healing progress and re-evaluate at a later date. At that time, the patient will decide if he would like a touch up.

How many days or weeks between the pre and post op photos provided...? Do you have any updates on this guy...?

Good question, let me investigate this and get back to you...

I would be intrested in his update as well. I am in the same boat.

I would be intrested in his update as well. I am in the same boat.

Are plug jobs such as this still being performed today?

Did you ever find out how many days post op that last pic was? I am interested in having the same procedure done, but dont know if I could live with that amt of damage to the front. What does this guy look like now?

The posted follow-up photos are about 12 days Post-op. This patient had a day and a half of plug redistribution. His plugs were removed to yield just over 700 grafts which were placed into his scarred donor area from the old plug work. As far as I know, there aren't any physicians that are doing actual plug transplants at least in the USA. We hope to hear from this patient soon and I am certain that his case will continue to heal with upward progression. This patient is currently very pleased and we will try to get photos out soon.

Fitness,

Any progress on this case or any similar ones to post. Plug reduction work is tricky because you have to be careful not to deplete ones density. I am sure you have creative ways to achieve the goal of "de-chunking" larger grafts and/or removing them entirely, while at the same time maintaining the level of overall density the patient has prior to the plug reduction. Am I correct in this assessment?

Stayton

Absolutely Stayton007,

We will soon get some follow-up photos since this patient did volunteer to come by the office so that we may give him another check-up. So his visit should be within a matter of a few weeks or so.

Many patients come in to only get naturalness on top which means they would not necessarily want more hair if they are NW6s with only a pluggy hairline remaining. On the other hand, some patients do desire more density on top and depending on their goals, they get just that. I would say that the majority of repair patients just want to have their natural densities and feel "normal". You are correct, we do provide them the best oppourtunity to restore the areas of concern after we understand their goals. Follicular Isolation Technique specifically, allows repair cases to be done with optimal results.

Dr. Cole uses the FIT (Follicular Isolation Technique) to remove the plugs however he can only remove the ones that are in the Anagen phase so for complete removal it requires more than one pass... Making a pluggy situation more natural can be done in one of two ways. 1. Add denisty first then come back 8-12 months later and remove the "bad players" or 2. Remove the "bad players" then come back one month later and add density.
In option 1. you don't lose density for all the world to see but in option 2. you do... of course it gradually comes in however for a few months you would look thinner.
And there is always option 3. Take it out and go for bald. This option is usually chosen when there are not enough donor resources to make them look natural or give them the coverage that they desire.

Stayton,

Michelle has provided some great ideas. The only thing I would add is the individualized nature of this type of surgery. When you go to your consult you will come away with a much better idea of how to proceed based on your goals and particular situation.


FIT Club

Did you ever get anymore pics of this guy? I am still interested in getting my plugs removed.

Never mind I found them in your other thread, very impressive. Thats what I am interested in.

Thanks, RCB for pointing this out.

Here is a link to the updated results for this patient:
http://www.forhair.com/hairtransplant/topic1315.html

I knew that this repair would come out great as many have at IHTI! Two thumbs up from me. Does anyone else concur?

Here is a link to the updated results for this patient:
http://www.forhair.com/hairtransplant/topic1315.html