Association Between Scalp Laxity, Elasticity, and Glidability and Donor Strip Scar Width in Hair Transplantation and a New Elasticity Measuring Method.

BACKGROUND: Hair transplantation requires precise evaluation of donor site laxity, elasticity, and glidability.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between donor strip scar width and preoperative laxity, elasticity, and glidability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative measurements of scalp laxity, elasticity, and glidability and of donor site scar width 10 months postoperatively were evaluated in 88 patients who underwent hair transplantation with strip harvesting. Elasticity was measured by firmly pressing the scalp with the fingertips of one hand at 2 points to restrict dermis movement while stretching the skin with the other hand. Glidability was calculated as laxity minus elasticity.

RESULTS: Scar width positively correlated with laxity (p < .01) and elasticity (p < .05) but had no relationship with glidability. There was a significant difference between patients in the upper 30th percentile of elasticity (≥10 mm) versus others (<10 mm) in scar width.

CONCLUSION: Scalp laxity, elasticity, and glidability are of great clinical importance in hair transplantation. The authors' novel method of measuring elasticity will assist surgeons in predicting donor site scar width.