Dense packing: surgical indications and technical considerations

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2013 Aug;21(3):431-6. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2013.06.004.

Abstract

Dense packing is the philosophy of fitting more than 30 to 35 follicular unit grafts per square centimeter in one operation. The aim is to produce a more even, consistent, and natural looking flow of hair after just one procedure. Although desirable in principle, not all patients are suitable candidates nor is it possible to achieve in certain patients (eg, coarse or curly hair). Patients who have sufficient donor availability, reasonably stable hair loss, and high hair-to-skin color ratios are the ideal candidates. The authors highlight their philosophies and strategies for dense packing.

Keywords: Dense packing; Density; Graft survival; Maximum density; Planning; Recipient sites.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia / surgery*
  • Cosmetic Techniques*
  • Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Esthetics
  • Hair / transplantation*
  • Hair Follicle / transplantation
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Patient Selection
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Preoperative Care / methods
  • Scalp / surgery*
  • Tissue and Organ Harvesting / methods
  • Transplantation, Autologous / methods
  • Treatment Outcome