We have all seen unfortunate patients with older “bristle brush” hairlines from larger plugs.  However, you may also have heard about the newer “follicular unit grafting” techniques utilizing micrografts produced under a stereotactic dissecting microscope.  Since commencing this procedure several years ago, our level of patient satisfaction is the highest that it has been in the 26 years that I have performed hair replacement surgery.

With microscopic dissection, our surgical staff is able to precisely create micrografts with 1, 2, 3, or 4 hairs.  We then create a “density gradient” with single hairs only for the hairline, a zone of 2-hair micrografts in the front of the scalp and 3-4 hair micrografts for the crown.  As a result, extremely natural outcomes are now possible.

These follicular units can be placed into the frontal forelock and into lateral and posterior zones of thinning to counteract future hair loss and to prevent the future appearance of baldness.  Very fine cloned hairs can be placed at the hairline for a feathered look.

I would like to share with you the following case studies illustrating how natural hair replacement can look in patients with  ANTERIOR  THINNING.  You can view many  more photographs at www. coloderm.com.

James M. Swinehart, M.D., President
Colorado Dermatology Center

Next in our series of case studies shall be clinical examples of the creation of fine, natural HAIRLINES.  A zone of single hairs, consisting of 100-200 follicles, is implanted at the desired location.  This is closely followed by a zone of 100-180 2-hair micrografts immediately behind the single hairs.  The anterior hairline zone is then covered with      3-hair micrografts.  Follicular units (intact donor groupings) of 1, 2, or 3 hairs are dissected under magnification and are implanted using magnifiers into needle slits with ultrafine jeweler’s forceps.

If you viewed only the “after” photos in these three cases, could you tell that they had received transplants?  If not, then you can appreciate the attention to detail necessary in creation of beautiful hairlines in hair restoration surgery:  300 or more micrografts have been placed into a frontal zone only 1 cm wide!

You may schedule a free hair transplant consultation by calling (303)744-1202.

James M. Swinehart, M.D., President
Colorado Dermatology Center

Patients with DIFFUSE  THINNING of the scalp hair, due to male pattern baldness or female pattern alopecia, may have already tried Rogaine®.  Men may see some benefit on the posterior scalp with Propecia® – but must take this for the rest of their lives in order to maintain the growth.

Now, with extensive micrografting utilizing microscopic follicular units containing 1-4 hairs each, we can prevent the visual appearance of baldness.  The existing hairs are left undisturbed –but the tiny bundles of follicular bulbs are meticulously inserted under magnification into tiny needle holes in between the patient’s remaining scalp hairs.  We can also recreate the “whorl” on the posterior crown, and graft into areas of anticipated future thinning at the edges of the balding scalp.

Micrografting is both an art and a science.  Recently, the insertion of 1,720 micrografts took us 7 hours for the physician and four surgical assistants.  We have performed over 1,500 grafts in a single session in a female with familial thinning, and over 1,800 micrografts in several men.  However, the fruits of this labor are well worth the effort.

Enclosed please find case studies of my patients with diffuse thinning of the scalp hair.   Patients may view more photos as www.coloderm.com.

James M. Swinehart, M.D., President
Colorado Dermatology Center

On July 21,2011,  Dr. Swinehart performed a full-face wire brush dermabrasion for acne scars. Dr. Swinehart is the only dermatologic surgeon in Colorado who performs this surgery. Dermabrasion represents the state of the art for treatment of acne scars, and generally delivers superior results to laser treatment.

to conduct dermatology clinics. The dates for April and May are as follows:

(1) Burlington:  April 8, April 15, May 6,

(2) La Junta: April 13-14, May 11-12

To schedule an appointment for one of the above dates at the Burlington

clinic, call (719) 346-5311 and ask for Charlotte in the Specialty Clinic.

To schedule an appointment for one of the La Junta clinics, call our Denver

office at (303) 744-1202.

COLORADO DERMATOLOGY CENTER

Why have dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid products injected for

your facial lines when you may have to go through the same procedure

again in a few months to address the problem?

Today, Dr. Swinehart treated a woman’s nasolabial folds and perioral

lines  (deep facial lines) via a procedure known as DERMAL GRAFTING.

With this technique, living tissue is harvested from under the skin behind

a patient’s ear. These “dermal grafts” are then trimmed and dissected to

fit the wrinkles, and then inserted under the skin through tiny incisions,

for permanent correction of the wrinkles.

Call our office at (303) 744-1202 for more information.

The Research Center will also soon be starting a new clinical trial with
an investigational topical treatment for psoriasis. Dr. Swinehart and
his research nurse will be traveling to San Antonio, TX on September
10-12 for an Investigator Meeting for this study. For further information concerning the study, call the Research Center at (303) 744-7000.