A new tool to maximize donor harvesting with safer closure

BACKGROUND Scalp laxity is a major factor in achieving the maximum number of grafts in donor harvesting during hair restoration surgery. Proper assessment is important for each individual but especially so in patients presenting tight scalp. OBJECTIVE To validate cross beam laser (CBL) for scalp laxity assessment in comparison with Mayer elasticity scale (MES). MATERIALS AND METHODS In a retrospective study of 165 patients, both CBL and MES were used to evaluate scalp laxity in vertical plane at the center and lateral area before surgery. The real width (RW) of donor strip during surgery was considered the gold standard. RESULTS Spearman correlation coefficient revealed that the CBL width was significantly correlated with the MES width in the following subgroups: (1) subjects undergoing their first session, (2) subsequent session patients, and (3) patients who required maximum number of grafts. Although the CBL width was statistically significant when compared with the RW in certain areas, whereas the MES width was statistically significant in all areas, the differences between the CBL width and the RW were minimal and clinically insignificant. CONCLUSION The accuracy of scalp laxity measurements using the CBL procedure establishes CBL as a reliable tool for hair restoration surgery.