During my consultations with patients, I am frequently asked ‘What’s the most technically difficult part of the surgery?’ My immediate response is usually ‘the 10 mins before we even get into theatre.’
At the Knudsen Clinic, on the day of surgery prior to the operation, we spend as much time as we need trying perfect the hairline design. I find that it is in this part where artistry meets science. The hairline is critical. It defines the shape and size of the face and it needs to be designed with that in mind. There are certain ‘rules’ of hairline design that cannot be broken, and we are able to use a variety of techniques and devices that assist in creating a hairline specific to you. This is important because it cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Hairlines need to be designed with a variety of different factors in mind including facial contours, patient age and degree of hair loss.
Once we get the hairline design right, we now have a ‘road map’ for the rest of the procedure. The surgical aspectinvolves making sure that the hair line is soft and natural looking and then creating density of hair behind that. The hairline is king.
I’m often amused when I attend conferences and visit the exhibitors’ booths. I see row after row of companies that are trying to promote the latest FUE punch, the most accurate implanter or the sharpest scalpel, But no one seems keen on trying to sell me…… the mighty pen.
Dr Vikram Jayaprakash