How to avoid extraction of the telogen hairs.

### How to Avoid Extraction of Telogen Hairs During Hair Transplant Surgery

During hair transplant surgery, it’s essential to distinguish and avoid extracting telogen hairs to ensure the success of the procedure. Telogen hairs are in the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, meaning they are not actively growing and are more likely to shed. Extracting these hairs can result in a lower survival rate of the transplanted grafts and ultimately affect the outcome of the surgery. Here are some effective techniques to minimize the extraction of telogen hairs:

#### 1. Razor Shave 2-3 Days Before Surgery

Shaving the donor area with a razor 2-3 days before surgery helps in differentiating between telogen and anagen hairs. This step allows for better visualization of the scalp and the hair follicles. Since telogen hairs are thinner and shorter, a recent shave helps identify these characteristics more easily compared to longer hair, making it less likely for telogen hairs to be mistakenly extracted.

**Benefits:**
– Improved visualization of hair follicles.
– Easier identification of telogen hairs due to their distinct length and texture.
– Reduces the chance of damaging the surrounding tissue by providing a clear view of the donor area.

#### 2. Dye the Hair to the Scalp with a Different Color 2-3 Days Before Surgery

Another effective method is dyeing the hair close to the scalp with a different color a few days prior to surgery. This practice helps highlight the differences between telogen and anagen hairs. Telogen hairs, which are often lighter and less pigmented, will stand out against the dyed background, making them easier to spot and avoid during extraction.

**Benefits:**
– Enhanced contrast between the scalp and hair, making telogen hairs more distinguishable.
– Helps the surgeon quickly assess which hairs are in the telogen phase.
– Reduces the risk of mistakenly extracting non-viable hairs, improving the quality of the harvested grafts.

#### 3. Notice the Telogen Hair Before Excision

It is crucial to carefully examine the donor area and identify telogen hairs before beginning the excision process. Telogen hairs can be recognized by their lighter pigmentation and paler appearance compared to the darker, thicker anagen hairs, which are in the growth phase. By thoroughly inspecting and noting the characteristics of telogen hairs, surgeons can make informed decisions on which follicles to extract, prioritizing anagen hairs that have a higher survival and growth rate post-transplant.

**Tips for Identifying Telogen Hairs:**
– Look for hairs that are visibly thinner and have a lighter color.
– Telogen hairs often have a wispy or fine texture compared to anagen hairs.
– Utilize magnification tools or high-resolution imaging devices to differentiate hair types with greater accuracy.

### Conclusion

Avoiding the extraction of telogen hairs during hair transplant surgery is critical to achieving optimal results. By implementing strategies such as shaving the donor area, dyeing the hair to highlight differences, and closely examining hair characteristics before excision, surgeons can significantly reduce the extraction of telogen hairs. These practices help ensure that only the most viable hairs are used, thereby enhancing the success rate of the hair transplant procedure and improving patient satisfaction.