 |
 3000 Address Labels 30 per sheet Laser or Inkjet $11.99 Time Remaining: 26d 20h 21m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 Return Address Labels 8000 White Laser Inkjet Labels $8.99 Time Remaining: 16h 11m |
 3600 Avery 5160 Address Labels White Easy Peel Laser $18.99 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 |
 3000 Address Labels White Laser Inkjet 1x2 5 8 5160 Fast USPS Priority Mail $13.80 Time Remaining: 16h 20m Buy It Now for only: $13.80 |
 3M ADDRESS LABELS 1 1 3 X 4 PERMANENT ADHESIVE CLEAR LASER $9.99 Time Remaining: 9h 36m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 300 BLANK 1x 2 5 8 White Mailing Address Laser Labels $3.48 Time Remaining: 28d 11h 58m Buy It Now for only: $3.48 |
 NEW AVERY 5160 WHITE LASER EASY PEEL ADDRESS MAILING 3000 LABELS 1 X 2 5 8 $19.99 Time Remaining: 18h 19m |
 3000 1 x 2 5 8 Address Labels Laser Inkjet Uses Avery 5160 Template $12.95 Time Remaining: 7d 18h 33m Buy It Now for only: $12.95 |
 4500 1 x 2 5 8 2 5 8 x 1 Laser Inkjet White Blank Address Labels Stickers 30UP $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 21h 35m |
 Address Labels 3000 White Laser Inkjet Labels $8.99 Time Remaining: 15h 56m |
 New 3M White Laser Address Labels 1x2 5 8 3100 B eq Avery 5160 Pack of 3000 $14.95 Time Remaining: 10d 19h 11m Buy It Now for only: $14.95 |
 3M Baby address labels 150 labels total laser inkjet3900 Hpermanent adhesiv $2.95 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 40m Buy It Now for only: $3.25 |
 10000 White Mailing Address Laser Labels 2 x 4 $92.00 Time Remaining: 24d 9h 11m Buy It Now for only: $92.00 |
 Lot of 2 3M Return Address Labels 3400 R Laser 4000 Total $29.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 54m Buy It Now for only: $35.99 |
 600 BLANK 1x 2 5 8 White Mailing Address Laser Labels $6.74 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 10m Buy It Now for only: $6.74 |
 Lot of 3 3M White Address Label 3100 B Laser 9000 Total $34.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 55m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 New Avery 5160 Easy Peel Laser Address Labels $19.99 Time Remaining: 16h 30m Buy It Now for only: $22.99 |
 30000 Laser Ink Jet Labels 30up Address Compatible to Template 5160 1000 Sheets $79.99 Time Remaining: 18d 19h 1m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
 NEW AVERY 5160 WHITE LASER EASY PEEL ADDRESS MAILING 3000 LABELS 1 X 2 5 8 $19.99 Time Remaining: 18h 21m |
 1000 Yellow Mailing Address Laser Labels 2x4 $31.95 Time Remaining: 7d 7h 8m Buy It Now for only: $31.95 |
 Baby shower arrival address labels 150 labels total 3M laser inkjet3900 H $2.95 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 5m Buy It Now for only: $3.25 |
 400 BLANK 1 3 4 x 1 2 White Address Return Mailing Laser Labels FREE SH $2.99 Time Remaining: 6d 14h Buy It Now for only: $2.99 |
 Avery 5160 Easy Peel Laser Address Labels 1 x 2 5 8 White 3000 Box $7.99 Time Remaining: 17h 17m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 Lot of 2 3M Clear Address Label 3400 D Laser 1400 Total $34.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 54m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 Full Page Adhesive Address Shipping Inkjet Laser Printer Labels 250 sheets $19.99 Time Remaining: 13d 12h 19m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Lot of 2 3M Clear Address Label 3400 F Laser 2000 Total $34.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 54m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 15000 1 x 2 5 8 Address Labels Laser Inkjet Uses Avery 5160 Template $55.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 25m Buy It Now for only: $55.00 |
 LASER ADDRESS MAIL LABELS 7500 LABELS 1x 2 5 8 5160 $28.88 Time Remaining: 17h 24m |
 750 Yellow Mailing Address Laser Labels 2 5 8x1 $13.95 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 8m Buy It Now for only: $13.95 |
 NIB 3M GRADUATION ADDRESS LABELS LASER INKJET 1X2 5 8 150 LABELS TOTAL $2.99 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 18m |
 NIB 3M BABY ADDRESS LABELS LASER INKJET 1X2 5 8 PACK OF 150 LABELS TOTAL $2.99 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 18m |
 1000 White Shipping Address Laser Labels 85 x 55 $49.27 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 16m Buy It Now for only: $49.27 |
 AVERY Clear Easy Peel Address Labels 5630 2250 labels laser 1 x 2 5 8 $17.99 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 14m |
 Avery 5160 White Laser Address Labels with Easy Peel 1 x 2 5 8 3000 Box $19.98 Time Remaining: 13d 2h 3m Buy It Now for only: $19.98 |
 3M Baby address labels 150 labels total laser inkjet3900 Hpermanent adhesiv $2.95 Time Remaining: 3d 8h 41m Buy It Now for only: $3.25 |
 3M ADDRESS LABELS 3100 B 3000 LASER LABELS 1 X 2 5 8 FREE SHIPPINGBEST DEAL $13.45 Time Remaining: 8d 13h 41m Buy It Now for only: $13.45 |
 Baby shower arrival address labels 150 labels total 3M laser inkjet3900 H $2.95 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 4m Buy It Now for only: $3.25 |
 3000 BLANK 4 x 3 1 3 White Address Mailing return Laser Labels 500 SHEETS $59.99 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 38m |
 60 BLANK 4 x 3 1 3 White Address Laser return Mailing Labels 10 SHEETS $3.59 Time Remaining: 13d 10h 19m Buy It Now for only: $3.59 |
 4000 BLANK 1 3 4 x 1 2 White Address Laser Return Mailing Labels FREE SHIPPING $14.99 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 38m |
 Avery 5167 White Laser Return Address Labels Easy Peel 1 2 x 1 3 4 8000 BOX $25.99 Time Remaining: 24d 9h 7m Buy It Now for only: $25.99 |
 4500 1 x 2 5 8 2 5 8 x 1 Laser Inkjet White Blank Address Labels Stickers 30UP $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 21h 13m |
 1000 Green Mailing Address Laser Labels 2x4 $31.95 Time Remaining: 5d 8h 19m Buy It Now for only: $31.95 |
 NEW AVERY 5167 Easy Peel Laser Address Labels 1 2 x 1 3 4 White 3 boxes 24k $0.99 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 18m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 New 3M White Laser Address Labels 1x2 5 8 3100 B Avery 5160 Box of 3000 $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 54m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 3300 White Mailing Address Laser Labels 2 5 8x1 $18.65 Time Remaining: 14d 10h 5m Buy It Now for only: $18.65 |
 New Box Avery 5160 Mailing Labels 3000 1x 2 5 8 Laser Labels Easy Peel Address $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 1m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 300 White Mailing Address Laser Labels 2 5 8x1 $1.99 Time Remaining: 21d 14h 12m Buy It Now for only: $1.99 |
 Premium Laser Inkjet Printer Return Address Labels 1 3 4 by 1 2 white 8000 NEW $4.88 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 2m |
 250 CLEAR POLYESTER Address Laser Labels 2 x 4 $19.95 Time Remaining: 13d 17h 48m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 |
 NEW AVERY 5167 Easy Peel Laser Address Labels 1 2 x 1 3 4 White 3 boxes 24k $0.99 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 16m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 3000 BLANK 1x 2 5 8 White Return Address Laser Mailing Labels FREE SHIPPING $16.99 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 38m |
 1100 White Mailing Address Laser Labels 2 x 4 $18.65 Time Remaining: 14d 14h 30m Buy It Now for only: $18.65 |
 6000 BLANK 4 x 3 1 3 White Address Mailing return Laser Labels 1000 SHEETS $125.99 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 42m |
 LASER PRINT ADDRESS LABELS PERMANENT 300 SIZE 1 X 2 5 8 3M CLEAR 3400A $7.99 Time Remaining: 27d 9h 27m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 OfficeMax 3000 White Address Labels Laser Same Size as Avery Template 5160 1 $21.00 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 44m Buy It Now for only: $23.50 |
 250 Yellow Mailing Address Laser Labels 2x4 $13.95 Time Remaining: 22d 16h 50m Buy It Now for only: $13.95 |
 Brand New Avery 5366 White Filing Address Labels 1500 1 3 cut Laser or Ink Jet $19.95 Time Remaining: 4d 16h 5m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 3M Baby address labels 150 labels total laser inkjet3900 Hpermanent adhesiv $2.95 Time Remaining: 5d 8h 41m Buy It Now for only: $3.25 |
 100 White Shipping Address Laser Labels 85 x 55 $12.95 Time Remaining: 4d 6h 47m Buy It Now for only: $12.95 |
 3M Baby address labels 150 labels total laser inkjet3900 Hpermanent adhesiv $0.99 Time Remaining: 5d 8h 42m Buy It Now for only: $2.19 |
 250 Red Mailing Address Laser Labels 2x4 $13.95 Time Remaining: 22d 16h 55m Buy It Now for only: $13.95 |
 4500 1 x 2 5 8 2 5 8 x 1 Laser Inkjet White Blank Address Labels Stickers 30UP $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 21h 29m |
 6000 Address Labels Shipping Labels Laser or Inkjet $21.99 Time Remaining: 26d 20h 12m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 |
 300026000 New 3M White Laser Address Labels 1 x 2 5 8 $26.99 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 45m |
 Avery Pres A Ply Laser Address Labels Item AVE30605 81 2 x 11 White 100 ct $7.00 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 21m |
 9000 Address Labels Shipping Labels Laser or Inkjet $31.99 Time Remaining: 26d 20h 12m Buy It Now for only: $31.99 |
 4500 1 x 2 5 8 2 5 8 x 1 Laser Inkjet White Blank Address Labels Stickers 30UP $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 12m |
 AVERY White Address 1x4 Laser Labels 5161 Box 2000 New $14.99 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 41m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 Baby shower arrival address labels 150 labels total 3M laser inkjet3900 H $2.95 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 6m Buy It Now for only: $3.25 |
 10000 Laser Ink Jet Labels 10 up Blank Mailing Address 1000 sheets 4 x 2 $80.00 Time Remaining: 7d 20h 29m Buy It Now for only: $80.00 |
 8000 BLANK 1 3 4 x 1 2 White Address Laser Return Mailing Labels FREE SHIPPING $22.99 Time Remaining: 5d 13h 44m |
 6000 BLANK 1x 2 5 8 White Return Address Laser Shipping Labels FREE SHIPPING $35.99 Time Remaining: 5d 13h 44m |
 250 Green Mailing Address Laser Labels 2x4 $11.95 Time Remaining: 22d 16h 48m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 |
 90000 BLANK 1x 2 5 8 White Address Laser Return Labels 3000 SHEETS FREE SHIP $329.99 Time Remaining: 5d 13h 44m |
 400 BLANK 1 3 4 x 1 2 White Address Mail Laser Labels 5 sheets $2.49 Time Remaining: 20d 11h 34m Buy It Now for only: $2.49 |
 Avery 5160 White Address Labels Laser 3000 Labels 1 x 2 5 8 30 New in Box $8.99 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 16m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 300 Pink Mailing Address Laser Labels 2 5 8x1 $6.50 Time Remaining: 16d 7h 57m Buy It Now for only: $6.50 |
 Avery 5660 White Address Labels Laser 1500 Labels 1 x 2 3 4 New in Box $8.99 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 15m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 1400 ADDRESS LABEL1 1 3X 45162 RTL 2999 Works on Laser and inkjet printeR $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 14h Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 Avery 15667 1 2 x 1 3 4 Clear Address Labels 800 Labels 10 Sheets Laser $10.00 Time Remaining: 16d 1h 46m Buy It Now for only: $10.00 |
 NEW 3000 AVERY 5160 WHITE ADDRESS LASER LABELS 1 x 2 5 8 $12.95 Time Remaining: 6d 11h 23m |
 150 BLANK 1x 2 5 8 White Mailing Address Laser Labels $2.73 Time Remaining: 11d 13h 41m Buy It Now for only: $2.73 |
 3M Address Labels Clear Pack of 1500 Laser same as Avery 5160 $15.00 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 13m |
 100 BLANK 2 x 4 White Address Laser Mailing return Labels $3.59 Time Remaining: 15d 10h 14m Buy It Now for only: $3.59 |
 Avery 5160 Easy Peel Address Labels for Laser Printers NIB 3600 count $11.99 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 33m |
 Pack of 750 Business Source White Laser Printer Address Labels 30 Per Page 26109 $5.69 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 2m Buy It Now for only: $6.49 |
 4500 1 x 2 5 8 2 5 8 x 1 Laser Inkjet White Blank Address Labels Stickers 30UP $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 13h 19m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Office Depot inkjet laser Address Labels 1 x 2 5 8 7500 same size Avery 5960 $35.00 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 42m Buy It Now for only: $39.00 |
 250 Blue Mailing Address Laser Labels 2x4 $12.95 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 58m Buy It Now for only: $12.95 |
 Avery 5660 clear laser address labels $24.99 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 45m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 AVERY 5161 LASER INKJET ADDRESS LABELS 2000 GENUINE $27.99 Time Remaining: 14d 11h 39m Buy It Now for only: $27.99 |
 Lot of 10 X1000 Shipping Address Laser InkJet LABELS PIN FEED $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 46m |
 Lot of 10 X1000 Shipping Address Laser InkJet LABELS PIN FEED $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 46m |
 1000 Orange Mailing Address Laser Labels 2x4 $31.95 Time Remaining: 8d 7h 17m Buy It Now for only: $31.95 |
 Lot of 10 X1000 Shipping Address Laser InkJet LABELS PIN FEED $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 46m |
 L330R 22500 Address LabelsLaser Inkjet Labels2 5 8x1 $62.00 Time Remaining: 16d 9h 35m Buy It Now for only: $62.00 |
 Lot of 10 X1000 Shipping Address Laser InkJet LABELS PIN FEED $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 46m |
 L210R 1000 Shipping Address Laser InkJet Label 4x2 $15.99 Time Remaining: 9d 23h 50m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 Address Labels 2 5 6 X 1 1 2 2100 labels per box Laser Inkjet Labels $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 21h 58m Buy It Now for only: $14.00 |
Address Laser
Laser Hair Transplantation: State of the Art?
There has been a recent surge of interest in "laser hair transplantation" that has paralleled the increased use of lasers for a wide variety of cosmetic surgical procedures. Lasers generate great enthusiasm on the part of both physician and patient, but this has sometimes exceeded the actual value of the laser as a surgical tool. An obvious example has been the use of the CO2 laser as a nonselective, destructive modality to remove tattoos which left scarring and a cosmetic deformity worse than the tattoo itself. This has been subsequently replaced by pulsed lasers with specific pigment absorption (such as the Nd:YAG, Ruby, and Alexandrite lasers) operating on the principle of selective photothermolysis that truly offers benefit in the treatment of these lesions. Super- and ultra-pulsed CO2 lasers are now being used to replace "cold steel" in generating hair transplant sites. However, before we rush to use lasers in hair restoration surgery, we should first apply logic and reason to this application, and then proceed cautiously with carefully controlled studies so our patients will only benefit from its use. The following discussion will address various aspects of current laser technology in the specific context of the most recent advances in hair transplantation techniques. The intent will be to challenge the theoretical basis for the use of existing lasers, to question some dubious claims regarding their benefits, and to suggest future areas of laser research.
WHAT IS A LASER HAIR TRANSPLANT?
First, it is important to clarify what is meant by "laser hair transplantation." The present role of lasers is to solely create the holes or slits (recipient sites) for the grafts to be inserted into. To consider this a "laser transplant" is to ignore the myriad of other factors that contribute to making the procedure successful. Until lasers are involved in other major components of the transplant, such as harvesting, graft dissection, or placing, "laser hair transplantation" should be replaced with a term such as "laser site creation" to more accurately reflect its current role in the procedure.
A PAINLESS PROCEDURE?
The claim that laser transplantation is a painless process is misleading. The lasers currently being used are "ultra - or super - pulsed" CO2 lasers. Unlike lasers that operate by selective photothermolysis, these lasers create a hole by simply vaporizing tissue. Because the pulse (span of time the beam is on at any given moment) of these new lasers is extremely short, there is not much heat transfer or injury to "surrounding tissues." Nevertheless, the tissue which the laser acts upon is nonselectively destroyed. Because of this, the laser is extremely painful unless local anesthesia is administered to completely numb the area prior to its use. Thus, it is not the laser that is painless. The pain-free environment is set up by the preoperative anesthesia used in all transplant procedures.
BLOODLESS SURGERY
The next claim, that the laser procedure is relatively bloodless, minimizes the most important physiological consideration determining the success of the transplant, namely oxygenation. The hair transplantation process should be aimed at maximizing blood flow to the implanted hair follicles, rather than reducing it, and any manipulation that compromises proper oxygenation will potentially compromise graft survival. Preliminary results suggest that when the laser sites are compared to sites made with conventional surgery, "a few patients have shown less hair yield in some of the laser grafts [1]." Dr. Unger points out that when making conventional slit sizes with the laser, "we are close to an unacceptable width of thermal damage." The experience of Khan is similar, and he expresses special concerns of decreased growth when the distance between laser sites is 1 mm or less [2]. When using extensive micrografting techniques, the spaces between grafts are often in this range, and the cumulative thermal damage produced in large sessions may prove disastrous. It is, therefore, extremely important to objectively measure the impact of the coagulating effects of the laser on blood supply and graft survival in the setting of extensive micrografting, since this does appear to be the trend of the future [3]. As with electrosurgery, the laser specifications can be modified so that there is relatively more cutting than coagulation. It seems reasonable that work be focused in this direction, as this will decrease thermal injury while, at the same time, taking advantage of the laser?s ability to make rapid, uniform sites.
PROBLEMS WITH HEMOSTASIS
The coagulating effect of the CO2 laser may enhance visibility during the procedure, but the application of bi-manual traction on the skin and the judicious use of epinephrine can also provide hemostasis and allow for adequate visibility during both site creation and the placing of grafts without compromising the blood supply. Cold steel techniques that produced defects in the recipient area in the form of slits, 2-6 mm in length, or punches 1.5-5 mm in diameter, significantly compromise blood flow to the recipient site and reduce graft survival when the transplants are made too close. The laser has the added detrimental effect of sealing off the microvasculature. The poor growth with older techniques taught us the vital importance of preserving the vascularity in the recipient area, and this lesson should not be wasted when trying to increase operative visibility with the laser, especially when this can be accomplished by simpler means.
INTEGRETY OF THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE
Another problem created by the laser is the destruction of dermal collagen and elastic fibers. This effect on recipient tissues causes a decrease in normal skin elasticity and, as a result, grafts have an increased tendency to fall out from laser-made sites. Certainly, one would have to question if the grafts that remain are secure enough to ensure optimal growth. Work by Beeson has shown laser sites to have more necrosis and scarring 3 days after surgery and more fibrosis at 2 months than with the sites made with steel [3]. The elasticity of normal skin allows the recipient site to grasp the small follicular implants and secure them in place. This assures for the close proximity of the sides of the implant to the dermis in the recipient site, which serves to minimize microscopic dead space and hematoma formation, and facilitate healing. In a new method of hair restoration surgery recently described in the International Journal of Hair Restoration Surgery [4], where the actual follicular units are used as the implant, recipient wounds as small as 1.0 to 1.3 mm in length can accommodate as many as four hairs. This is accomplished by taking advantage of the anatomic proximity of hair within each naturally occurring group and discarding the intervening skin in the dissection. In this situation, the preservation of recipient dermal elasticity is evidenced by the fact that patients undergoing follicular transplant procedures are able to shower and gently rinse the transplanted area the day after surgery without the risk of losing their grafts. In addition, the rapid healing allows oozing and crust formation to subside over this same 24-hour period. When healing is complete, there is no clinical evidence of scarring, even when the scalp is shaved.
LASERS: NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR AN OUTDATED TECHNIQUE
The major advantage that lasers are claimed to have over traditional slit and punch grafting is that they can create a slit (which purportedly looks more natural than a hole created by a punch), while, at the same time, removing tissue like a punch to make more room for the implant, in effect, having the best of both worlds. In the older techniques, where the grafts were not "anatomic" and contained hair that reached across multiple follicular units, the recipient site needed to accommodate it was unduly large, causing poor healing, as well as graft compression. In follicular transplantation, neither large slits nor punches are required to accept the donor grafts. By identifying the patient?s natural hair groupings, the implants can be pre-trimmed of the excess tissue between the groups, resulting in tiny follicular units that can be placed in very small sites, solving the problems of both recipient bulkiness and compression. Therefore, the claim that lasers have the advantage of removing recipient tissue while creating a slit has no relevance in follicular transplantation.
THE DIRECTION FOR LASER RESEARCH
Future laser research should be directed toward a technology that could "read" the follicular groups "in situ." In the donor area, the laser would dissect away the tissue between follicular units having the effect of decreasing the transplanted volume of skin, while maximizing the transplanted quantity of hair; producing an implant containing hair groups matching those found in nature.
In the recipient area, current laser use is limited to areas relatively devoid of hair, as the beam would obviously damage any adjacent follicles. It is also limited in its ability to re-treat an area already transplanted, unless significant spacing were left between the previous grafts. In contrast, hand-made sites using a very small steel instrument can easily avoid existing hair or grafts, and if a follicle was "hit," it would most likely survive the trauma or regenerate from its growth center. Much of current laser research has been directed to the production of a laser scanner that has the ability to rapidly produce uniform sites in either a grid-like pattern or random distribution without regard to the location of existing hair [5]. In order to be of general value, the laser must be able to identify the existing hair and make sites only in the intervening spaces, requiring a level of technology not presently available.
Another challenge of the laser scanner would be to compensate for variability in laser effects brought on by the inherent curvature of the skull. Not only will the changing contour serve to amplify or defocus the beam by altering the effective operating distance, it will also change the incident angle of the light source and, ultimately, the direction of the hair. These adjustments are now performed manually, but are, nevertheless, critical to a successful cosmetic outcome. There is also significant variability in the thickness of the scalp from one patient to another and in different regions of the scalp. The laser must be able to at least match the sensitivity of the human transplanter who can "feel" these differences and can limit the depth, sparing injury to the larger blood vessels and nerves. In order to have a more natural appearance, modern lasers should generate sites only in a random pattern rather than according to an organized template. Finally, artistic nuances used in creating a delicate hairline, a widow?s peak, the swirl of the crown, or in rebuilding the temples (with its abrupt directional changes) would be difficult to program into the laser and might still have to be accomplished manually.
A look at current research in hair transplantation worldwide suggests that in the near future, significant advances in hair restoration surgery may lie in automating the manual process, rather than in laser surgery per se. Mechanical instrumentation currently being developed will streamline the entire procedure, from the harvesting of the donor strip to the creation of sites with the simultaneous insertion of the implants. The role lasers will play in this overall process is still unclear.
CONCLUSIONS
As laser technology improves, laser sites become smaller, and the problem of thermal damage is adequately addressed, the advantage of rapidly producing large numbers of uniform sites will make the laser a more valuable tool. When the laser, directed at the donor area, can cut skin by "reading" the spaces between the natural hair units with minimal thermal injury, it will significantly alter the transplant process and create a more compelling argument for its use. And until the laser scanner can be designed to avoid existing hair, this instrument will not be truly versatile. Hopefully, this level of sophistication is not "light years" away. Until then, let us be cautious and allow time for science to catch up with our enthusiasm. Only when the power of the laser has been applied successfully to all of the critical elements of the procedure may we rightfully use the term "laser hair transplantation."
REFERENCES
1. Unger WP. More on laser use. Hair Transplant Forum Int 1995; 6:15-16.
2. Arnold JE. Report on ASHRS Orlando meeting. Hair Transplant Forum Int 1995; 6:4-5.
3. Rassman WR, Carson S. Micrografting in extensive quantities. Dermatologic Surgery 1995; 21:306-311.
4. Bernstein RM, Rassman WR, Szaniawski W, Halperin AJ. Follicular transplantation. Int J Aesthetic Restorative Surg 1995; 3:119-132.
5. Unger WP. Laser Hair Transplanting. Int J Aesthetic Restorative Surg 1995; 3:137-142.
About the Author
Dr. Bernstein is Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in New York. He is recognized world wide for pioneering Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation. Dr. Bernstein’s hair restoration center in Manhattan is devoted to the treatment of hair loss using his state-of-the-art hair transplant techniques. http://www.bernsteinmedical.com/
should acne scars ruin my life like this?
am in my mid twenties, I am working and a single woman. I have had acne and I am becoming more and more conscious with the bad scars it left on my skin. The problem is that many times I feel am avoided by men, though I am okay when it comes to beauty and elegance, and I am, in return, avoiding the places where young men may be and following a home-work-home plan..I know am becoming obssessed by it, but I cannot afford laser therapy now. How can I address this issue?
You are much more than a pretty face, but guys aren't going to have a chance to find that out if they don't have a chance to meet you. Try and forget about your scars and get involved in some activities that you enjoy. Learn to smile a lot. It may take some practice.
Are there some volunteer activities you can get into. Guys involved in them may be more likely to see the "real" you and not be just looking for a perfect face. Give it a try. You may be surprised. Good luck,
Laser skin resurfacing