Trichoscopic Assessment of Normal and Varied Findings Post Hair Transplantation: A Prospective Observational Study

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a type of patterned hair loss secondary to systemic androgen and genetic pattern. AGA is the most common type of hair loss in both genders and result from follicular miniaturisation of hair.[1] It is the most common type of alopecia among both genders. [2]While the symptoms may present as early as puberty, prominent changes may be seen from 3rd decade onwards. They commonly present as hair loss at the crown in females, and as receding frontal hairline with bitemporal hair loss and vertex thinning in males. Studies have shown that early hair loss can lead to low self esteem and psychological stress. [3] [4]Hence early and appropriate interventions are sought by the patients.

Various medical, surgical, light‐based and nutraceutical treatment options are available for treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Extent of the condition, patients need, affordability and aesthetic goals guide the dermatologist and patient in choosing appropriate management for AGA. [5] [6]Hair transplant is one of the emerging options for pattern hair loss like AGA.  Hair Transplantation includes harvest and transfer of individual follicular units from donor to recipient site. Appropriate selection of suitable candidates for hair transplant improves the outcome of the procedure. [7] Trichoscopy is one such instrument increasingly used among hair transplantation community to differentiate AGA from its mimickers like fibrosing alopecia and alopecia areata incognita. [8] These scalp dermoscopy help in magnified assessment of scalp and hair follicles in donor and recipient site. In addition of assessment of hair density, hair follicles and surrounding areas, they store images for future references.[8] Recent studies [9] [10] are focusing on use of trichoscopy in post-hair transplantation evaluation of donor and recipient site. This provides additional information on early erythema, crusting, folliculitis, scarring on donor and recipient sites. However, these studies are limited and hence current study is planned.