The use of retention sutures and tensed Silastic-Dacron strips for the prevention of stretch-back after alopecia-reducing procedures.

BACKGROUND

A comparison between using retention sutures (N = 25), a tensed Silastic-Dacron strip (N = 25), or nothing (N = 25) for the prevention of stretch-back (after alopecia-reducing procedures) was performed between 1990 and 1992.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose was to determine if retention sutures or a tensed Silastic-Dacron strip placed subgaleally from one donor fringe to the other would reduce the amount of stretch-back after alopecia-reducing procedures.

METHOD: A prospective study of a total of 75 patients was performed. The width of the bald area was measured immediately after the surgery and at 3 months with each of the three modalities.

RESULTS

Retention sutures resulted in some prevention of stretch-back. Tensed Silastic-Dacron strips totally prevented stretch-back and in some cases made the bald area compressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Retention sutures placed through subgaleal tunnels reduces stretch-back after alopecia-reducing procedures. Tensed Silastic-Dacron strips totally prevent stretch-back and in approximately half the cases compress the area of baldness.