The use of micrografts and minigrafts for the correction of the postrhytidectomy lost sideburn.

A tell-tale and unsightly deformity that can result from a rhytidectomy is the loss of the sideburn. As redundant skin is lifted, the hairless skin of the cheek may be advanced into the sideburn area. Several techniques have been described for sideburn reconstruction, mainly punch grafts and various scalp flaps. I use micrografts and minigrafts to effectively correct this deformity in a single session, under local anesthesia and mild intravenous sedation. I use basically the same technique previously described for the treatment of male-pattern baldness, with the direction of graft insertion being at a very acute angle to obtain the growth of hair in a natural downward direction. I found the procedure safe and predictable, and the patients treated were very satisfied with the aesthetically pleasing and natural result.