Management of Cowlick in Female Hairline Correction Surgery

Purpose

To investigate the results of two grafting methods to manage CLs in the FHL of women.

Background

The present study was performed to investigate the results of two grafting methods to manage cowlicks (CLs) in the frontal hairline of women.

Methods

Patients were categorized into two groups based on the grafting method: the matching with the original hair direction (MOD) group and the matching with the CL hair direction (MCD) group. Satisfaction ratings were compared between the two groups.

Results

Among 80 patients, 77 had a single CL and 3 had a double CL. In the MOD group, 7 of 12 (58.3%) patients underwent a touch-up procedure for density enhancement with an average of 123 follicular units; the average patient and physician satisfaction ratings were 4.84 and 4.60, respectively. In the MCD group, 7 of 68 (10.3%) patients underwent a touch-up procedure for density enhancement around the CL; the average patient and physician satisfaction ratings were 4.64 and 4.50, respectively.

Conclusion

In female hairline correction surgery, the surgeon must choose between MOD and MCD by considering the location, shape, and pattern of the CL; the facial shape; and the patient’s preference. Delicate graft placement is required to obtain natural-looking results.

Level of Evidence IV

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