Hair transplant: a basic review.

The hairline is an important aspect of beauty. Loss of the hairline can contribute to poor self-esteem. Alopecia, or hair loss, has many different causes and can have devastating outcomes to the patient. The plastic surgery team may play a role in restoring the hairline and thus improving one's image of self. This article identifies the different causes of hair loss and then reviews steps and options for hairline restoration.

Utility of high-frequency ultrasound: moving beyond the surface to detect changes in skin integrity.

Ultrasound imaging is a versatile modality frequently used in clinical medicine, most likely due to its low cost, low risk to patients, and the ability to provide images in real time. Ultrasound used typically in clinical settings has frequencies between 2 and 12 MHz. Lower frequencies produce greater resolution but are limited in depth penetration; higher frequencies produce greater resolution, but depth of penetration is limited. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) shows promise for detection of certain changes in the skin and this has implications for early detection of changes associated with pressure ulcer formation and wound healing. The purpose of this article was to provide an overview of where HFUS has been used with the skin and provide some discussion on its utility with detecting skin changes related to pressure.

Psychological stress and wound healing in humans: what we know.

The phenomenon of stress is a common human experience frequently blamed for much of the ill health individuals experience. Much focus has been given to the effect of stress on health and wellness. Research demonstrates a strong relationship between psychological stress and health including, but not limited to, poor surgical outcomes and a decrease in immune system functioning. The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is responsible for thermoregulation, vitamin D production, and protection from fluid loss, pathogens, ultraviolet radiation, and mechanical injury. The skin contains a vast supply of sensory nerves, providing sensory input on pain, temperature, pressure, and pleasure. Timely wound healing is of utmost importance because of the skin's vital protective and regulatory functions. Psychological stress has been shown to negatively impact wound healing, both directly and indirectly. The purpose of this review is to identify existing knowledge about the relationship between psychological stress and wound healing in order to provide the best evidence currently available on which to base recommendations for future research and to guide practice.

Wound care for the plastic surgery nurse.

The plastic surgery nurse is often confronted with various acute and chronic wounds. Appropriate wound care can facilitate healing, improve quality of life, decrease pain, and improve cosmesis. Yet, with more than 5,000 products on the market today, it can be difficult to choose the appropriate product. This article reviews some of the basic principles of wound healing and patient assessment and then presents a framework from which to develop a plan of care using appropriate wound care products. Appropriate product selection based on patient assessment and clearly defined wound-healing goals can lead to improved healing and saved health care resources.

Diagnosis and treatment of uncommon wounds.

Uncommon wounds present unique challenges to plastic surgeons and other wound care providers in regard to their presentation, recognition, and ultimate treatment. This article presents an overview of diagnosis and actual case treatment of unusual wounds, a review of the literature, and case studies of interest. A systematic approach to diagnosis; careful review of history; and full understanding of topical, systemic, and surgical therapies is paramount to proper treatment recommendations, appropriate patient management, and successful wound-healing outcomes. The ability to identify and treat wounds caused by an unusual etiology or presentation is an important skill.