New Treatments and Advances in Hair Transplantation
Leading experts in hair transplantation discussed the latest treatments and emerging trends at the 25th World Congress of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), held from October 4–7, 2017, in Prague.
“We are witnessing a global increase in hair transplant procedures by approximately 60% since 2014,” stated Jean M. Devroye, MD, FISHRS, from Belgium, Chair of the ISHRS World Congress Program 2017. “As hair transplantation becomes increasingly popular, the mission of ISHRS continues to evolve. ISHRS is committed to setting the highest standards in medical techniques, ethics, and research in the field of medical and surgical hair restoration.”
The 25th World Congress united hair restoration specialists worldwide with the goal of informing and educating them to provide exceptional medical care in hair transplantation
More than 1,000 physicians attended 69 lectures, participated in 31 live workshops, and engaged in 40 roundtable discussions. Topics covered included the latest advances in hair transplantation, innovative medical and surgical technologies for treating hair loss, and new approaches to performing procedures.
Some of the key topics addressed at this year’s congress included:
The Hair Biology Symposium featured distinguished professors presenting their latest research and innovative approaches to stimulating hair growth and reversing follicular miniaturization.
The session titled Hair Follicle Neoformation: The Past, Present, and Future of Hair Cloning reviewed the process of hair cloning—a technique whereby scientists can generate new, fully functional hair follicles from just a few cells. Although still in the experimental stage, this method is expected to revolutionize the field of hair transplantation.
Significant interest was also drawn by the Morbidity & Mortality Conference, one of the most critical meetings of the ISHRS, chaired this year by Dr. Konstantinos Anastasakis, MD, PhD.
“Sharing is caring,” stated Dr. Anastasakis, Chair of the conference, at the opening of his speech. Indeed, the Morbidity & Mortality (M&M) Conference offers a valuable opportunity to share and learn from colleagues’ patient cases that did not have the desired outcomes.
“The M&M conferences focus on the goal of optimal patient care. These sessions highlight recent cases and identify areas for improvement for the physicians involved. Publicly presenting cases with less-than-ideal outcomes requires great courage but ultimately fosters better learning opportunities. Physicians present the cases they have managed, and through a collegial dialogue with the presenter, fellow doctors discuss alternative approaches that could have been taken.”
Presentations at the ISHRS Morbidity & Mortality conferences are confidential among participating physicians. This year’s event drew remarkable interest, with discussions extending well beyond the originally scheduled two hours. Dr. Anastasakis skillfully moderated the exchange between speakers and over 100 attendees.
At the conclusion of the conference, Dr. Anastasakis received warm congratulations from both participating physicians and ISHRS President Dr. Ken Washenik, MD, PhD. His distinction was further honored with an award recognizing his scientific and educational contributions at the 25th ISHRS International Congress.
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