CPT® Code 15775

1. Indications

The punch graft procedure is indicated for individuals experiencing hair loss due to various conditions. The following are the primary indications for performing this procedure:

• Androgenetic Alopecia This is the most common form of hair loss, affecting both men and women, characterized by a progressive thinning of hair on the scalp.
• Scarring Alopecia This condition involves hair loss due to scarring on the scalp, which can result from previous injuries, surgeries, or inflammatory skin diseases.
• Hair Restoration Patients seeking to restore hair in specific areas of the scalp where hair has thinned or is absent may be candidates for this procedure.

2. Procedure

The punch grafting procedure consists of several key steps that ensure the successful transplantation of hair follicles. Each step is critical to achieving optimal results.

• Step 1: Preparation The physician begins by preparing the patient for the procedure. This includes a thorough consultation to discuss the patient's medical history, expectations, and the specific areas of the scalp that require treatment. The scalp is then cleansed and marked to identify the donor and recipient sites.
• Step 2: Harvesting Grafts Using a circular punch tool, the physician carefully removes small, full-thickness grafts from the donor area of the scalp, typically located at the back or sides where hair is more abundant. The punch tool creates a cylindrical incision around the hair follicle, allowing for the extraction of the graft without damaging surrounding tissue.
• Step 3: Preparing Recipient Sites After harvesting the grafts, the physician prepares the recipient sites by making small incisions in the areas of the scalp that require hair restoration. These incisions are strategically placed to ensure a natural appearance and optimal hair growth.
• Step 4: Transplanting Grafts The harvested grafts are then meticulously placed into the prepared recipient sites. The physician ensures that each graft is positioned correctly to promote natural hair growth and alignment with the existing hair pattern.
• Step 5: Post-Procedure Care Once all grafts have been transplanted, the physician provides post-procedure care instructions to the patient. This may include guidelines on how to care for the scalp, medications to manage discomfort, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and hair growth.

3. Post-Procedure

After the punch grafting procedure, patients can expect a recovery period during which the scalp may be sensitive and require special care. It is common for patients to experience some swelling, redness, or minor discomfort in the treated areas. The physician will provide specific post-operative instructions, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, protecting the scalp from sun exposure, and using prescribed topical treatments to promote healing. Patients should also schedule follow-up appointments to assess the success of the grafts and monitor hair growth over time. Full results may take several months to become apparent as the transplanted hair follicles establish themselves in the new location.