Two Scientific Presentations by Dr. Anastasios Vekris at the 10th AAHRS Scientific Meeting in Thailand
Dr. Anastasios Vekris participated as a speaker at the 10th Scientific Meeting of the Asian Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons (AAHRS), presenting two important topics related to safety and the management of demanding hair transplantation cases.
The congress took place from 7 to 9 August 2026 at the InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping in Thailand, under the central theme “Mega Trend in Hair Restoration Surgery.” The event brought together physicians and specialists from different countries, with a scientific programme dedicated to the latest developments in surgical hair restoration. Dr. Vekris was accompanied by Dr. Amalia Tsiatoura, Dermatologist–Venereologist and Scientific Director of Cosmetic Derma Medicine.
Dr. Anastasios Vekris, Plastic Surgeon, Founder & Medical Director of Advanced Hair Clinics and President of the FUE Europe Society of Hair Restoration, delivered the following presentations:
- “How to Optimize Graft Survival in FUE Giga Sessions”
- “Scar Restoration Algorithm with FUE & Combined Techniques”
The two presentations explored different yet particularly demanding aspects of Hair Restoration: preserving hair follicle viability during extensive FUE sessions and restoring scars through individualised combinations of techniques.
When Is an FUE Giga Session Indicated?
The first presentation focused on extensive FUE sessions, during which a large number of hair follicles are extracted and implanted within the same day.
Advances in equipment and extraction techniques have significantly expanded the capabilities of FUE. However, the technical ability to perform an extensive session does not mean that it is the right choice for every patient.
The patient’s age, the degree of alopecia, the quality and overall capacity of the donor area, medical history, medication and the potential future progression of hair loss must be assessed before determining the scale of the procedure.
Avoiding overharvesting from the donor area is particularly important. Planning should address not only the patient’s current needs but also preserve sufficient donor capacity for possible future restoration.
Factors Affecting Hair Follicle Survival
During his presentation, Dr. Vekris analysed the critical stages that can affect hair follicle viability: follicle quality, the method of extraction and handling, storage conditions, out-of-body time and the implantation technique.
Hair follicles are delicate living tissue. Unnecessary handling, dehydration, unsuitable storage temperatures or prolonged time outside the body can reduce their chances of successful growth.
For this reason, an extensive session should be organised into separate cycles of extraction and implantation to minimise waiting time. Proper hydration and rapid transfer to a suitable storage solution are also essential elements of the protocol.
The implantation stage requires equal care. Attempting to achieve excessively high density or creating too many recipient sites very close together can increase skin trauma and compromise blood supply to the recipient area.
Safety Comes Before Large Numbers
FUE giga sessions involve specific requirements. The longer duration of the procedure, the total dose of local anaesthesia, increased tumescence volumes and fatigue affecting both the patient and the medical team must all be taken into account.
A central message of the presentation was that the number of hair follicles should never become an end in itself or a measure of the quality of a hair transplant. An extensive session should only be performed when there is a clear indication, a suitable donor area and an experienced medical team capable of safely managing every stage of the procedure.
In some cases, dividing the procedure into two smaller sessions may be the safer option.
An Algorithm for Scar Restoration
The second presentation, entitled “Scar Restoration Algorithm with FUE & Combined Techniques,” focused on cases of post-traumatic or post-burn alopecia.
Unlike normal skin, scar tissue may have reduced blood supply, limited elasticity and variable depth. Therefore, the choice of technique must be based on the specific characteristics of each scar.
When tissue quality and blood supply are sufficient, FUE can be used to cover scars on the scalp or restore facial areas such as the eyebrows, moustache, sideburns and hairline.
When there is uncertainty about how the tissue will respond, a test FUE involving a limited number of hair follicles may be performed initially. Their growth is assessed before the full session is planned.
Combined Techniques in Complex Cases
The presentation also highlighted the limitations of using a single technique. In scars with severely reduced blood supply or in cases involving extensive tissue deficits, FUE may need to be combined with plastic surgery techniques.
Lipotransfer may be used as a preparatory stage to improve the quality and blood supply of the scar tissue. More complex cases may require tissue expanders, flaps or other reconstructive techniques before the final restoration with FUE.
The algorithm does not propose one solution for every scar. Instead, it establishes a staged approach based on the extent of the damage, the available donor area and the tissue’s ability to support the growth of the transplanted hair follicles.
Advanced Hair Clinics in the International Scientific Programme
Participation in the 10th AAHRS Scientific Meeting marked another milestone in the international scientific activity of Dr. Anastasios Vekris and Advanced Hair Clinics.
As a Globally Awarded Clinic, with 15 clinics across Greece and Cyprus, Advanced Hair Clinics participates in international scientific events, presenting clinical experience that ranges from extensive FUE sessions to particularly complex cases of reconstructive hair transplantation.
The two presentations in Thailand highlighted a shared principle: technical progress has genuine value when it is accompanied by appropriate patient selection, respect for the limitations of the donor area and careful medical planning.
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