The use of plastic, disposable combs for hair retraction in dermatologic surgery

Abstract

The presence of hair may impede dermatologic surgery on or near the scalp, blocking visualization of the surgical field and obscuring sutures, resulting in a prolonged, more technically challenging surgery and increasing the risk of infection.1 Current solutions include adhesive tape, hair removal, hair gel, clips, and grouping hair with rubber bands. However, these methods have been used with minimal effectiveness, increasing patient discomfort and procedure duration.1 Metal hair combs have been described for hair separation in dermatologic surgery but require sterilization between uses and often contain widely spaced teeth that fail to hold finer hair.