We’re excited to have Dr. Piotr Turkowski from Poland serving as moderator and Dr. Nina Otberg from Germany as co-moderator for the Panel Discussion on Scarring Hair Loss at the ISHRS 33rd World Congress.
In this video, they share insights on what the panel will entail with world experts in scarring alopecia, including FFA, LPP, discoid lupus, folliculitis, wounds, and more. They also discuss balancing medical therapy with surgical timing for FFA patients, test graft strategies, density choices, and long-term outcomes. Additionally, they highlight the importance of managing patient expectations and planning multi-stage procedures.
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Summary Notes for Panel Intro Video
Intro discussion on the upcoming Panel on Scarring Alopecia at the ISHRS 33rd World Congress in Berlin
Introduction:
Dr. Sam Lam led a discussion session for the upcoming ISHRS World Congress panel on scarring hair loss, with a special focus on secondary and scarring forms such as FFA and LPP. Joined by Drs. Nina Otberg and Peter Turkowski who will lead this panel, which will have a diverse, international faculty and an interactive, case-based session format. The panelists explored diagnostic challenges, therapeutic options, surgical planning, and strategies for managing patient expectations, setting the stage for a highly educational and practical congress session.
Key Discussion Points:
[00:00:00] Introduction to the Panel
Dr. Lam opened with the vision for a global panel on advanced alopecia management. Dr. Turkowski outlined the dual focus: integrating both primary and secondary treatment strategies.
[00:00:32] Panel Structure & Expert Selection
Dr. Otberg detailed the selection of panelists, representing Germany, Spain, Brazil, Georgia, and Kuwait, to ensure comprehensive expertise across dermatology, surgery, and regenerative medicine.
[00:01:32] Case-Based Discussion Format
Responding to Dr. Lam’s query, Dr. Otberg explained that the session will prioritize interactive case presentations with clinical images, encouraging real-world problem solving. Diseases to be covered include FFA, LPP, discoid lupus, and folliculitis decalvans.
[00:02:48] Diagnostic & Therapeutic Approaches
Dr. Lam and Dr. Otberg discussed biopsy versus trichoscopy for diagnosis, noting differences in practice. Dr. Otberg outlined her tiered management—topicals, intralesional steroids, systemic agents like hydroxychloroquine and antibiotics, and ruxolitinib for refractory disease. Concerns were raised over cost and access to novel therapies.
[00:05:41] Surgical Planning & Patient Expectations
Dr. Turkowski described his clinic’s approach: at least 12–18 months of disease quiescence and test grafting before full procedures. Dr. Otberg also emphasized staged approaches and counseling, noting that patient satisfaction often surpasses clinical expectations despite variable growth. The panel agreed on transparent communication and staged planning for multi-session transplants.
Conclusion:
The discussion previewed the Berlin panel as an interactive, case-driven session tackling some of the toughest challenges in alopecia management. From discussion over biopsy and systemic therapy to staged transplant strategies and patient expectation management, the session promises practical, nuanced insights. Attendees can expect not only clinical pearls but also valuable opportunities for dialogue with global experts.
Don’t miss the Scarring Alopecia Panel on Thursday, October 23 at the ISHRS 33rd World Congress in Berlin.