Commentary

In 2006, Dr. James A. Harris introduced the SAFE System for Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) in hair transplantation, which was designed to reduce follicle transection rates and increase the number of suitable candidates for the procedure. The study involved 59 patients, with 37 receiving 6,947 grafts using the SAFE System, resulting in an average transection rate of 6.14%. However, a commentary on the study critiqued Harris's claims, suggesting that the term "SAFER technique" might be more appropriate due to a transection rate as high as 15% in at least one case. The author of the commentary also questioned the minimally invasive nature of FUE and the claimed benefits over traditional strip harvesting, while acknowledging the technique's advantages in certain situations. Despite the criticisms, the commentary recognized that the SAFE System could be beneficial for reducing transection rates, especially for novice surgeons.