Effect of De-Epithelialization on Graft Survival Rate After Follicular Unit Extraction

The study "Effect of De-epithelialization on Graft Survival Rate After Follicular Unit Extraction" involved 64 male patients with androgenetic alopecia. The patients were divided into two groups: one underwent de-epithelialization and the other served as a control. The study found no significant difference in hair shaft elongation and the percentage of anagen hair follicles between the two groups. The immediate postoperative satisfaction was higher in the de-epithelialization group (100%) compared to the control group (71.25%). There were no significant differences in shedding rate, graft survival rate, and complications between the two groups. The study concluded that follicular de-epithelialization does not affect the survival rate of the graft in Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), but it may improve immediate postoperative appearance and lead to a more pleasing cosmetic outcome.