Follicular Unit Excision in Patients of African Descent: A Skin-Responsive Technique

August 2023 in “ Dermatologic Surgery ”

Sanusi Umar, Raveena Khanna, Boudin Lohlun, Juan Carlos Maldonado, Maria Marta Zollinger, Achiamah Osei‐Tutu, Alejandro Gonzales, Kavish Chouhan, Aron G. Nusbaum

Follicular Unit Excision graft transection rate hair transplantation skin thickness skin firmness

Studysummary In this study, researchers reported that a new skin-responsive FU excision device consistently succeeded in all patients of African descent, showing a mean graft transection rate of less than 10%, with skin thickness and firmness identified as major factors affecting graft attrition rate.

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The study evaluated a novel skin-responsive follicular unit excision (FUE) technique in 64 African-descended patients, using the Dr. UGraft Zeus FUE device to address challenges with Afro-textured hair and skin. The technique minimized graft attrition and scarring by adapting to skin thickness and firmness, achieving a maximum transection rate of less than 10%, which is favorable compared to previous studies on non-African ethnicities. The study found no significant differences in outcomes based on demographics or FUE difficulty class, and emphasized the importance of torque over high rotational speeds for success. Despite the small sample size, the approach shows promise in improving FUE outcomes for African-descended individuals, with generally positive patient feedback.

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Research cited in this study

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research A New Universal Follicular Unit Excision Classification System for Hair Transplantation Difficulty and Patient Outcome

4 citations , June 2022 in “Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology”

In this study, researchers introduced the Sanusi FUE Score Scale to better predict and grade the difficulty of follicular unit excision hair transplantation by accounting for diverse hair and skin types, with further validation needed.

research A Novel Follicular Unit Excision Device for All-Purpose Hair Graft Harvesting

7 citations , November 2021 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

This study describes a novel FUE device that may perform successfully across various patient scenarios, adapting to differences in skin firmness, thickness, and hair curliness.

research Follicular Unit Excision Punches and Devices

11 citations , August 2020 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This review discusses the various designs of follicular unit excision punches used in hair transplantation without reporting new clinical results; it emphasizes the importance of understanding each punch's benefits and limitations.

research Comparative Study of a Novel Tool for Follicular Unit Extraction for Individuals with Afro-Textured Hair

9 citations , September 2016 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open”

In this study, a curved nonrotary punch was found to achieve the lowest follicular unit transection rates of less than 5% compared to conventional rotary punches in hair transplantation for patients with tightly curled Afro-textured hair.

research Advances and Challenges in Hair Restoration of Curly Afrocentric Hair

8 citations , March 2014 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This article discusses surgical hair restoration for individuals with curly hair, emphasizing specific considerations and techniques required, but reports no new clinical results.

research Technical Considerations for Follicular Unit Extraction in African-American Hair

6 citations , May 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

FUE can be successfully done on African-American hair by using larger punch tools and careful techniques to reduce hair damage.

New Methodology and Instrumentation for Follicular Unit Extraction: Lower Follicle Transection Rates and Expanded Patient Candidacy

research New Methodology and Instrumentation for Follicular Unit Extraction: Lower Follicle Transection Rates and Expanded Patient Candidacy

30 citations , June 2008 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

In this study, the SAFE System for follicular unit extraction demonstrated a favorable average follicle transection rate of 6.14% and is accessible for physicians with basic technical skills, showing promise for wider adoption.

research Follicular Unit Extraction: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hair Transplantation

153 citations , August 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This paper introduces the Follicular Unit Extraction procedure and its accompanying FOX Test, finding that 60% of tested patients were suitable candidates for this minimally invasive hair transplantation method.