Innovations Hair Restoration Surgeons Have Made to Adapt to the Challenges of Follicular Unit Excision

    May 2020 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”
    Anik Gupta, Anthony Bruce, Roberto Trivellini, Kapil Dua, Parsa Mohebi, Robert M. true, James S. Harris
    Image of study
    TLDR Hair restoration surgeons have improved follicular unit excision (hair transplant method) by using innovative tools and techniques, reducing hair damage and increasing success rates.
    In 2020, a review was conducted on the innovations made by hair restoration surgeons to adapt to the challenges of follicular unit excision (FUE), a method of hair transplantation. The study found that early use of FUE was limited due to high rates of hair follicle transection, but innovative methods, punch shapes, and devices have successfully minimized this rate. These methods include the use of sharp punches with depth control, blunt rotating punches, and punch shapes such as flared, hybrid, and edge out. The development of motorized devices using features including rotation, roto-oscillation, oscillation, vibration, suction, and hydration have also aided in achieving more successful graft excision. The review also discussed the robotic ARTAS device, which calculates the angle of variance between the follicular exit and the follicular unit structure underneath the epidermal surface. The choice of the FUE system is dependent on several factors including the hair characteristics of the patient, physician preference and experience, long hair vs shaven donor area, robotic vs non-robotic, price, availability, and technical support.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    9 / 9 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 171 results

      community Progress with 6 Years fin and a FUT (2017 vs 2023)

      in Is this regrowth?  210 upvotes 1 year ago
      The post discusses a user's six-year progress with finasteride and a Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) for hair loss. The user shared before and after photos in reverse order, leading to confusion, but overall, the community responded positively to the user's hair regrowth.

      community How is verteporfin doing in trials?

      in Chat  9 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation is about the progress of verteporfin in hair loss trials, with users expressing curiosity about its effectiveness and updates. Specific treatments mentioned include FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) combined with verteporfin, with one reported case of donor area regrowth after a year, and three patients being monitored post-treatment by Dr. Bloxham with monthly updates on YouTube.

      community HRT is literal black magic. Fin 1 mg/day @ 4 years, min 2x/day @ 3 years, Estradiol 4mg/day @ 3.5 months, and Spironolactone 100mg/day @ 3.5 months (estra & spiro are medicines you should likely not take if you are a cis man)

      in Progress Pictures  118 upvotes 3 months ago
      User shared progress on hair regrowth using Fin 1 mg/day for 4 years, Min 2x/day for 3 years, Estradiol 4mg/day, and Spironolactone 100mg/day for 3.5 months. They noted significant hairline recovery and advised against HRT for cis men due to feminizing effects.

      community Verteporfin and Microneedling

      in Treatments 6 months ago
      Clinical studies by Dr. Barghouthi and Dr. Bloxham indicate that Verteporfin, when used with FUE and FUT hair transplantation methods, shows promise in hair follicle regeneration and minimal scarring due to its ability to inhibit Yes-associated protein (YAP). Microneedling at depths of 3-3.5mm, combined with Verteporfin, could potentially reactivate dormant follicles, although the optimal dosage and application method are still under investigation. Concerns remain about the DHT sensitivity of regenerated follicles, highlighting the need for further research to optimize trauma levels and Verteporfin concentrations to achieve effective and scar-free hair regeneration.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results