Microstrip Technique in Follicular Unit Extraction

The document describes a case where a 37-year-old man with Hamilton-Norwood class III androgenetic alopecia, who was previously unsatisfied with the results of a strip surgery, underwent a follicular unit extraction (FUE) using the microstrip technique. This technique involves shaving the occipital donor area in a two-layered pattern with 1 cm wide shaven microstrips separated by 1 cm of unshaven hair, allowing the donor sites to remain hidden. A total of 800 grafts (1500 hairs) were harvested and transplanted to the frontal area at a density of 35/cm² with a transection rate of 5%. Postoperative care included mupirocin ointment application and oral antibiotics. The patient reported a significant reduction in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score from 14 to 1 and was satisfied with the minimal aesthetic impact and the outcome after 9 months of observation. The microstrip technique is highlighted as a useful option for patients in the early phase of androgenetic alopecia and for female patients who do not want to shave their entire donor area and do not require more than 1200 to 1500 grafts.