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

The study introduced the SAFE System for Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), which was tested on 59 patients and 6,947 grafts, resulting in an average follicle transection rate of 6.14%. The SAFE System was shown to potentially improve FUE techniques with a low adverse reaction rate. However, commentary by Walter Unger criticized the universal suitability of the SAFE System for all patients, noting that not all are ideal candidates as evidenced by a transection rate as high as 15% in at least one case. Unger also disputed the characterization of FUE as "minimally invasive" and questioned the claimed benefits of the procedure. Despite these concerns, Unger recognized the advantages of FUE in certain scenarios and suggested that the SAFE System could benefit novice surgeons by reducing transection rates.