Polarized Light-Emitting Diode Magnification for Optimal Recipient Site Creation During Hair Transplant

The study evaluated the use of a 2× magnified polarized light-emitting diode (LED) for creating recipient sites during hair transplant surgery in 75 male and female patients. The device was assessed by the author and four surgical assistants for its effectiveness in graft creation, recipient site creation, and graft placement. The results showed that while there was no perceived advantage in creating grafts or placing grafts compared to other magnification devices and traditional methods, the polarized magnification did provide less eye strain and greater ease in creating recipient sites. The polarized LED magnifier allowed for better visibility, no heat, and no glare, which led to quicker creation of recipient sites and less desiccation of hair follicles. The study concluded that magnification in recipient sites can reduce transection of existing hair follicles, leading to maximum density from a procedure, and that the polarized LED in the recipient zone is an important new tool in hair transplant. Further studies were suggested to confirm the reduced transection rate and determine the ideal magnification.