Preview Long Hair Follicular Unit Excision: An Up-And-Coming Technique
February 2021
in “
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
”
TLDR Long hair FUE, a hair transplant without shaving, is becoming more popular and surgeons should learn it.
The document from March 2021 reviews the long hair follicular unit excision (FUE) technique, a hair transplant method that allows patients to avoid shaving the donor area, offering a discreet and immediate visual assessment of the transplant. Although more technically demanding and slower than traditional FUE, advancements in tools like the Trivellini Long Hair System and Long Hair punch have made it more accessible. Proper hair length, conditioner use, and careful graft handling are crucial for success, as is the use of a suction-assisted receptacle for managing long hair during the procedure. A cited study found no difference in total transection rates between shaven and long hair FUE, but a higher partial transection rate with long hair FUE. The technique is expected to gain popularity, especially among patients with limited donor supply or those who prefer not to shave the donor area. The document concludes that long hair FUE is likely to become the next trend in hair restoration, and surgeons should become familiar with it to stay competitive.