Survival of Densely Packed Follicular Unit Grafts Using the Lateral Slit Technique

The study conducted by Nakatsui, Wong, and Groot demonstrated that densely packed follicular unit grafts using the lateral slit technique could survive at high rates, with a survival rate of 98.6% at 72 grafts/cm² and 95.6% at 23 grafts/cm², observed in a single patient at 8 months post-transplant. This finding challenged previous beliefs that dense packing led to poor growth. Despite the positive results, the study was limited by its small scale and lack of blinding. The document also noted that while higher densities are achievable, lower densities (30 to 35 grafts/cm²) are recommended to conserve follicles for future hair loss, as satisfactory results can be obtained with improved techniques at these densities. The study was supported by a research grant from the International Society for Hair Restoration Surgery.