[Singular graft's survival].

Abstract

Follicular unit extraction is a minimally invasive approach to hair transplantation that renders need of linear donor incision. Based on our many years' experience of using FU extraction method it seems that FOX grafts growing is worse compare to the common grafts created with dissection of the donor strip. We cannot find data's about survival of FOX grafts and therefore we attempted this single case bilaterally controlled study. Young patient with small (3 x 4 cm) postburn scar in fronto-parietal region was selected for the study. From donor area (midocciput) there were harvested grafts using both techniques: donor strip excision with subsequent stereo-microscopical dissection (107 FU-totally 176 follicles) and FU extraction using 0,95 mm punch (50 FU - totally 90 follicles). 107 recipient sites were created in the left and central area of the scar with N18 gauge Nokor needle and 107 common grafts were placed using jewelers forceps. 50 recipient sites were created in the right part of the scar and 50 FOX grafts were grafted. 5 month later the follicular survival was determined by counting terminal hair growth in these recipient sites. 94% follicular survival was obtained in the sites on the left and central side of the scar (common grafts) and 109% percent in the sites of the right side (FOX grafts). This study demonstrated that survival of the FOX grafts is equivalent to the survival of the common grafts created with dissection of the donor strip.