Publication:

Comparative study of follicular unit yield in elliptical versus trapezoid donor strip in hair transplantation

Background Hair transplantation is a surgical method of management of hair loss. The classical method involves harvesting an elliptical strip from the donor area and dissection follicular units, which are then implanted into the recipient area. A modification of elliptical strip is trapezoid strip, where the ends are tapered to a trapezoid to reduce the transection of follicles.

Methods 12 male patients with androgenetic alopecia undergoing hair transplantation by strip method were included in the study. One cm strip was harvested from the donor area in all the patients. One end of the strip was designed elliptical and the other end was trapezoid. The ends were dissected and follicular grafts were counted.

Results The trapezoid end of strip yielded more follicular units in 10 out of 12 cases (83.3%), one was equal and in one case the elliptical end had a greater yield.

Conclusions Transection of follicular units in the ends of donor strip can be minimized by 30-40% by harvesting a trapezoid strip. The grafts harvested were 28.3% more in the trapezoid end of the strip than the elliptical end.