Light and Electron Microscopic Analysis of Controlled Injury to Follicular Unit Grafts

BACKGROUND. Careful manipulation of hair units is essential for a good yield of transplanted hair. OBJECTIVE. To analyze the morphology of dissected follicular units submitted to crushing, stretching, bending, and drying. METHODS. Follicular units were either crushed, bent, stretched with forceps, or left drying on surgical gloves for 3 minutes. The specimens were fixed and prepared for observation with light microscopy or transmission and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS. No alterations were detected in follicular units that had been crushed, bent, or stretched. Major damage occurred in samples that were left to dry on gloves. CONCLUSION. Letting the follicular unit dry appears to be the worst mishandling to which the follicular units may be subjected during routine hair transplantation.