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Light and electron microscopic analysis of controlled injury to follicular unit grafts
M Gandelman1, A L Mota, P A Abrahamsohn
1Department of Histology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil. marcelo@gandelman.com
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.