Arch Aesthetic Plast Surg.  2014 Feb;20(1):61-64. 10.14730/aaps.2014.20.1.61.

Follicular Unit Transplantation: Comparison of Video Microscopic vs. Combination Methods

• Kim CK
• Kim HS
• Kim DY

• KMID: 2117952
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14730/aaps.2014.20.1.61

Abstract

BACKGROUND
In 2004, Sharon Keene introduced a video microscope to the hair transplant field and discussed about the benefits such as ergonomics, quality assurance, and easy teaching. In 2009, our clinic set up digital video microscope systems. CCD-chip-loaded hand-held digital video microscope was connected to a 19-inch high definition (HD) LCD monitor. We compared the transection rates and graft-cutting time of two graft-dissecting methods to decide which one is more efficient.
METHODS
Two technicians performed follicular unit graft dissection via two different methods of video microscopic and a combination of video microscope for slivering and loupe magnification for graft-cutting. All the procedures were recorded on high-definition digital video camera and cross-checked on the video clips.
RESULTS
The transection rate of digital video microscope use was 2.2% while the combination method with 1.6%. For comparison of graft-producing time, the combination method could produce about equal amount of grafts in 186% faster the time.
CONCLUSIONS
The work efficiency was greater with the combination method. The total graft productivity was nearly 2 times larger while the transection rates of two methods showed very close results.

Keyword

Follicular unit transplantation; Transection rates; Microscopic dissection

MeSH Terms

Efficiency
Hair
Human Engineering
Transplants