Background: Follicular unit excision (FUE) is a popular hair transplant technique, but requires shaving the donor area. This is a deterrent for some patients wishing to keep their hair transplant discreet. The new long hair FUE technique avoids shaving the donor area, which appeals to a wider patient population; however, it has a reputation of being technically challenging and slow.
Aims: We review the tools and techniques developed for long hair FUE and present our experience using the Trivellini Long Hair System and Long Hair punch.
Discussion: With the new advances in tools and techniques for long hair FUE, this method is gaining momentum and has the potential to be the next trend in the hair transplant industry. There are a few different punch designs marketed specifically for long hair FUE (window/slotted, Trivellini Long Hair, and bi-pronged). Although this technique is slower to perform than shaven FUE, graft survival and final outcome are comparable.
Conclusions: Innovations in technology have made the long hair FUE technique more accessible to hair transplant surgeons. It is important for hair restoration surgeons to keep knowledgeable about this technique in order to maintain a competitive business.
Keywords: Preview FUE; follicular unit excision; hair transplantation; long hair FUE.
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