Splaying revisited (FUE...)

[hairtech]

A few years ago this drawing was made to describe the issue of the splaying of grafts vs. the use of sharp punches.

The reason why I drew this picture via photoshop was to show the potential increase in transection rates when given this variable.

 

[Bigmac]

Hairtech, can you give a little more info on this.
The way i read it, a sharp punch does not give you the feel of a dull punch as it slices through the graft easily where as with a dull punch you can feel the edge of the punch hit the graft and therefor make the necessary adjustments to not splay the graft.

 

[Prohairclinic]

I believe the transections that do occur are not fatal.
We often see 'regrowth' from extractions sites. This illustration show exactly why it looks like regrowth in the donor area is taking place.

Key is that the punch should not go too deep and hit the bulb right on. The depth is set at the beginning of the procedure, after extracting a few grafts. Thereafter depth control will avoid going too deep.

B

 

[TR38]

What if grafts were splayed during extraction and regrew, would this not be the way forward. The donor area would have full coverage,right?

 

[hairtech]

Some theories say it's good to transect a few hairs so that some will be left behind to regrow. In my opinion it is better not to transect grafts. If you are going for a 3 haired graft then get a 3 haired graft... etc. If a transection does occur then yes it isn't horrible because it could potentially come back. However there have been instances where too many transections have caused a severe folliculitis reaction. That in itself could lead to shock loss in the donor area.

 

[TR38]

Hairtech, thanks for explaining that.

 

[Bigmac]

Good post, i too would rather my grafts were intact.