Light and electron microscopic analysis of controlled injury to follicularunit grafts

BACKGROUND. Careful manipulation of hair units is essential for a good yiel d of transplanted hair. OBJECTIVE. To analyze the morphology of dissected follicular units submitte d 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 sca nning electron microscopy. RESULTS. No alterations were detected in follicular units that had been cru shed, bent, or stretched. Major damage occurred in samples that were left t o dry on gloves. CONCLUSION. Letting the follicular unit dry appears to be the worst mishand ling to which the follicular units may be subjected during routine hair tra nsplantation.