%0 Journal Article
%T Long-hair follicular unit excision enhances the cosmetic results of hairline restoration: A retrospective study in Chinese recipients.
%A Jin M
%A Zhang J
%A Jin Z
%A Pi L
%A Diao Y
%J J Cosmet Dermatol
%V 23
%N 4
%D 2024 Apr 10
%M 38197285
%F 2.189
%R 10.1111/jocd.16136
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Long-hair follicular unit excision (LHF) is gaining popularity, especially for hairline restoration, because it helps avoid hair removal in the donor area and provides better immediate postoperative results.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study aimed to assess the postoperative clinical outcomes of LHF for hairline restoration.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Data from 248 patients (223 women and 25 men) who underwent hairline restoration with LHF between September 2018 and June 2022 were analyzed, and they were followed up immediately and 9 months postoperatively. The complications and survival rate of long-hair grafts were assessed. Patient postoperative satisfaction was assessed using a 5-Point Likert Scale. The Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74) assessed the quality of the postoperative life.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The planned extraction density was set at 15-25 FU/cm2. The mean number of total extracted hair grafts, transection rate in the extraction area, and extraction time were 1970 ± 124 FU, 3.9 ± 0.2%, and 3.2 ± 0.8 h, respectively. The hairline implantation density was set at 50-70 FU/cm2. The mean number of total transplanted hair grafts was 2031 ± 371 FU; the implant time was 3.8 ± 1.9 h. No serious complications occurred within 7 days postoperatively. The mean graft survival rate was 93.1 ± 1.3% at 9 months postoperatively. All patients were satisfied with the immediate postoperative results, and most were satisfied with the 9-month outcomes (mean overall satisfaction score: 4.7). The scores of physical function, psychological function, social function and material life function after operation were higher than those before operation (p < 0.0001).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Hairline restoration with LHF could enhance the cosmetic outcomes and be widely used in clinical practice.