Elliptical donor stereoscopically assisted micrografting as an approach to further refinement in hair transplantation.

[BACKGROUND] Multiple surgical methods are currently used for hair transplantation. Each method has a specific technique, morbidity, and relatively predictable cosmetic result.

[OBJECTIVE] To describe a methodology that combines elliptical excision of donor tissue and dissection under stereoscopic magnification into small grafts to obtain an improved final cosmetic result. For the purposes of this paper, any graft small enough to be easily inserted into a 16-, 18-, or 20-gauge needle tunnel will be referred to as a micrograft.

[METHOD] Three hundred thirty patients underwent transplantation by this method over a 6-year period. All patients were photographed before, during, and upon completion to monitor results.

[RESULTS] Cosmetic results as documented by examination and photography represent a further refinement due to the large number and small size of grafts placed.

[CONCLUSION] The author considers the method described as a viable alternative technique in hair transplantation for both limited and extensive androgenetic alopecia.