Common FUE Graft Harvesting Problems and Solutions

Abstract Technological innovation in follicular unit excision (FUE) has made graft harvesting more efficient than ever, allowing surgeons to increase the number of grafts they can obtain in a single session. Factors such as scalp quality and follicular characteristics such as thickness, length, and curvature of hair follicles vary between individuals, which is why device settings and technique must be personalized for each patient. When performing a hair transplant, the surgeon needs to be able to receive regular feedback about the quality of grafts being excised so that the technique can be corrected accordingly throughout the procedure. We describe common problems and solutions that may occur during the harvesting of grafts via FUE: tethering, capping, skeletonized follicles, aspiration, transections, paring, and broken follicles. This article builds upon principles previously published in “Dynamics of FUE.”1