Longevity of Hair Follicles after Follicular Unit Transplant Surgery

BACKGROUND: The longevity of the grafted hair follicles is still debated and there are limited literature available on this topic. AIM: To assess the longevity of transplanted hairs after follicular unit transfer (FUT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 112 patients who had undergone FUT were included in the study and their results at the end of 4 years were compared with the 1 year post surgery results by standardized images. The reduction in the density of the grafted hair follicles was graded by a blinded observer in a grading scale. RESULTS: Among 112 subjects 50.89% had grade 4, 46.42% had grade 5, 2.67% had grade 6 alopecia respectfully. The 4 year follow up grading of hair loss showed moderate reduction in transplanted hair density in 55.35%, slightly reduced density in 27.67% greatly reduced in 8.03% and no change in the density in 8.92% subjects. CONCLUSION: The hair grafts transplanted may not last permanently for all the subjects. Recipient site influence might affect the growth and long-term survival of the transplanted hairs.