How is follicular unit transplantation different from mini/micro grafting?
To understand this, one must know some terms. A micro-graft is a graft containing 1-2 hairs and a mini-graft is a graft containing 3-6 hairs. Therefore, FU grafts are actually a form of mini/micro grafting. But that is where the similarity ends. Mini/micro grafting does not respect the follicular units. They are prepared by removing the donor strip with a multi-bladed knife, which results in more hair transection than with a single bladed knife. After the strip removal, the grafts are prepared as cut-to-size using little or no magnification and with little respect for the natural follicular units. This causes three problems: 1) more transection 2) transplanting the hairless skin and 3) less density in the recipient area due to the hairless skin being transplanted and the larger size of the grafts. The main advantages of mini/micro grafting are that is faster for the surgeon and requires less skill and manpower for the assistants.
