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Review
. 2021 Dec 31;54(4):471-476.
doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1739251. eCollection 2021 Oct.

Optimal Hair Transplant Recipient Site Slit Design: Minimizing Vascular Damage

Pradipkumar R Atodaria  1 , Aniketh Venkataram  2 , Venkataram Mysore  2 , Kuldeepsinh P Atodaria  1
Affiliations
Review

Optimal Hair Transplant Recipient Site Slit Design: Minimizing Vascular Damage

Pradipkumar R Atodaria et al. Indian J Plast Surg. .

Abstract

An often overlooked aspect of hair transplantation is the art of recipient site design and slit creation. There is also a lack of consensus on which technique provides the optimum coverage while minimizing vascular damage. This paper aims to provide logical arguments to determine the optimal instrument and method of slit creation, in order to ensure maximum density, optimal survival, minimal pop-out, and minimal damage to scalp vascularity. The use of semiconical blades reduces the damage to the dermis and vascular plexus as compared with rectangular blades and needles, as the depth of penetration required is lower. The use of acute angle reduces the depth of penetration for the same length of slit and decreases damage to deep plexus. Coronal slits produce less vascular damage than that of sagittal slits with the same size blades. We believe that these recommendations provide the optimum volume slits while causing minimal vascular damage.

Keywords: Hair transplantation; androgenic alopecia; follicular unit; recipient site slit.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest All the authors wish to report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Vascular architecture of dermis.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Disadvantage of needles.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Comparison of slits by different devices.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Summary of slit creation options.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Relation between angle of entry and depth of penetration.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Impact of penetration depth on vascular damage.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Relation between angle of slit and length of surface incision for sagittal slits.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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