FUE Terminology

Concepts, Terminology, and Innovations in Follicular Unit Excision Hair Restoration Surgery

“…The follicular unit is considered the fundamental building block of hair growth and transplantation for FUE and LSE. 6,13,14 Follicular group, follicular family, follicular cluster, and follicular bundle: These are characterized as bundles of hair on the scalp that emerge from the skin in close proximity to one another and are distinct from other hair clusters by a gap. The follicular group may comprise multiple follicular units.…”

“…Splay can involve a single follicle or all follicles within a group. 6,13,14 Structural splay and iatrogenic splay (Robert True): Structural splay is a natural anatomical occurrence in the tissue, while iatrogenic splay is splay caused by the FUE method itself. FUE techniques that involve superficial punch insertion may result in pronounced splay of the bulb portion of the follicles due to the removal of perifollicular tissue during extraction.…”

“…They include the sebaceous gland, the attachment points of the arrector pili muscle, the dermal attachment, and the connections between the connective tissue sheath (CTS) and the surrounding adipose tissue. 6,13,14 Hypopigmentation: It can be the loss of hue from individual follicles, or skin color due to loss of melanin. Often seen on donor sites when they heal as "white dots;" more commonly seen in donor areas than recipient areas.…”

“…Often seen on donor sites when they heal as "white dots;" more commonly seen in donor areas than recipient areas. 6,13,14 Bulb: It is the expanded portion of the inferior hair follicle at its base containing a hair matrix and dermal papilla (DP; ►Fig. 1).…”

“…1). 6,13,14 Dermal papilla: Located within the bulb, DP is a niche wherein epithelial progenitor cells regenerate the cycling portion of hair (►Fig. 1).…”