83 Combination Grafting

Vance W. Elliott

Summary

Modern combination grafting using follicular unit grafts (FUGs) and multi-unit grafts (MUGs) offers greater efficiency than follicular unit transplantation (FUT). When performed in the appropriate clinical situation and with optimal technique and aesthetic judgment, natural results are produced in a single session, often with increased cosmetic coverage. Potential problems can be understood—and avoided—and the technique can be easily introduced into a practice that performs FUT. When the author began performing hair restoration surgery in 1996, the term “standard graft” referred to a 3.25- to 4-mm round graft destined for placement in an appropriately sized round punch recipient site. At that time, our field had already evolved beyond that to micro-/mini-grafting and FUT. Twenty years later, the “standard graft” has been the follicular unit for many years. Why use any other type of graft? Presented here are indications, applications, and considerations as to the strategic use of MUGs.

Key words

combination grafting - MUGs - DFUs

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• 2 Elliot S. Insertion of MFU grafts. In: Hair Transplantation. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2010:407–408

• 3 Unger, R. Planning in Female Patients. In: Unger WP, Shapiro R, Unger R, Unger M, eds., Hair Transplantation, 5th ed. New York: Informa Healthcare, 2011: 183