Elliptografting: the right fit.

[BACKGROUND] A number of new recipient grafting techniques have evolved employing micrografting, minigrafting, and follicular unit technologies as larger hair transplantation sessions incorporating smaller grafts have evolved.

[OBJECTIVE] To introduce a new recipient graft device-the elliptograft-and compare it to standard circular minigrafts and laser-generated slot grafts.

[METHODS] A blinded study was performed of 30 patients (mean age 44 years) with grades II-V male pattern Norwood or medium Ludwig female pattern androgenetic alopecia. Ten patients were transplanted with the second-generation elliptograft punch, 10 were treated with 2 mm circular minigrafts, and 10 were transplanted with the recipient sites created by the hybrid Er:YAG/CO2 laser in a slot configuration. The front three rows in each patient were transplanted utilizing No-Kor needle-generated micrografts in all three patient study subgroups.

[RESULTS] Comparable hair growth density was achieved utilizing conventional circular minigraft, freehand laser slit, and elliptograft technologies. Healing time was slightly prolonged in the laser transplant subgroup; however, the time for initial hair growth was comparable in all three patient populations. Aesthetic improvement was judged superior in the elliptograft population by blinded physician observers, which correlated with good patient satisfaction.

[CONCLUSION] Combined micro-mini elliptografting utilizing the newly described elliptograft punch produces excellent hair density correlated with high patient satisfaction.