Polarized Light-Emitting Diode Magnification for Optimal Recipient Site Creation during Hair Transplant

Background. For several years, magnification has been used to separate follicular groupings from donor strips to minimize transection of hair follicles. There has been no discussion regarding the use of magnification to create recipient sites to limit transection of existing hair follicles in recipient zones.
Objective. The study was performed to evaluate the role of magnification when creating hundreds or thousands of recipient sites in patients with existing hair.
Methods. A 2× magnified polarized light-emitting diode (LED) for graft and recipient site creation (Syris Scientific, Gray, Maine) was used in 75 consecutive male and female patients. A team of four experienced surgical assistants and the author evaluated the device for graft creation, recipient site creation, and insertion of grafts.
Results. There was no perceived advantage in creating grafts or placing grafts compared with other magnification devices and traditional methods. There was less eye strain and greater ease in creating recipient sites using polarized magnification compared with traditional surgical lights and no magnification.
Conclusion. In an era of medications that slow or stop hair loss, magnification in recipient sites can reduce transection of existing hair follicles in recipient zones, leading to maximum density from a procedure. Further studies are needed to confirm the reduced transection rate of hair follicles and determine the ideal magnification. The use of magnification with LED polarized light in the recipient zone is an important new tool in hair transplant.