Extraction and Implantation Speeds in Follicular Unit Excision: A Multicenter Retrospective Study of 612 Cases
Leo S.L. ChongBACKGROUND
Advances in follicular unit excision (FUE) have substantially improved procedural efficiency. However, real-world extraction and implantation speeds remain poorly characterized.
OBJECTIVE
To describe typical FUE extraction and implantation speeds and identify factors associated with procedural speed variation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Operative records of FUE performed by 8 surgeons across 5 clinics over 6 months in 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. Eligible procedures involved single-surgeon scalp-to-scalp FUE exceeding 1,000 grafts. Extraction and implantation speeds were measured during active surgical graft harvesting and placement. Associations between procedural speed and patient, procedural, surgeon, and device-related factors were evaluated using univariate and multiple regression analyses.
RESULTS
Analyses included 612 FUE sessions across 526 patients. Mean extraction and implantation speeds were 725.7 and 697.6 grafts/h, respectively. Increased extraction speed was independently associated with larger case sizes, surgeon experience ≥1 year, and a dedicated graft-pulling assistant (all
CONCLUSION
Real-world FUE extraction and implantation speeds approximate 700 grafts/h, providing a practical benchmark for operative planning and clinical counseling.