Clinical Applications of Punch-Based Techniques in Dermatologic Surgery

Punch-based techniques in dermatologic surgery are minimally invasive procedures with expanding therapeutic applications beyond diagnostics. The review highlights the effectiveness of follicular unit extraction (FUE) for androgenetic alopecia, noting predictable outcomes. However, the use of punch-based methods for conditions like scar improvement, vitiligo repigmentation, and keloid reduction shows variable efficacy, influenced by factors such as disease stability and operator skill. While punch excision offers cosmetic benefits for benign lesions, most evidence comes from small studies, and long-term data are scarce. More standardized research is needed to determine their long-term efficacy and role in treatment protocols.