Topical Rifamycin SV for Wound Healing After Sapphire FUE Hair Transplantation

This prospective, parallel-group controlled clinical study evaluated whether a single topical rifamycin SV protocol added to standardized care after sapphire follicular unit extraction (FUE) was associated with earlier recorded wound healing. One hundred candidates were assessed, and 70 men were individually allocated 1:1 using MedCalc. Five participants were excluded after allocation but before surgery and before receiving the assigned intervention because final preoperative serological testing met prespecified exclusion criteria. The analyzed sample comprised 34 participants in the rifamycin SV group and 31 in the control group. Healing was assessed through postoperative Day 14 using scheduled clinical review and serial photographs. Infection and hypersensitivity were monitored as safety outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male participants older than 20 years * Scheduled for a first hair transplantation session * Deemed medically fit for the procedure * Provided written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diabetes or another chronic or systemic condition that could affect wound healing * Heart failure or kidney failure * Communicable disease * Scalp disorder * Recent antibiotic use * Planned second hair transplantation session * Absence of a medical fitness report * Medication, antibiotic, rifamycin, or topical-solution allergy relevant to the protocol