Biggest Improvements in Hair Restoration Today

The Two Best Methods of Hair Restoration Today

Hair loss was the problem that put the laurel wreath on Julius Cesar and the periwig on King Louis XIII of France. Technology had unfortunately yet to advance beyond castration as a method of treating hair loss but fast forward hundreds of years later and we now have robotic arms that facilitate doctors in a number of procedures, of which includes hair restoration. Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and extraction (FUE) procedures are the two processes that you will see offered on the market, and here are some hair-tingling insights as to why that is so. 

Good candidates for FUE vs. good candidates for FUT

FUT and FUE procedures can be compared simply according to the diameters and lengths used in extraction. The difference is that an FUT procedure requires a section approximately 1.5 centimeters long, whereas FUE extractions take multiple follicles at once with a tool often less than 1mm in diameter. Before settling on one procedure over the other, there are a couple factors to consider:

1. Will you wear your hair long or short?

2. Will you require closer to 500 or 2000 hairs for transplantation?

FUT strips are dissected microscopically, which preserves the overall integrity of each hair follicle.

If you could live with a small linear scar, perhaps because you wear your hair long, and you know that you will require a higher number of transplants, FUT would still likely be the procedure for you. It is the most effective way to extract large amounts of follicles and would prevent covering the lush part of your head with tons of tiny micro-scars. If you are still worried about that linear scar, however, know that some people do come back in after getting FUT for scar camouflaging.[1]

Extraction using SmartGraft technology 

On the other hand, there are plenty of reasons why someone ought to opt for an extraction procedure:

• You like to wear your hair short

• You require the least amount of time in recovery

• You need to return as soon as possible to an active lifestyle

• You have small scars that need camouflaging

• The area of interest requires fewer hairs overall; i.e. the eyebrows or hairline[2]

The SmartGraft extraction method involves the use of a smart handpiece that is attached to an automated suction system. The whole device is essentially an extension of the hand and only used to facilitate the extraction process. Once the handpiece extracts, the follicles are then separated and stored meanwhile in a temperature-controlled chamber in a sterile solution. The surgeon uses a handpiece featuring a built-in light and optional high-res cam to improve visibility, plus he or she has full control over storage canisters, suction strength and the punch-tool rotation speed.  After extraction, every follicular unit is placed manually by the surgeon into the areas of need.[3]

Robotic facilitated FUE treatments

Doctors may choose to utilize robotic technology within FUE treatments for extraction and insertion. Each individual follicular unit typically consists of 2-3 hairs on average and, with only local anesthesia, a tiny, automatic punch-tool gathers the units up. That tool is no wider than 1mm in diameter and maintains ideal temperature and moisture levels so that the follicles transplant successfully. Over the course of a single day, a surgeon and his or her device could transplant an upwards of 1000-2000 grafts to refill a large balding area while navigating its pre-existing hairs to limit the chances of shock loss. Shock loss occurs when too many incisions are made around a miniaturizing follicle, which causes it to die off altogether. Each incision occurs at the discretion of the doctor however, whose job is to program and maintain the function of the device exactly according to the number of sites to fill, at what density, what elevation (depending on the location and angle of the scalp) as well as incision type. If you are curious to see all this in action, here is a link to a great video example of Artas technology in practice.[4]

We have incorporated only the latest hair transplantation technologies into our FUE procedures and guarantee looks to admire. Send us a request today for your consultation.

Sources:

[1] “What Makes SmartGraft Better Than Other Hair Loss Treatments?” Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Cristal Clear Digital Marketing, www.georgiaplastic.com/what-makes-smartgraft-better-than-other-hair-loss....

[2] “FUE Hair Transplant FAQ.” SmartGraft, Vision Medical Inc., smartgraft.com/faq/.

[3] “What Makes SmartGraft Better Than Other Hair Loss Treatments?”, Ibid.

[4] “Robotic Hair Restoration Can Improve Millions of Lives | Medical Robotics.” YouTube, KUKA - Robots & Automation, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOoLvFtR4AA.