Most people who have researched hair transplants know that there are two major hair transplant methods: the Strip procedure and the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method. But what some people don’t know is that there are also two different versions of the FUE. Extracting hair follicles by hand is the traditional version of the FUE, but the procedure can also be done by using a hand-held automatic device. The later is one of the newest innovations in the hair transplant field, and has been the subject of plenty of internet discussions. Both versions of the FUE have pros and cons and both are worthy of taking a closer look at.
The traditional FUE hair transplant method has many clear advantages: no linear scar and faster recovery, but is also known to be time consuming and therefore more costly than other methods. It is possible that the innovation of the automated device has tried to mend that, by speeding up the extraction and insertion process. In either case, both versions of the FUE are minimally invasive: only local anesthesia is given and the client can be awake during the procedure, no scalpels are used and therefore no stitches will be needed. After the procedure, the client experiences almost no discomfort and is healed in one week. By far the biggest advantage to any type of FUE procedure is the avoidance of a linear scar in the back, which is common with the other major hair transplant method, the Strip.
The automated FUE hair transplant procedure uses a device that extracts and inserts hair follicles by using pressure. One of the clear advantages to this method is the possibility that hairs can be extracted and inserted faster than a traditional FUE. It is also believed that the transection rate will be lower. This means that hair follicles may not be subject to the damage that can occur when they are handled by hand. Some of the automated devices also keep the hair follicles moist and prevents them from drying out, which can be a problem with traditional methods.
The automated FUE hair transplant can be used in the same way as a traditional one. To create a new look for someone with thinning hair or repair previous hair transplants, including filling in scars. However, the technical and artistic abilities of the doctor are crucial, since the automated FUE hair transplant technique is fairly new. An individual who is interested in the automated FUE hair transplant, but is not sure if it’s right for them, should go on a couple of different consultations, perhaps with one doctor who does the traditional FUE and another that does the automated one. And it is important to remember that many doctors do not perform the automated FUE hair transplant. After going on a few different consultations, and doing some additional research, a prospective hair transplant client should be able to decide what is right for them, automated or not.
