Hair Transplant

Q: What Does Your Hair Transplant Device do?

A: The FUE-Matic machine is a revolutionary automated hair transplant machine that assists the doctor in performing a hair transplant using the FUE technique, the latest hair transplant technology to date. The FUE technique is less invasive than the traditional STRIP method used by most doctors today. With the FUE technique there is no cutting of the scalp, as there is with the STRIP method. Since there is no cutting therefore there is no suturing, no visible scarring, very little bleeding and almost immediate recovery time.

Q: What Is An FUE Hair Transplant?

A: Follicular Unit Extraction is the most recently developed transplant procedure that does not involve any incisions like the STRIP method still used by most doctors today. The FUE method is the removal of individual hair follicles from the scalp, in their naturally occurring groupings of about 1-4 hairs. The follicles are then transplanted into the balding area. The Fue Transplant Procedure was introduced in 2001. It is the least invasive procedure, with the fewest complications and the end result is an excellent, natural look.

Q: Why Is FUE Not Offered By More Doctors?

A: Doing a complete transplant using the FUE method without the FUE-Matic machine is very time consuming, requires many assistants and is therefore more costly than the STRIP method. Most doctors feel patients will not want to pay for this procedure so they do not promote it. Also doctors need to train in order to learn how to do this procedure and many are reluctant to do so, once they are comfortable with the STRIP method. For these reasons, most doctors do not offer a complete transplant using the FUE method. Some doctors may offer to use the FUE method on small areas such as filling in a hairline where few follicles are needed. However, most doctors, once they learn about the benefits of the FUE method, understand that it is more beneficial for the patient, since it is a much less invasive proceedure. The FUE-Matic machine brings down the cost of doing the FUE procedure because the procedure time is shortened and there is no need for the many technicians as there is when doing a manual FUE hair transplant. The reduced costs can be passed on to the patient, allowing more people to have the FUE procedure. Not all patients are suitable for the FUE procedure, but the FUE-Matic machine allows a larger propotion of patients to have the FUE procedure. One of the main reasons that the FUE procedure may not be offered is if the patient’s donor area is very small and then the STRIP method would be the more suitable method. If you are one of the few patients for whom the Fue technique is not suitable the Omnigraft machine, similar to the FUE-Matic machine, has an added feature that can assist the dcotor with the STRIP method.

Q: What Are The Advantages Of Using Your Automated Device?

A: There are many advantages. Our device allows more individuals to be candidates for the FUE method of transplantation. Besides the cost, doing FUE by hand limits the number of people who can have this technique. Some people have deeply embedded follicles, thicker skin, or tougher skin and it is difficult to take out the grafts without damaging them. These conditions often eliminate individuals from being good candidates for the FUE method. The FUE-Matic machine allows for a larger number of patients to take advantage of the FUE method. The FUE-Matic machine uses controlled pneumatic pressure (suction) to slide out the graft smoothly, so there is not the pulling and twisting with tweezers which puts the graft at risk for damage. Furthermore because the transplant procedure is faster with the FUE-Matic machine, the grafts can be re-implanted sooner which keeps them more robust, increasing the success of the grafting process. With the traditional method used for hair transplants, the patient must rely on the skilful hand of a technician or doctor. There is not the same consistency or quality control as with the FUE-Matic.

Q: What About STRIP Excision (FUT)?

A: STRIP excision, or FUT, is the traditional transplant procedure used by most doctors today whereby a strip of skin is removed from the donor site at the back of the patient’s head. The incision is stitched together in such a way that there is a linear scar. Stitches come out in about two weeks. The strip of skin must then be dissected by technicians under microscopes into follicle units of 1-4 hairs. The follicles are transplanted into the balding area. The Omnigraft machine mentioned above can assist the doctor with the STRIP method.

Q: How Do I Know Which One To Have, FUE Or STRIP?

A: With the FUE technique, only the individual hair follicle is removed. There is no dissection of skin or stitches. The small wound made when the follicle is extracted contracts as it heals, so the FUE patient ends up with tiny scars not visible to the naked eye. With the STRIP procedure there is an incision and a linear scar. Some people can only have the STRIP method if their skin type or hair type is not suitable for the FUE method. However, with the FUE-Matic machine most people qualify for the FUE method, which is less invasive, and has less possible complications. Individuals with a small donor site are not usually suitable for the FUE precedure. Your doctor will decide whether you are eligible for the FUE procedure.

Q: Is a Hair Transplant Safe?

A: From a surgical standpoint, a hair transplant is very safe. It is a relatively minor surgical procedure. It is performed under local anaesthetic, and takes only a few hours. The patient is awake during the procedure, and can watch T.V. or talk with the doctor.

Q: Is Hair Transplantation Painful?

A: Most people are surprised that there is virtually no pain during a hair transplant procedure because of the local anaesthetic. Some small discomfort may occur as a local anaesthetic is injected into the scalp. Once the skin is properly anaesthetized, there is no pain. After the surgery, patients will typically feel some minor discomfort. It is usually described as minimal. Medicine can be prescribed to help with any discomfort.

Q: What Are The Possible Complications?

A: Hair Transplant surgery is considered to be a minor procedure. There are rarely complications and any that may occur can easily be dealt with by your doctor.

Q: When Can I Go Back To Work?

A: It is often possible to go back to work within the next day or two after the transplant.

Q: When Will My Newly Transplanted Hair Start To Grow?

A: Normally it takes between three to five months following surgery before the transplanted hair follicles begin to grow new hair.

Q: What Is The Cost Of A Hair Transplantation?

A: Prices typically average around $5 to $7 per graft for the STRIP method and more for the FUE method. The FUE-Matic reduces the cost for the hair transplant and the results are excellent.

Q: Why Are The Costs Of The Transplant Reduced With Your Device?

A: The FUE-Matic eliminates the need and cost for the many technicians necessary to help the doctor with the procedure. The machine also shortens the time needed to do the transplant, which reduces the cost as well. These savings can be passed on to the patient.

Q: How Many Sessions Will Be Required?

A: It depends on how many grafts are to be transplanted. The number of sessions can be discussed during the consultation with your surgeon.

Q: How Long Does The Procedure Last?

A: A typical session, without the use of the FUE-Matic machine, consisting of about 1,500 to 2,500 grafts normally involves 6-10 hours of surgery on an outpatient basis. The FUE-Matic machine shortens the procedure time by about half.

Q: How Many Grafts/Hairs Will I Need?

A: The amount of grafts you will need ultimately depends on your degree of hair loss and on how dense your donor hair is at the back.

Q: Will It Really Look Natural?

A: Yes, the only people who know will be those you tell.