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By Dr. Alan J. Bauman
It is every patient’s goal is to have their hair restored in a way that is safe, comfortable but most importantly, undetectable. Thankfully, today, minimally-invasive hair transplant techniques like NeoGraft FUE and ARTAS Robotic System, the use of small grafts called follicular units along with careful artistic design makes this absolutely possible.
Further evidence of undetectable hair transplants comes from a survey conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), which found that 60% of participants failed to
correctly spot a hair transplant.
Whether you are concealing your hair restoration procedure from your clients, co-workers, friends or family, there are a few key components to your ‘stealth surgery’ that cannot be ignored.
Donor Area
How a surgeon handles your Donor Area, where the grafts are harvested, impacts your recovery time, as well as how well your procedure remains ‘hidden’ from a casual observer, or even your
hairstylist.
FUE, or Follicular Unit Extraction, is a less-invasive method of harvesting hair follicles and “follicular units” individually, eliminating the traditional linear or ‘strip’ harvest approach to transplantation. This meticulous process has been made more efficient through robotics, semi-automatic devices and well-trained surgical teams.
The first robotic hair transplant harvesting system, called ARTAS, recently became available and was initially used by some doctors who had difficulty performing FUE manually. Other hand-held surgical devices, like NeoGraft FUE, help doctors to perform a hair transplant surgery with remarkable precision. FUE is an effective surgical option for patients that allows for a quicker, more comfortable recovery, less post-op activity restrictions, as well as avoiding the telltale linear scar associated with traditional linear strip-harvest hair transplants.
Following a FUE harvest, the tiny (~0.8mm) round incisions which are left where follicles were
removed contract significantly within one day and, once healed, leave no visible signs of a hair transplant when viewed at a social distance, even with short hair. For large harvests, your surgeon will typically trim a large area at the back of the scalp, however, for women and also for men who have longer hair and want to keep a consistent appearance during the recovery process, you can request a ‘stealth shave,’ which can be easily hidden with about an inch of hair.
Here is a closer look at these two advanced FUE techniques:
NeoGraft FUE:
The FDA-approved NeoGraft FUE machine is used to extract individual permanent hair follicles from the donor area at the back of the patient’s scalp – which are then implanted into the bald areas of the scalp. This means no scalpels, sutures, or staples for the patient. It also replaces the older “strip harvest” method of hair transplantation, which removes a large strip from the back of the patient’s scalp, resulting in a long linear scar. The FUE procedure has been available for several years, but prior to the NeoGraft machine, it was too time-consuming and expensive for most patients to
utilize. Now that the process is more automated by NeoGraft, surgeons can perform the “Cadillac” of hair transplants in considerably less time, and at less expense for patients.
ARTAS Robotic System:
The FDA-cleared ARTAS robot is a state-of-the-art medical device that assists in hair transplant surgery by helping to safely and effectively extract intact hair follicles for transplantation using the FUE technique. The robot’s precision allows patients to benefit from an unprecedented level of safety; efficacy and comfort during their hair transplant procedure. The innovative ARTAS robotic FUE system uses advanced digital imaging to map and analyze the hair in natural groupings on the scalp. The system features precision robotics, utilizing stereovision sensors to detect and analyze follicular units—calculating density, exit-angles, orientation and location and proceed with harvesting based on the algorithms programmed by the surgeon.
Recipient Area
A surgeon’s meticulous, artistic approach is critical in the hairline or ‘Recipient Area’ in order to assure that each follicle’s angle, orientation and position will deliver a 100% natural and undetectable result when grown in. Careful planning and execution of the feathery, contoured shape and age-appropriate location of the hairline design is important as well as the advanced surgical instruments, lighting and magnification and highly trained staff to help complete the procedure.
Because modern hair transplants utilize Follicular Units, many as small as a single hair follicle, the
results can look 100% natural, never “pluggy.”
Not only should you look for a surgeon with the technical skills, but also a significant amount of
artistic ability, which is also needed in order to recreate the natural patterns of hair growth such as cowlicks in the crown and achieve natural looking hairline results. Before choosing a surgeon, study their before-and-after photos and read patient testimonials, as these are some of the best tools available for evaluating a surgeon’s artistic ability.
Post-Op Commitment
New, less-invasive technology has made recovery faster and easier; most patients are able to resume regular activities within just a few days following surgery. However it is important for patients to understand that the process doesn’t end with the surgery. Follow up care and commitment is necessary to ensure optimal results. Some of the regimens that may be used in conjunction with a hair transplant may include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), which assists with wound healing and graft yield, and low level laser therapy, which helps stimulate rapid recovery and healthy hair growth. It is essential to follow your doctor’s post-op instructions carefully and thoroughly, to ensure the best long-term results.
In closing, it is important to note that when selecting a hair transplant surgeon, it is important to make an informed and educated choice. Many hair loss patients are unaware of the qualifications, training and expertise needed to properly perform a hair transplant. As with other medical specialties, hair restoration even has its own board-certification. Before choosing a surgeon, it is important to know their qualifications, visit the clinic, read reviews, ask for before-and-after pictures and most importantly, ask questions. Not only should you look for a surgeon with the technical skills, but also a significant amount of artistry, which is also needed in order to recreate the natural patterns of hair growth and achieve realistic looking results.
Dr. Bauman’s tips for keeping your hair transplant a secret:
- Select minimally invasive NeoGraft FUE or ARTAS Robotic System as your treatment – which leaves no telltale linear scarring, no stitches to be removed, and offers a shorter, more comfortable recovery.
- Prior to your procedure, grow your hair to more than one inch in the Donor Area.
This allows you to easily conceal the ‘stealth-shave.’ - Wear a bandana or hat for one week following your surgery to cover the transplanted areas until the scabs flake off.
- Use healing treatments (like hyperbaric oxygen, low level laser therapy, healing mist sprays, topical PRP, etc.) to accelerate skin recovery.
- Choose a surgeon and staff who can create an aesthetically natural and undetectable
hairline. It is important to consult a hair transplant doctor who is certified in hair restoration by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery, recommended by the American Hair Loss Association and routinely attends the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery Annual Scientific Meetings.
Bauman Medical Group
Hair Transplant and Hair Loss Treatment Center
1450 S Dixie Hwy
Boca Raton FL 33432-7359
Get Directions | View Map
Toll Free: 1-877-BAUMAN-9
Tel: 561-394-0024
Fax: 561-394-4522
Email: doctorb@baumanmedical.com