Procedure

Pre-operative assessment and planning

At an initial consultation, the surgeon analyzes the patient's scalp, discusses their preferences and
expectations, and advises them on the best approach (e.g. single vs. multiple sessions) and what
results might reasonably be expected. Pre-operative folliscopy will help to know the actual existing
density of hair,so that postoperative results of newly transplanted hair grafts can be accurately
assessed.Some patients may benefit with preoperative topical minoxidil application and vitamins.

Surgical Harvesting Methods

Transplant operations are performed on an outpatient basis, with mild sedation (optional) and
injected local anesthesia, which typically last about six hours. The scalp is shampooed and then
treated with an antibacterial agent prior to the donor scalp being harvested.There are two main ways
in which donor grafts are extracted today: strip excision harvesting, and follicular unit extraction.
Strip harvesting
Strip harvesting is the most common technique for removing hair and follicles from a donor site. The
surgeon harvests a strip of skin from the posterior scalp, in an area of good hair growth. A single-,
double-, or triple-bladed scalpel is used to remove strips of hair-bearing tissue from the donor site.
Each incision is planned so that intact hair follicles are removed. The excised strip is about 11.5 x
1530 cm in size. While closing the resulting wound, assistants begin to dissect individual follicular
unit grafts, which are small, naturally formed groupings of hair follicles, from the strip.
Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation (FUT)
The Microscopic Follicular Unit hair transplant method is the industry gold standard, widely
considered to be the most effective method of hair transplantation. Other hair transplant procedures
are often prepared using the naked eye or low-level magnification loupes, which may increase the
likelihood of damage to hair follicles. Instead, this process uses the most up-to-date technology,
including high-resolution stereo microscopes. The result is a more natural look that simply isn't
possible with older methods.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE)
With Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE harvesting, individual follicular units containing 1 to 4 hairs are
removed under local anesthesia; this micro removal typically uses tiny punches of between 0.6mm
and 1.0mm in diameter. The surgeon then uses very small micro blades or fine needles to puncture
the sites for receiving the grafts, placing them in a predetermined density and pattern, and angling
the wounds in a consistent fashion to promote a realistic hair pattern. The technicians generally do
the final part of the procedure, inserting the individual grafts in place.
ARTAS
The ARTAS System is a 21st-century technological innovation that was introduced into the hair
treatment field in 2011 to treat male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia. The system is
sophisticated, utilizing computer assistance to harvest hair follicles during the actual process of hair
replacement. ARTAS incorporates a number of elements in its operation, including an image-guided

robotic arm and special imaging technologies that co-ordinate together for the purpose of
implementing the "follicular unit extraction (FUE)" technique upon the recipient of the system.

NeoGraft
This game changing technology uses the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method utilizing the
NeoGraft Automated Hair Transplantation system, a much more desirable option because of the vast
benefits this less invasive technique offers. The FUE method removes individual hair follicles from
the scalp in their naturally occurring groupings of about 1-4 hairs and are then the hair follicles are
placed in the areas of the scalp where balding has occurred. The end result is a natural looking
hairline with no linear scar and a quick recovery time.