Advantages of Follicular Unit Extraction
By Rob Alvarado | Published on February 8, 2011 | 0 Comments
Hair transplantation offers the only truly permanent solution for hair loss. But according to Rob Alvarado of Atlanta hair transplant center Follicle Transplantation Group, a new technology is now available that represents a significant improvement over traditional hair transplant surgery.
“What we offer, nobody else can give people,” Alvarado says. The reason, he explains, is that Follicle Transplantation Group offers the best, least invasive approach to hair follicle extraction available. This approach involves a new, cutting-edge technology called NeoGraft.
What Is Follicular Unit Extraction?
NeoGraft, says Alvarado, is a variation on a procedure called follicular unit extraction (FUE). This type of procedure, he explains, is perfect for those who are looking for permanent hair restoration, but are concerned about the trauma involved in traditional hair transplant surgery.
In traditional hair transplant surgery, a small strip of scalp is removed from a donor area (usually the back of the head). The scalp is then stretched and sutured back together. What’s left is a linear scar, from ear to ear, that usually requires patients to wear their hair in a certain way to hide it. This procedure is called a linear-harvest follicular unit transplant or “strip” method, and is the method used at most of the well-known hair restoration centers across the country.
In contrast, FUE is a minimally-invasive, microsurgical procedure that involves the targeted removal of individual hair follicles. During an FUE procedure, no strip of scalp is taken. In fact, no scalpels are used at all. The procedure leaves behind no scars, involves minimal bleeding, and is associated with fewer risks to the patient. Recovery time is also lessened significantly.
Why NeoGraft?
While it is widely agreed that FUE is the safest, most effective method for harvesting hair follicles, most hair restoration clinics don’t offer it. The reason, Alvarado says, is that without the NeoGraft machine, FUE is extremely tedious and time-consuming, and can be cost-prohibitive for the patient. Furthermore, FUE is difficult to learn. Unless the doctor becomes very skilled, there is a risk for a high transection (damage) rate of the follicles. Therefore, many hair restoration specialists simply haven’t been willing to invest the time to learn this new technique while demand still exists for strip method hair transplants.
NeoGraft, however, has eliminated many of the barriers to FUE and made the procedure faster, more convenient, and more affordable for patients. By automating the follicular extraction process, NeoGraft allows for more area to be covered within a shorter period of time, so harvesting takes only about as much time as a “strip” harvest. Also, with NeoGraft, the transaction rate is non-existent.
The first center in the metro area to offer the NeoGraft procedure, Follicle Transplantation Group, says Alvarado, is the obvious choice for hair transplantation in Atlanta. The clinic’s team has a combined 60 years of experience in the hair restoration industry, and is committed to providing clients with the very latest, most advances options for hair transplantation.
“Any surgery center that does not offer full disclosure about the benefits of FUE or automated FUE with NeoGraft isn’t acting in the patients’ best interest,” Alvarado says. “Follicle Transplantation Group is not one of those offices.”
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.