Transplant Precision Possible with Robotics
Hair transplants, though around for many years, are just
really starting to increase in popularity thanks mainly to improved procedures
and technologies and the ability to get more natural looking results.
Not only have doctors improved their craft as far as how
they manually extract hair follicles and transplant them to problem areas - but
now technologies being introduced like robotics are making the hair transplant
procedure are much more precise one.
Since hair transplant procedures vary dependent on the
patient and their level of hair loss, it can be difficult to estimate the
amount of time and number of follicles a surgeon would have to extract and then
transplant. Typically doing repetition motions of punching out a hair follicle
- even up to thousands of times- is sure to cause some follicles to go missed.
But with a robot in place, the accuracy and precision is one to none.
A recent ABC
Action News report took a closer look at how one doctor is using robotics
to get those more accurate hair transplants done.
Through the use of the ARTAS robotic hair transplant
machine, removing hair grafts from the scalp is faster and more methodical.
But fear not, robots aren't going to take over the world
just yet. While these devices are going leaps and bounds in improving the
efficiency of surgical procedures, professionals are still needed to man the
operation of these machines and even do some of the work with hair transplant
procedures - including the actual function of implanting the hair follicles in
the new location - since robots cannot be used to insert the follicles around
the crown.
Hairfear - 5-5-2015
Frequently asked questions about hair transplant procedures
How much does a hair transplant cost?
Hair transplants can vary in price based off of the area in the world that you are interested in getting a hair transplant as well as the size of the area where you may need a hair transplant. Experienced doctors in the United States will often charge some of the highest prices for a hair transplant worldwide and this is why so many travelers make the move to other parts the world like Turkey, India, Thailand, Mexico...etc for their hair transplants.
Will a hair transplant hurt?
Although hair transplants may look like a particularly
unpleasant or painful experience is actually very little discomfort involved
with the surgery itself. Hair transplants are always done under an anesthetic so there's absolutely zero pain during the treatment itself. Many people actually relate the process as being very similar to going to the dentist for filling or root canal. Mild pain can persist over the course of postop treatment but he generally just resumes for a few days.
Who can deliver the best surgery?
It's usually best to consider working with surgeons who have and IAHRS certification or international alliance of hair restoration surgeons recognition. IAHRS can often deliver recommendations for the best surgeons in each particular area.
Is this scarring noticeable?
Any type of hair transplant will require the use of incisions throughout the scalp. There can also sometimes be a small scar from the donor area towards the back of the scalp. Asking to look at photos of the surgeon's previous work will help you to see roughly how bad the scarring could be. In most cases an experienced professional can limit the look of scarring and noticeable marks from the surgery.
How long does it take for the hair to grow?
In most cases hair growth will start within eight months and you can start to see a full effect from the hair transplant after a full year. The initial signs of growth can usually start between 3 to 4 months after the surgery.
Are the results permanent?
The hair follicles that are transplanted are generally the ones which are genetically resistant against the symptoms of baldness. As long as you receive hair loss treatment later in your life after the symptoms of balding have started to subside, you can have a better chance at permanent results.
While everyone know you've had surgery?
If you want to limit the chance that people may find out about your surgery it's important to give at least three weeks of healing as the surgical area will be affected and red just after surgery. After around a month of healing it can look far less noticeable. You could consider wearing a hat while time passes or opting for some extra time off if possible.
How long should I rest after surgery?
It's recommended to rest for at least a few days after surgery so that your body can recover. Trenton to over exert yourself and limit sexual activity, running in the gym for around 10 days after surgery.
Is it possible to lose more hair as a result of surgery?
There is always a chance of shock loss which happens when the hair is weak and miniaturizing after the surgery. As long as the surgeon is choosing the correct hair follicles and performing the surgery well it's possible to minimize the chance of this happening however.
Will I need another hair transplant?
The need for another transplant really depends on the individual. With a solid foundation surgery and working to potentially bolster results with drug therapy, you can improve the stability of the hair that was transplanted as well as prevent further loss. Getting a hair transplant early
on in your 20s or early on in life could lead to needing long-term transplants as hair loss can be progressive.
