Hair loss is a common aesthetic concern worldwide. Advances in hair transplant procedures have led to more precise and effective solutions. One of the latest innovations in this field is Robotic hair transplant surgery, which enhances accuracy and efficiency. This blog explores how this cutting-edge technique works and what sets it apart from traditional hair transplant methods.
What Is Hair Transplantation?
A hair transplant procedure is performed to restore hair loss or to improve thinning hair. During a hair transplant, follicular units are harvested from a hair-dense part of the body (back of the scalp, beard) and relocated/transplanted at a recipient location to restore hair loss and improve hair thinning.
There are many reasons for hair loss, ranging from genetic and hormonal causes to excessive product use and styling treatments. Pattern baldness is by far the most common cause of hair loss in both genders.
Hair transplantation is a cosmetic procedure and is rarely covered by insurance. This makes it out of reach for many prospective candidates. Medical tourism countries like Turkey play a significant role in making hair transplantation affordable and accessible to international patients.
How Many Types of Hair Transplantation Are There?
Hair transplantation procedures have come a long way in the last few decades. A traditional hair transplant is of two main types:
FUT – Follicular Unit Transplantation
A FUT is the older of the two methods. During a FUT, a strip of tissue, along with the follicular units, is harvested from the donor site. The donor site is sutured close, and the strip is transplanted at the recipient site. Although there are indications for a FUT hair transplant, there is also a significant risk of scarring.
FUE – Follicular Unit Extraction
A FUE hair transplant, on the other hand, harvests follicular units (containing 1 – 4 hairs) from the donor location. These follicular units are then transplanted in adequate quantities at the site of hair loss or thinning (recipient site). The risk of scarring is much less than a FUT hair transplant. A manual FUE is labor-intensive and requires the expertise of a skilled and experienced surgeon.
What Is a Robotic Hair Transplant?
As the name suggests, robotic hair transplant surgery uses artificial intelligence and robotics to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of a hair transplant procedure. AI technology guides a laser-assisted robot to harvest the follicular units. These follicular units are transplanted in pre-planned hairline maps (prepared by the surgeons) at the recipient location.
Robotic hair transplant results are not only highly precise and effective, but the risk of human error is also reduced significantly. Several robotic hair transplant systems are in use currently, as well as ones that combine robotics and automation.
Who Can Avail of a Robotic Hair Transplant?
A robotic hair transplant is cutting-edge technology, no doubt, but it is not advisable for all. The best candidates for a robotic hair transplant surgery are:
- Individuals with moderate or Norwood scale 3 – 5 hair loss
- People with high hair density at the donor sites
- People unwilling to undergo invasive procedures
- Individuals in good health who have realistic expectations of the outcome
What Are the Advantages of a Robotic Hair Transplant?
The advantages of a robotic hair transplant surgery are as follows:
Highly Precise And Accurate
The use of robotics and AI algorithms makes graft selection, harvesting, and transplantation precise, accurate, and always consistent during a robotic hair transplant. The chances of damage to the follicular units are also very low.
Less Duration
Compared to other hair transplant techniques, a robotic hair transplant is faster in graft harvesting and transplantation.
Quick Recovery
A robotic hair transplant surgery is minimally invasive, leading to a quicker recovery after the procedure.
Customizable
The use of AI algorithms makes a robotic hair transplant highly customizable. The direction, density, and distribution of the follicular units are individual-specific and consistent.
Natural Results
Even distribution of the follicular units at the recipient location leads to natural and aesthetically pleasing robotic hair transplant surgery results.
How Is a Robotic Hair Transplant Performed?
A robotic hair transplant shares some similarities with traditional FUE. The basic steps of this innovative hair transplant include:
Initial Consultation
During this step, artificial intelligence is used to analyze the scalp and formulate a plan for the future hairline and follicular unit graft distribution.
Follicular Unit Extraction
The robotic arm extracts an adequate amount of follicular grafts from the donor site. In this step, pneumatic pressure is used to reduce trauma to the scalp.
Graft Preparation
The extracted follicular units are inspected for damage and preserved for transplantation.
Transplantation
The robotic system of choice transplants the follicular units at the recipient location in an even distribution and natural patterns.
After Care Guidelines
There is little swelling, discomfort, or scabbing after a robotic hair transplant compared to other types. Patients can resume their normal life after a few days of rest.
What Are the Limitations of Robotic Hair Transplantation?
The common limitations encountered after a robotic hair transplantation surgery may include the following:
- Not readily available everywhere
- Higher costs compared to other types of hair transplant
- Not 100% automated (Needs skilled surgeon oversight)
- It is not ideal for those with extensive hair loss or baldness
- Not suitable in case of low hair density at donor location
- Rarely manual intervention is required during the transplant
What Is the Main Difference Between a Traditional FUE and a Robotic Hair Transplant?
The main difference is that a FUE is performed entirely by a surgeon, while a robotic hair transplant uses a combination of AI and robotics under surgeon oversight. A robotic procedure is also faster, incurs less follicular damage, and there is a lower risk of human error compared to a FUE hair transplant. On the flip side, a FUE is readily available and affordable for many patients. The use of specialized equipment makes a robotic hair transplant more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Robotic hair transplant safe?
Yes, a robotic hair transplant is a safe and minimally invasive procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon.
How to get a Robotic hair transplant?
You can get in touch with a reliable transplant clinic like Estecenter to get up-to-date information about robotic hair transplant surgery in Turkey.
Who should not get a Robotic hair transplant?
Patients with extensive balding or low hair density at the donor site should opt for other suitable types of hair transplant.
Is a Robotic hair transplant painful?
There is mild discomfort at the surgical site after a robotic hair transplant that may be managed with OTC pain medication.
