Lateral Slit Technique vs Choi Implanter

Dr Rassman can you tell me which of the following methods of follicle transplantation are better in terms of least trauma, fastest healing time and greatest density achievable:

1. Lateral slit technique
2. Choi implanter or similar needle type device

Also what density (per cm2) would be necessary as a minimum to stop scalp showing through on abald person. Many thanks and keep up the good work

You are asking for me to compare a tool to a technique — something that is difficult to do. The key to fast healing following a hair transplant is in the size of the recipient wound not the instrument used and the direction the hair is placed in. The smaller the wounds, the better they generally are. Both lateral and vertical slits (techniques) or the Choi Implanter can produce very small wounds, but the success in growth depends upon the graft trimming and dissection from the donor strip. Many people cut the grafts too short for the Choi Implanter, because the very small size of the tool may not take a chubby graft… but these skinned down hairs may not grow as well.

With regard to your question about density not being see-through — well, that depends on many factors, including the character of your hair, the thickness of the hair shaft, and the color contrast of your hair and skin color. I’ve said before that a blond can lose 85% of his hair and not look thin (having low densities), while someone with black, straight, fine hair and white skin may look see-through at 50% of the original density (not unusual for this person to be Asian).