NeoGraft FUE Tool
Dr. Rassman,
I wanted to know what you thought of the NeoGraft system. The “FDA-approved NeoGraft automates the surgical removal of individual hair follicles, one at a time”. Do you think this will be just another flash in the pan invention or could it help assist hair transplant surgeons in the future?Here is the link to the story: New NeoGraft Device Improves Hair Transplants
Regards
The story is actually a press release, which explains why it enthusiastically approves of the tool. One thing I’m disappointed with right off the bat is that it claims “no visible scars” occur if this tool is used, and that is simply untrue. Any puncture made to the scalp will result in a scar to some degree. I know what they were going for, but saying “barely visible scars” or “no linear scar” would’ve been more truthful.
I watched the video and it appears that the doctor is using a drill to remove the grafts from the donor area. It still seems tedious and I could not inspect the follicular units for transection rate analysis (damage done to grafts), which I would need to do to make a judgment on this FUE instrument/technique.
I have done both strip harvesting and FUE extraction with the OmniGraft device. There is no question the donor site scarring is less with FUE. This would be a problem if the patient decides to shave his head but not otherwise. FUE is superior however because the is less post operative pain and more hair can be harvested so this technique will not go away. It is alot more work for the surgeon so I suppose prices may be higher that strip harvesting. Transection of the grafts is minimal except for novice surgeons.