Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant Automation: Overcoming Challenges in Hair Restoration Technology to Avoid Line Scars

The 2012 study discussed the advantages and challenges of Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), a hair transplant technique. FUE was found to be less invasive and resulted in quicker recovery times, no line scars, and no long-term pain compared to the traditional strip surgery method. However, FUE was also more time-consuming and technically challenging, yielding fewer viable grafts. Automation of FUE procedures helped overcome these issues, allowing for increased harvest numbers in a shorter time. The study also highlighted concerns about graft care with automated devices, such as potential drying out of grafts and longer exposure to room temperature. Solutions included removing the capture filter in the collection device to keep grafts hydrated and using ice packs to cool the grafts. These modifications improved graft survival. The study concluded with the hope of advancing FUE techniques to reduce the need for traditional strip surgery.