Learning Curve for the Hair Implanter Pen

In a study involving 33 hair transplant patients, the learning curve for the Hair Implanter Pen (HIP), a device aimed at facilitating the implantation of follicular unit grafts, was assessed among three technicians with different levels of experience. The study revealed that while experienced technicians were initially quicker in using the HIP, a novice technician was able to match their speed, reaching 251 grafts per hour by the eleventh procedure. The HIP was found to be gentle on grafts, which could enhance graft survival by minimizing trauma during placement. Experienced technicians typically mastered the device after two to three procedures, and the HIP was shown to increase graft placement speed by up to 150%. However, individual work habits still affected the speed of graft placement. Despite drawbacks like noise and cost, the HIP's advantages in speed and gentle handling were significant, and further research was recommended to explore its potential in improving hair growth by reducing injury to follicular units during insertion.