Frequently Asked Questions About OC NeoGraft©

What Does NeoGraft™ do? The NeoGraft machine is a revolutionary automated hair transplant machine that assists the doctor in performing a hair transplant using the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique, the latest hair transplant technology to date. The FUE technique is less invasive than the traditional STRIP method used by most doctors today. With the FUE technique there is no cutting of the scalp as there is with the STRIP method. Since there is no cutting there is no suturing, no visible scarring, very little bleeding and almost immediate recovery time.

 

What Is An FUE Hair Transplant?

FUE is the most recently developed transplant procedure that does not involve any incisions like the STRIP method still used by most doctors today. The FUE method is the removal of individual hair follicles from the scalp, in their naturally occurring groupings of about 1-4 hairs. The follicles are then transplanted into the balding area. The FUE Transplant procedure was introduced in 2001. It is the least invasive procedure, with the fewest complications and the end result is an excellent, natural look.

Why FUE?

Performing hair transplantation using the FUE method without NeoGraft™ is a very time consuming and is therefore more costly. Most doctors feel patients will not want to pay for this procedure so they do not promote it. Also doctors need additional training to perform this procedure and many are reluctant to obtain further training.

Most offices are more comfortable with the STRIP method since it is quicker to perform. For these reasons, most doctors do not offer a complete transplant using the FUE method. Some doctors may offer to use the FUE method on small areas such as filling in a hairline where few follicles are needed. However, most doctors, once they learn about the benefits of the FUE method, understand that it is more beneficial for the patient, since it is a much less invasive procedure.

The NeoGraft™ machine brings down the cost of doing the FUE procedure because the procedure time is shortened and there is no need for the many technicians as there is when doing a manual FUE hair transplant. The reduced costs can be passed on to the patient, allowing more people to have the FUE procedure. Not all patients are suitable for the FUE procedure, but NeoGraft allows a larger proportion of patients to have the FUE procedure.

What Are The Advantages Of Using An Automated Device?

There are many advantages. Our device allows more individuals to be candidates for the FUE method of transplantation. Performing FUE by hand limits the number of people who can have this technique because of the time factor which raises the cost. Furthermore, some people have certain physical conditions such as deeply embedded follicles, thicker skin, or tougher skin and it is sometimes difficult to take out the grafts without damaging them. NeoGraft uses controlled pneumatic pressure (suction) to slide out the follicle smoothly, so there is not the pulling and twisting with tweezers which puts the follicle at risk for damage. These conditions often eliminate individuals from being good candidates for the FUE method. The follicles extracted by the contra-angled tool are of an excellent quality. Also, the transplant procedure is faster with the NeoGraft, the follicles can be re-implanted sooner which keeps them more robust, increasing the success of the grafting process. With the traditional manual method used for FUE hair transplants, the patient must rely more on the skilful hand of a technician or doctor. There is not the same consistency or quality control as with the NeoGraft.

Further advantages of the FUE procedure with the NeoGraft machine are less complications from surgery, mostly invisible scarring whereas with the SLIT method there is elongated scarring, reduced healing time, FUE is a non invasive surgery, unlike SLIT surgery which is invasive, and finally as stated, our device shortens the time of the FUE procedure, therefore reducing the cost.

What About STRIP(FUT) Excision ?

STRIP excision or FUT, is the traditional transplant procedure used by most doctors today where a strip of skin is removed from the donor site at the back of the patient’s head. One of the major drawbacks to this procedures is the incision is sutured together leaving a linear scar. The scar may enlarge over time to overcome the tension of the skin created by cutting a strip and suturing the scalp together. Patients experience pain with the STRIP surgery and medicine is prescribed for the pain.

What procedure to I have, FUE or STRIP?

With the FUE technique, only the individual hair follicle is removed. There is no dissection of skin or stitches. The small wound made when the follicle is extracted contracts as it heals. With the STRIP procedure there is an incision and a linear scar. With the NeoGraft™ more people qualify for the FUE method, which is less invasive, and has less possible complications. Your doctor will decide whether you are eligible for the FUE procedure.

Is a Hair Transplant Safe?

From a surgical standpoint, a hair transplant is very safe. It is a relatively minor surgical procedure. An FUE transplant is performed under local anesthetic, and does not require intravenous or intra-muscular sedation. With FUE the patient is awake during the procedure, and can watch T.V. or talk with the doctor.

Is FUE Hair Transplantation Painful?

Most people are surprised that there is virtually no pain during an FUE hair transplant procedure done under a local anesthetic. Some small discomfort may occur as a local anesthetic is injected into the scalp. Once the skin is properly anaesthetized, there is no pain. After the FUE surgery, patients will typically feel some minor discomfort. It is usually described as minimal. With the STRIP method, there is more pain, with the amount of pain depending on each patients individual pain threshold. Medicine can be prescribed to help with any discomfort or pain.

What Are The Possible Complications?

FUE Hair Transplant surgery is considered a minor procedure. There are rarely complications and your doctor easily treats any that may occur. With STRIP surgery more complications can occur, such as infections, excessive scarring, a feeling of tightness of the scalp, hair loss in the scar area, nerve pain, bleeding, as well as a chance of damage to the occipital or temporal blood vessels.

When Can I Go Back To Work?

It is often possible to go back to work within the next day or two after the FUE transplant. With the STRIP procedure, depending on the level of pain, more down time is usually required.

When Will My Newly Transplanted Hair Start To Grow?

Normally it takes between three to five months following surgery before the transplanted hair follicles begin to grow new hair.

What Is The Cost Of A Hair Transplantation?

Prices typically average around $4 to $12 per graft for the STRIP method and more for the FUE method when done manually. NeoGraft reduces the cost of an FUE transplant because NeoGraft reduces the time to do the FUE procedure.

Why Are The Costs Of The Transplant Reduced With Your Device?

The NeoGraft™ eliminates the need and cost for the many technicians necessary to help the doctor with the procedure. The machine also shortens the time needed to do the transplant, which reduces the cost as well. These savings can be passed on to the patient.

How Many Sessions Will Be Required?

It depends on how many grafts are to be transplanted. With NeoGraft™, more than double the grafts can be transplanted compared to a manual FUE. With NeoGraft the same number of grafts can be done as with the STRIP method in the same amount of time. The number of sessions can be discussed during the consultation with your surgeon.

How Many Grafts/Hairs Will I Need?

The amount of grafts you will need ultimately depends on your degree of hair loss and on how dense your donor hair is at the back.

Will It Really Look Natural?

Yes, the only people who know will be those you tell.

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