AI Is Transforming Hair Transplants

We often think about artificial intelligence as a replacement for human touch and decision making. After all, robots do not need sleep and algorithms recognize complex pattern faster than any humans.

However robotic Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) challenges this paradigm.

What is FUE?

Human hair grows in clusters of one to four hairs called follicular units. Follicular Unit Excision is a hair transplant method that removes these clusters of hair from a healthy part of the scalp and places them whether hair is thinning or balding under the guidance of a surgeon.

For example, Drs. Robert Bernstein and Christine Shaver work closely with patients to determine what type of hair transplant will provide the best outcome.

Once robotic FUE is chosen, the patient will be scheduled for surgery or, in the case of larger extractions, site creation. Site creation is a pro-operative procedure that prepares the recipient area for hair graft placement.

Using AI, the ARTAS robot extracts hair grafts in a process called harvesting. Unlike other hair transplant approaches, the robotic FUE’s advanced algorithm creates a 3D map to identify the precise location, length, and angle of each follicular unit.

During surgery, an instrument makes tiny, circular cuts around the follicular unit to separate it from the skin. Then each follicular unit is removed from the scalp until there are enough hair grafts to place in the area that needs restoration.

After surgery, patients are not prohibited from strenuous exercise and are progressively allowed to resume normal activities.

Benefits

Follicular Unit Excision possesses several advantages over other types of hair transplants, which include the following:

• The extraction area heals within two weeks
• Less damage to surrounding hairs in the donor area
• Patients do not have a linear scar
• Patients can wear their hair very short
• Alternative to Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) for patients with tighter scalps

Where Did FUE Begin?

In 2002, Drs. Robert Bernstein and William Rassman published the first medical paper that explained FUE. The groundbreaking paper gave patients a less invasive approach for hair transplants and surgeons more options to offer surgical results that mimic nature.

In 2011, Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration began including FUE among its hair restoration treatments. In 2013, the practice was recognized as an ARTAS Clinical Center of Excellence. The Manhattan based office was the first to customize punch sizes. Using smaller extraction instruments reduced the healing time and donor area scarring. Dr. Christine Shaver and Dr. Robert Bernstein now steward this legacy of innovation in the field of hair transplantation, serving patients from around the world.

If you are experiencing hair loss or contemplating a hair transplant, begin by scheduling a consultation today to discuss hair restoration options.