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.
Paid advertisements (not an endorsement):
Dr. R.,Actually, it does say ‘no linear scar.’Transection rates will be operator dependant, but because of the ergonomics of the NeoGraft device, experienced FUE surgeons should notice (as I have) low transection and increased speed. Do not confuse the Neograft with the previous version (Omnigraft), the handpiece and attachments have been dramatically refined. Having used both, I can tell you the improvements are quite significant.Some new photos of the NeoGraft in action can be seen here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanbauman/sets/72157615072123043/or herehttp://baumanmedical.typepad.com/follicleblog/2009/03/fue-using-neograft-is-faster-better-for-patients.htmlI look forward to feedback from other FUE surgeons regarding NeoGraft.Sincerely,Dr. B.Alan J. Bauman, M.D.Medical DirectorBauman Medical Grouphttp://www.baumanmedical.com
Actually, it did not say that when I published this blog entry a month ago. Someone recently changed it. Here’s the original press release on another site, where it clearly says “no visible scars” —http://www.americanhealthandbeauty.com/articles/?Article=1400