Here are some of the notable developments and trends in FUE hair transplant over the last 10 years here in London.
- Robotic FUE: The use of robotic systems like the ARTAS and NeoGraft had become more prevalent. These systems assist surgeons in harvesting hair follicles with precision and speed, reducing the risk of human error though are often debatable vs a good skilled hair transplant surgeon / technician who can extract.
- Improved Extraction Techniques: Surgeons are increasingly becoming skilled at extracting hair follicles with minimal damage to the donor area, resulting in less scarring and faster healing times.
- Automated Graft Sorting: Some clinics started using automated graft sorting systems to ensure the highest quality grafts are transplanted. This technology can sort hair follicles by size and type, optimizing the transplant’s overall appearance.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP therapy was often used in conjunction with FUE to promote hair follicle survival and enhance the growth of transplanted hair. PRP involves injecting a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma into the scalp.
- Use of Growth Factors: Some clinics incorporated growth factors and stem cells into the transplantation process to encourage hair follicle regeneration and improve the overall results.
- Advancements in Anesthesia: Improved anesthesia techniques have made FUE procedures more comfortable for patients, with quicker recovery times.
- Enhanced Postoperative Care: Surgeons emphasized meticulous postoperative care routines to ensure optimal healing and minimise complications.
- Research into Hair Cloning: While not widely available, research is ongoing in the field of hair cloning or hair multiplication. This technology aims to duplicate hair follicles in a laboratory setting, potentially offering a limitless supply of donor hair.
- Customised Hairline Design: Surgeons increasingly focused on creating natural-looking hairlines that complement a patient’s facial features and age-appropriate appearance.
- Global Accessibility: FUE procedures are becoming much more accessible worldwide, with an increasing number of surgeons and clinics offering this technique, though varying with quality.