Archive for the 'Pros & Cons' Category

My “Expectation Exercise”


We deal a lot with “expectations” in the course of hair restoration. Given the individual’s donor specifics, what can he or she realistically expect in terms of immediate results and long-term appearance?

Just prior to my recent International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) workshop in Orlando, I found myself conducting an “expectation exercise” of my own. I had agreed to a work session in which my follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure using our powered SAFE™ Scribe technology would be compared, side by side, with another surgeon’s proprietary system.

Same surgical suite.

Same patient.

Same results?

I’m pleased to say the outcome was right in line with what I’d envisioned.

Microscopic examination of harvested follicles showed we achieved an average of 2.9 hairs per graft. Moreover, our transection rate was just 1.9 percent. Considering it’s not uncommon for transection rates to be 10 times that or more in some processes, it confirmed what we’ve been saying about the SAFE Scribe’s exceptional precision and efficacy.

I think it’s important to point out that not all surgeons share my view on keeping transection rates at an absolute minimum. I made it part of my clinical criteria when developing this new collection technology for two reasons. First, I believed it was attainable. Second, I considered it key to the value proposition I offer my patients. For the more viable grafts we can obtain in each session, the faster these individuals will reach their appearance objectives.

Evidently, a number of my colleagues agreed. Several have asked to come to Denver for additional SAFE Scribe training. We’re hoping to host that late summer or early fall—but prior to the ISHRS national conference in Boston this October. I’ve also been asked by my international peers to provide on-site training in their countries.

I fully expect to say yes.