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Late last week, Restoration Robotics, a California based engineering company, announced that its newest device, the ARTAS Hair Restoration System received FDA approval for use in follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair restoration procedures.

As with previous follicular unit extraction devices, much like the NeoGraft Hair Transplant Machine, the ARTAS claims to automate and standardize the FUE process and carelessly markets itself to the novice hair transplant surgeon.   This is concerning   because while tools are designed to make things easier for the surgeon, the outcome of a follicular unit extraction procedure depends mostly on the artistry and skill of the surgeon, and not the nature of the tools he/she uses.    The ARTAS Hair Restoration System has yet to prove it can produce reliable results.   Additionally, it has not been reviewed by nor has it yet to garner the approval and support of many of the world’s leading FUE practioners.  

According to the press release:

ARTAS is a physician-controlled, state-of-the-art, interactive, computer-assisted system that enables harvesting of hair follicles during hair restoration procedures. It combines several features including an image-guided robotic arm, special imaging technologies, small dermal punches, and a computer interface. The ARTAS System is capable of identifying and harvesting individual follicular units to implement the follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique.

There is growing interest in FUE because of its many patient benefits, such as less discomfort and a quicker return to normal activities. The ARTAS System solves many of the technical challenges experienced by physicians currently attempting the FUE procedure which gives physicians and patients an exciting new choice.

The careful handling and placement of the grafts into recipient sites is just as important as extracting  viable grafts  in achieving a stellar result.    The ARTAS hair restoration system  solely focuses on the extraction process (not  on the placement of the extracted follicular units).   Moreover, it  comes with a hefty price tag that may keep some physicians at bay.  

Having novices perform hair transplant procedures, even with the most sophisticated of tools is dangerous to the overall result and well being of each patient.   Thus, it’s critical that each follicular unit extraction procedure performed with this and/or any other tool is performed by a skilled surgeon and experienced surgical team.  

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Blake – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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