What's more important: the extraction or incision?

[jimbrann]

What do you feel is more important in order to have a successful HT? And which is the leading factor correlating to graft survival rate?

 

The extraction process (punch size/tool used etc.) or the incision process of the grafts into the recipient area (I know direction is important here)?

[gillenator]

IMHO, both are equally important. Starting with the extractions, if that process is not efficient and proficient, there is the possibility of transection which is permanent damage to the grafts. If that occurs, the incisions are useless because the grafts still will not survive if there is transection.

 

If the extractions are done proficiently, then yes the incisions must be made at the proper depth and angle with the proper instruments and also the most least invasive as possible to minimize scarring.

 

If both are done competently, then there's no reason to believe that the end result will not be outstanding including the corresponding yield. Obviously the artistic skill including hairline design is critical along with appropriate graft selection.

 

Make sense?

[jimbrann]

Yes it does, thank you.

 

From my understanding the most optimal procedure is (via a top surgeon) with a manual punch of various sizes of 0.6 to 0.9mm and not via something like a robot due to its universal punch size. Would this be correct?

[Bill - Seemiller]

I agree with Gillenator, both are equally important. If either one of them are done poorly, growth yield could be significantly impacted. That said, a lot of focus is put on the extraction especially because the whole debate over FUT/strip and FUE has to do with the harvesting/extracting of the follicles. That said, it's just as important to make sure the incision size and depth creates a perfect fit for the follicular unit. If it doesn't, grafts could pop out or sink too far in causing cobblestoning, pitting and possibly no growth.

 

Best wises

 

Bill

[jimbrann]

I agree with Gillenator, both are equally important. If either one of them are done poorly, growth yield could be significantly impacted. That said, a lot of focus is put on the extraction especially because the whole debate over FUT/strip and FUE has to do with the harvesting/extracting of the follicles. That said, it's just as important to make sure the incision size and depth creates a perfect fit for the follicular unit. If it doesn't, grafts could pop out or sink too far in causing cobblestoning, pitting and possibly no growth.

 

Best wises

 

Bill

Hi Bill,

 

Many thanks, appreciate your input.

What's your opinion on robot/artas being used for the extraction as opposed to manual punch?

[Speegs]

You need them both to be done correctly, either done in a subpar fashion risks jeopardizing the outcome of your procedure.

[mattj]

As the guys above have said, both are important to the outcome, but I would say that it is during the extraction that there is the most potential for graft damage leading to poor yield. Also, how the grafts are treated while they are outside of the body is important too.

[Spanker]

Kind of like asking what is more important, your steering wheel or your wheels?