Why True & Dorin doesn’t use the neograft machine
The neograft machine is used for follicular unit extraction. It uses sharp punches and suction to remove the grafts. Dr. True & Dr. Dorin find that the machine has some deficiencies that make it sub-optimal for follicular unit extraction. While the punches are sharp, they are not as sharp as they need to be.
The punches that we use at True & Dorin were developed by COLE instruments and are the sharpest punches available. This is very important because the sharper the punch, the less tissue trauma and the better the healing process.
The punches used by the neograft machine are not as ideal as they should be. More force and pressure is required at the time of the punch insertion. The result of using duller punches is the potential to damage hair follicles during the process.
Additionally, in order for the suction part of the device to pull the grafts free, the punch has to be inserted much deeper than necessary. The consequence of this deep punch insertion is a higher rate of damage to the follicles.
Another issue is not so much technical but how it’s being used. The manufacturer has chosen to market the machine to cosmetic and plastic surgery practices that are not focused on or highly experienced in hair restoration surgery. The company typically provides the machine and a technician who is often not even a licensed medical professional ends up performing all aspects of the procedure. This approach carries a number of risks to the patient including inadequate surgical planning, lack of direct physician supervision, inappropriate uses of anesthesia and poor outcomes.
