Manual FUE Procedure is an old technique applied in hair transplantation where the grafts are removed one by one by Dr. Kelemen.
Manual extraction devices are generally considered the “original” FUE tools, namely because these were the devices first used in follicular unit excision procedures. A manual FUE punch is a metal, handheld device that features a handle on one end and a hollow, cylinder-shaped needle (a “punch”) on the other.
During an FUE hair transplant procedure with the manual punch, a physician locates a follicular unit graft for extraction, grips the manual punch tool by the handle, places the hollow needle around the follicular unit, and pushes the tool into the scalp.
This action punctures the scalp around the follicular unit and allows for removal. In order to accomplish this task, physicians can use either “blunt” or “sharp” tipped tools, and also choose from a variety of punch sizes.
After the scalp is punctured (or “scored”) and the graft is ready for removal, hair restoration physicians can further separate the tissue surrounding the graft with a sharp-tipped tool and then pull the graft from the scalp with forceps, or switch to a blunt-tipped tool to further dissect the graft and prepare for forceps removal.
Manual FUE is considered the “old” method of FUE and is rarely performed in this day and age. It is what most people would consider “plugs” and gives a “pluggy” or “baby doll” look to the hair which can be attributed to the larger size of the punch. As a result of the unnatural look of the larger plugs, most people are not happy with the results.
Those that do still perform manual FUE hair transplant, believe the sensitive “feedback” and control provided by a manual punch (versus motorized devices) makes this method of extraction ideal.
On the other hand, using manual devices is often more tedious and time-consuming for the FUE surgeon and as a result, the amount of hair that can be moved in a single day or session is often less than by using motorized devices as well as increasing the chance of transacting or damaging the follicles that are obtained.
Here’s a summary of what will happen during your procedure should you decide to opt for this hair transplantation method:
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