Would You Trust a Robotic Hair Transplant?
Following our recent story about the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant System, we wondered how men felt about this type of technology being used for such an emotional type of surgery.
We carried out a quick survey on the streets near our City of London hair loss clinic where we asked male city workers in their 20s-40s what their preference would be should they ever suffer from male pattern baldness and decide to have a hair transplant: a human surgeon or the type where the hair is harvested by advanced robotic technology.
An overwhelming 80% of those surveyed said that they would prefer a surgeon, whilst only 20% said they would trust the non-human device.
Three main reasons were given for preferring the human touch. These were:
Those who responded positively to the robotic harvesting of donor hair all said they felt this method would be quicker and more precise.
The two main types of hair transplant are FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transportation). The main difference between the two methods is how the donor hair (the hair removed from one area of the head to the thinning areas) is harvested. FUE uses a mechanical punch method to remove the hairs, whilst FUT, also known as 'Strip Surgery', sees a small strip of healthy, donor hair removed from the back of the head.
Something many men often do not realise before investigating the possibility of a hair transplant is that it is recommended anyone considering this type of surgery, regardless of method, undergo a pharmaceutical hair loss treatment programme. This should comprise one of both of the only clinically-proven, MHRA licensed and FDA approved medications for male pattern baldness - high strength minoxidil (topical) and finasteride 1mg (oral) - and be followed for at least six months prior to the operation in order to ensure shedding is kept under control and the hair is in optimum condition for the surgeon to work with. Furthermore, in order to prevent balding in the areas around the new grafts, it is important to follow a hair loss treatment programme in order to maintain post-transplant results.
Men may find their results from non-surgical hair loss treatment mean they can avoid invasive hair restoration altogether, so it can be a good starting point whatever their final decision.
Survey results say 'no'
We carried out a quick survey on the streets near our City of London hair loss clinic where we asked male city workers in their 20s-40s what their preference would be should they ever suffer from male pattern baldness and decide to have a hair transplant: a human surgeon or the type where the hair is harvested by advanced robotic technology.
An overwhelming 80% of those surveyed said that they would prefer a surgeon, whilst only 20% said they would trust the non-human device.
Why 80% of men asked rejected the robot
Three main reasons were given for preferring the human touch. These were:
- wanting the security of having a surgeon remove the donor hair given a hair transplant is such an 'intimate' procedure where so much 'male pride' over their hair was at stake
- preferring personal attention throughout the whole procedure
- lack of trust in the technology
Those who responded positively to the robotic harvesting of donor hair all said they felt this method would be quicker and more precise.
Alternatives to robotic hair transplants
Something many men often do not realise before investigating the possibility of a hair transplant is that it is recommended anyone considering this type of surgery, regardless of method, undergo a pharmaceutical hair loss treatment programme. This should comprise one of both of the only clinically-proven, MHRA licensed and FDA approved medications for male pattern baldness - high strength minoxidil (topical) and finasteride 1mg (oral) - and be followed for at least six months prior to the operation in order to ensure shedding is kept under control and the hair is in optimum condition for the surgeon to work with. Furthermore, in order to prevent balding in the areas around the new grafts, it is important to follow a hair loss treatment programme in order to maintain post-transplant results.
Men may find their results from non-surgical hair loss treatment mean they can avoid invasive hair restoration altogether, so it can be a good starting point whatever their final decision.
The Belgravia Centre
The Belgravia Centre is a world-renowned group of a hair loss clinic in Central London, UK. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation from anywhere in the world for home-use treatment.
View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which includes the world's largest gallery of hair growth photos and demonstrates the level of success that so many of Belgravia's patients achieve.
