What tools are used in hair transplant?

There are several different tools that hair transplant surgeons use. They can use something as simple as a 1 mm hand punch biopsy. Alternatively, they can prefer to use a device known as a NeoGraft machine. There’s another type of a drill punch device which is called a safe scribe. So, there are a number of different types of tools used in hair transplantation. 

 

The real question is with the doctor, what are they most comfortable with? Typically, surgeons use two different types of machines depending on patient’s characteristics:

 

• the type of hair
• whether the hair is thick and strong or fine and wispy
• the number of hair grafts to be transplanted. 

 

Hair transplant tools are also something that you will determine depending on which technique you choose. Separate tools can be used for DHI,  FUE, or NeoGraft. Together with your surgeon you can decide which technique suits the amount of hair grafts to be transplanted, your preferences and other characteristics of your hair. 

What tools are needed for a successful hair transplant?

Which hair transplant instrument your surgeon will use to achieve a successful hair transplant result may differ depending on which hair transplant procedure they are more successful with. This is because some surgeons may specialize in one technique and only perform hair transplants using that technique. Below are the most common methods preferred by hair transplant surgeons. 

FUE Hair Transplant Tools

In Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), various types of punches are used to extract individual hair follicles from the donor region. In the damaged regions on the scalp, FUE specialists treat baldness with a tiny circular punch instrument by restoring hair growth. 

 

Sapphire blade

Most surgeons prefer the Sapphire Blade for FUE hair transplantation. They are ideal surgical blades for opening smaller micro channels. Therefore, wounds heal faster because they cause minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.

 

Petri dish

Apart from the Sapphire blade, some surgeons may also use punches like manual, sharp or motorized for the FUE hair transplant procedure. They also place the extracted grafts in a container with a solution called a Petri dish to ensure that the hairs survive. 

 

Titanium scalp transplant punches

For minimal trauma, blading and scarring, surgeons use titanium scalp transplant punches. They are highly durable, precise, and sharp. 

 

FUE hair transplant micro motor set

It is a collection of specialized tools used during FUE procedures. It includes a motorized device with rotating punches that are used to efficiently extract individual hair follicles from the donor area. It may also include various sizes of punches, handpieces and other accessories designed to facilitate rapid extraction.

 

By transplanting one’s own hairy skin tissue into bald areas of the scalp, transplanted grafts help to create a new habitat in that area. The regenerated tissue and hair can help to grow thick hair by eliminating alopecia in the bald area.

 

DHI Hair Transplant Tools

Surgeons may prefer a direct hair transplantation method for the people with androgenetic alopecia. 85% of men and 50% of women have thinning hair by their 50s. One of the hair transplant surgeries, DHI, may help those people to regrow lost hair. 

 

Choi pen

The DHI punch instrument is a pen-like tool with a hollow needle. During DHI, no need to graft preparation or incisions in a traditional way. With the Choi Implanter, surgeons can easily perform both extraction and implantation of hair follicles in a single step. 

 

Small punch blade

Time to time, surgeons may use a small punch tool too, if they see necessary. They create tiny circular incisions around each follicle. 

 

Microscope

To examine and prepare the hair follicles, a microscope may help the medical team. With this device, they evaluate the readiness and intact of follicles for implantation. 

 

Hair transplant forceps

Professionals may benefit from fine tipped extraction forceps to handle and place the extracted hair into the Choi pen. 

 

For DHI transplantation, medical professionals may also use sterile solutions, disinfecting agents, anesthesia equipment, and so on. 

Is a hair transplant done with a needle?

No, the actual transplantation of hair follicles is not done with a needle. Small cylindrical instruments such as punch instruments, motorized devices, etc. are used in the follicle extraction and implantation stages. The needles are primarily for anesthesia. Surgeons usually prefer local anesthesia. However, if a patient wants needle-free anesthesia, surgeons can prefer it as well. 

Does the hair transplant anesthesia needle hurt?

The needle itself might cause a bit of sting or pinch. However, it will numb the recipient area, and during the operation, you don’t feel anything. To reduce the sensation of pain, skilled clinic professionals inject slowly or use small-gauge needles. 

The dose of local anesthesia is calculated according to your age, height and previous illnesses.  When the needle is injected slowly, the first injected area becomes numb. Thus, you will not feel the remaining part. It takes less than 1 minute and causes pain like a fly bite. 

Is hair transplant possible with needle-free anesthesia?

Many modern hair transplantation methods like FUE, DHI, Unshaven FUE, Ice FUE can be performed with needle-free anesthesia. 

If you prefer needle-free anesthesia, you will not feel any pain or soreness from the beginning to the end of the operation. However, you need to continue taking medications such as painkillers and antibiotics in the post-operative period. 

FAQs about Hair Transplant Tools

Ref. List

• Joukhadar N, Lalonde D. How to Minimize the Pain of Local Anesthetic Injection for Wide Awake Surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2021;9(8):e3730. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003730

Article Review By: Dr. Jyothi Shenoy V
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MBBS, MD – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MRCOG(UK)
23 Years Experience Overall