Hair Transplant and Micromotor Use

All that you need to know about grafts extraction 

While the term "hair transplantation" is at the top of every search engine, people want to know the details, tools, and methods used in this confidence-inspiring procedure.

Hair grafts harvesting is one of the most important steps that can tell whether the hair transplantation will be successful or not. When taking out the grafts, the doctor must be careful not to damage any grafts, as there is a limited number of grafts and must make the best out of them. 

But have you ever wondered how the doctor reaches the hair grafts? And how does the doctor extract them without damaging the hair follicles that are in the hair graft? Although there is a manual way to do this, the new evolution offers a new medical tool called Micromotor.

At EHT Turkey, we strongly believe that patients should be well informed about the procedures they undergo. Whether it is an explanation of the steps involved or the name of a medical instrument used, we share everything with our patients. Read on to learn more about hair transplant harvesting and the micromotor.

What is a Micromotor? 

The micromotor is a medical device used in the final stage of grafts extraction. However, the hair follicles are extracted using 0.5 to 0.7 mm punches attached to the micromotor. When using the micromotor for grafts extraction, the hair follicles are taken one by one.

The micromotor has a rotational speed that is set depending on the patient's tissue and hair follicle characteristics. The micromotor helps in faster performance of the procedure as it collects a higher number of hair grafts compared to the manual method.

Why is the Micromotor tool used in hair transplantation procedures? 

If you know that a micromotor tool is used in hair transplantation, you may be surprised because it is known that this type of tool is mainly used by dentists. However, this medical tool is also used in hair transplantation in order to minimize the damage to the scalp tissue, help the doctor to extract a maximum number of hair grafts and shorten the procedure time.

How is a micromotor used in hair transplant procedure? 

Needles with a special diameter that varies from 0.5 to 0.7 mm are attached to the micromotor device that rotates on the skin surface to minimize tissue damage and create a hole that is exactly the size of the graft. This method helps to reach the hair grafts by removing them manually without damaging the tissue, which helps in reducing the risk of infection.

What is the difference between micromotor hair grafts extraction and manual hair grafts extraction? 

There are two types of hair graft harvesting, manual and micromotor hair graft harvesting. In manual hair graft harvesting, the hair grafts are separated from the surrounding tissue with a manual punch tool after the hair graft is located on the scalp.

However, patients may prefer one method over another, as each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Well, manual hair graft harvesting takes longer than micromotor hair graft harvesting, moreover, manual hair graft harvesting has a higher level of safety and quality of grafts. However, micromotor hair graft harvesting is much faster and the number of hair grafts that can be harvested by this method can be 2 or 3 times higher than the number of grafts harvested by manual hair graft harvesting. In addition, compared to the manual method, the micromotor method is more affordable and most widely used, as it is performed by fewer clinics nowadays.

What are the advantages of micromotor hair grafts extraction? 

• It can extract the largest possible number of hair grafts from the donor area. It can reach up to more than 5000 hair grafts if there is a sufficient donor area. 

• Doesn’t leave a scar on the donor area. 

• Doesn’t require any cuts or incisions. 

• Speeds up the hair transplant procedure.

Why is motorized FUE  preferred? 

Between manual hair graft harvesting and motorized hair graft harvesting, people tend to use the motorized method. Technically, it is faster than the manual method, and those who want a large number of hair grafts will always choose the motorized method because it allows for the removal of a maximum number of hair grafts. And since fewer clinics perform manual hair transplant harvesting, this method has become more expensive compared to motorized FUE.

How many grafts can a micromotor collect? 

The number of grafts transplanted varies from case to case, as the amount can vary from 500 to 3000 grafts or even more, all depending on the degree of hair loss. However, one of the biggest advantages of the micromotor is that this medical device can be used to harvest the largest possible number of hair grafts if there is a donor area that can provide a high number of hair grafts. It is quite possible that with the help of a micromotor the doctor can extract 5000 to 5500 hair grafts in one session.

Is using a micromotor painful? 

Without anesthesia? PAINFULL! With anesthesia? You will hardly feel anything. It is important to know that the hair transplant procedure in all its steps would be very painful without the local anesthesia. Therefore, during the first consultation, the doctor will ask you some questions to understand your habits, lifestyle and frequency of smoking. Based on this information, the right amount of anesthetic for the procedure can be determined so that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure.

How is the scalp prepared before using a micromotor? 

The preparation steps in all hair transplant procedures are almost the same. After determining the donor area, shaving starts to have a better view to the scalp and the hair follicle. Then, the scalp will be injected with local anesthesia to ensure that it is convenient for the patient during the procedure. Once the area is anesthetized, the extraction of hair grafts starts. After the harvesting step is completed, the doctor will cover the area with the needed medicines and bandages to protect it from any possible infection.