The SmartGraft System

In each edition, Modern Aesthetics® asks top cosmetic physicians about the newest devices in their practices. This month, JENNIFER WALDEN, MD, a plastic surgeon in Austin, TX, shares her experience with the SMARTGRAFT SYSTEM for hair transplantation.

What is the SmartGraft System?

“SmartGraft is a motorized, manually operated device for follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant procedures in both men and women.”

How does this system measure up to other hair restoration methods?

“The SmartGraft system is superior to other systems in the way that it protects the extracted follicles by cooling and moistening while waiting to implant the grafts.”

What role does a surgeon play with this system?

“The surgeon is involved in the consultation, patient evaluation, and planning process. The surgeon may have more of a supervisory role during the actual procedure, but can be as technically involved as he or she wants to be, if so desired. I use the device to gently extract individual micro-hair grafts from the back of a patient's head. These grafts are then implanted into the balding areas to regrow hair. The whole procedure takes about five to six hours and I do it using local anesthetic.”

Who would be an ideal SmartGraft candidate?

“Ideal candidates are healthy with donor areas that have many follicles per square centimeter. This is typically in the occipital area of the scalp where hair growth is denser.”

How Has patient satisfaction been with the procedure/results?

“Our patient satisfaction has been overall very high. This is really a life-changing procedure in a relatively short amount of time (hours), given the years of embarrassment and angst many women and men go through after losing their hair. Newly transplanted hair grows naturally in several phases. Patients see new hairs in about three months, followed by a noticeable improvement in six months and full growth at 12 to 14 months.”

Any risks associated with the procedure?

“The main risk would be infection, but there is a very low probability of that happening.”