Is it common during a FUE procedure for technicians to do the some/all of the implanting?

Question

I just had a fue done, 1800 grafts, I awoke to 2 technicians finishing the implanting. I'm assuming the doctor did the harvesting and punctures but is this common practice? Should I ask him what part he played exactly in my procedure? He came very highly recommended and has impeccable reviews.

Emrah Cinik, MD · Answer

The answer changes depending on the clinic you got the treatment. Some technicians are trained to play a part during the whole procedure. The information of your operation should be given to you before hands.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Doctor should be making all the incision where the hairs will go in the correct direction, angle, and distribution.Most cases, highly trained technicians insert the follicles into the pre-made sites.

Michael Vories, MD · Answer

In our practice the physician performs all of the extractions and graft placement, but this is not the norm. Legally in the US, physicians should be performing all of the FUE extractions, and at a minimum perform the incisions for graft placement. Many clinics use technicians to place the grafts into pre-made incisions, so what you experienced sounds both normal and legal.

Daniel Danyo, MD · Answer

The answer is no, it is uncommon for physicians to place grafts, especially all of them.  Most facilities rely on technicians to hand place grafts in premed surgical slits completed by the physician.
In my office, I core and place all of the grafts on every patient.  I use implanter pens that are loaded by one or two assistants and placed by me, using a stick and place technique with no pre-made surgical slits.  I feel that the healing and results are superior. My patients have a tremendous comfort level knowing that I will be placing each graft and that I am fully involved throughout the entire case.  In doing so,I am able to ensure that each graft placement is done in the correct manner and with the least amount of trauma. 
I encourage all prospective patients to interview their physicians to determine their involvement in the case to gain the greatest comfort level prior to making a decision on who performs it.

Arslan Musbeh, MD · Answer

The implantation is performed by the technicians  under the supervision of the surgeon.
  
The technicians  implant the grafts on the channels. 
The incision must be performed by the surgeon to get the correct direction, angle and the distribution.

Artur Kierach, MD · Answer

In my clinic I do all - extraction and implantation as well. I use implanters and technicians only load the tools. I know in other clinics technicians insert follicles and it is common.

Dilan Fernando, MBBS · Answer

This is common practice in the UK too. However, legally your surgeon should be the only person making any cuts/ incisions for technicians to implant hairs into.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Your assumptions are correct. The doctor performs the harvesting and the incisions while the technicians perform the placement of the grafts.  This practice is both very common and legal.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

It is legal and commonplace for technicians to place grafts after the physician surgeon has made the openings for them.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, it is very common for the technicians to perform all of the implantation. The surgeon must make the sites, control the distribution and the direction of the hair grafts sites as well.

Is it common during a FUE procedure for technicians to do the some/all of the implanting?

Answers (10)

More FUE Hair Transplant Questions

Can I do microneedling on my crown after an FUE hair transplant?

How can I fix my FUE hairline? (Photos)

Refractive surgery (PRK myopia : laser eye surgery) 3 months after FUE hair transplant?

When is it safe to shower normally and touch/gently rub transplanted hair follicles post hair transplant? (photos)

Should I use minoxidil and finasteride after FUE or is finasteride alone enough?

5.5 months post-op. Not much result to see. One side has grown better than the other, which is patchy. Suggestions? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS