Robot-assisted hair restoration LA Times Article

[amadeus]

I love this forum! Where else can you see two of the best FUE surgeons in the world having an open debate? I’m very interested in learning more about this robot and personally think that it looks like a positive step for HT surgery. Cool stuff! I wonder what Spencer Kobren thinks about it?

[PayDay]

On Sunday’s radio show Spencer mentioned that they are streaming a live surgery with the robot this Friday on the TBT website. Is is going to be a call in show, so we can ask Dr. Harris questions? The last one was pretty cool, but I'm really looking forward to seeing how this thing works. Dr. Harris do you know if we can call in to talk to you live or will we have to type our questions in the chat room?

[PayDay]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...web8884530.DTL

Dr. Robert M. Bernstein - pioneer of the follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant procedures - will become the first hair restoration physician on the East Coast to employ the robotic ARTAS™ System for FUE hair transplantation.

New York, NY (PRWEB) October 24, 2011

Robert M. Bernstein, M.D., F.A.A.D., world-renowned pioneer of the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant techniques and founder of Bernstein Medical - Center for Hair Restoration, will become the first hair transplant surgeon on the East Coast to use the robotic ARTAS System for Hair Restoration.

Dr. Bernstein, a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University in New York, said that he is excited to incorporate the image-guided robotic system into his FUE procedures. "The ARTAS System is a ground-breaking technology for hair transplantation that will provide significant benefits to our patients," said Dr. Bernstein. "From the accuracy of follicular unit graft extraction to the automation of what is normally a labor and skill intensive procedure, the outcome is better hair restoration results and faster, more comfortable procedures."

The ARTAS System for Hair Restoration, developed by Restoration Robotics, Inc., overcomes some of the human limitations in performing FUE hair transplant procedures. Greater accuracy in extracting follicular unit grafts, combined with the sharp/blunt extraction technique, allows for graft removal with less damage to the graft and greater preservation of its protective tissues. A lower rate of damage increases the probability that the grafts will survive the transplant process, leading to better results. The automation of what is a technically challenging and physically demanding process for the physician when performed manually, contributes to a shorter procedure and a decreased need for local anesthetic.

By utilizing the latest and most effective advancements in hair transplantation technology, Dr. Bernstein, a New York native, is extending his record as a true pioneer in the field of hair restoration. His landmark medical publications on follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) revolutionized the field and provide the foundation for techniques in use by surgeons across five continents. His medical practice has been devoted exclusively to the treatment of hair loss since 1995 and he now performs both restorative and corrective procedures at his state-of-the-art hair restoration facility in mid-town Manhattan.

Dr. Bernstein has appeared on a wide variety of notable media programs and publications. Some of these include: The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Dr. Oz Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America, ABC News, CBS News, Fox News, National Public Radio, New York Times, Men's Health Magazine, GQ Magazine, Univision, Telemundo, "O" the Oprah Magazine, and more. He is co-author of Hair Loss & Replacement for Dummies and The Patient's Guide to Hair Restoration. He has been selected as one of NY Magazine's "Best Doctors in New York" for 12 consecutive years.

For more information, contact Ethan Oringel at 212-826-2400 or visit www.bernsteinmedical.com.

About Bernstein Medical - Center for Hair Restoration:

Bernstein Medical - Center for Hair Restoration is a state-of-the-art facility and international referral center located in midtown Manhattan, New York City. The center is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss in men and women. Hair transplant surgery and hair transplant repair surgery are performed using the follicular unit transplant (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) techniques that Dr. Bernstein pioneered and detailed through his many medical publications. Patients of Bernstein Medical - Center for Hair Restoration receive a thorough medical diagnostic evaluation and comprehensive discussion of their treatment options. When surgical treatment is indicated, it is performed with meticulous attention to detail, personal attention, and long-term follow-up.

[charity]

I love this forum! Where else can you see two of the best FUE surgeons in the world having an open debate? I’m very interested in learning more about this robot and personally think that it looks like a positive step for HT surgery. Cool stuff! I wonder what Spencer Kobren thinks about it?

yes it is really great to listen to two of the best bicker back and forth about their techniques. The bottom line is still the costs. I filled out a consultation and had several conversations with Dr. Coles office. In my initial conversations with them I told them I was really in desperate times and I need a lot of repair work and had very limited funds.
here's what i was told
**3000-3500** grafts to restore your frontal third. You are not the ideal candidate for full hair restoration. I would like more information about your previous procedures as well. You can start with a test procedure of **500** BHT to the crown.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the information. The prices are as followed:
CIT Shaven: $8 per graft - 2000 grafts per day. The back of head will be shaved to the scalp with a zero guard clipper (the whole back of head) and above ears. If you have prior scarring, it will be visible until hair grows out.
CIT Non Shaven: $10 per graft - 1500 grafts per day. Hair must be at least 2-2.5 inches in length (This technique requires Dr. Cole to cut one at a time individual follicular units.)
*Other BHT procedures including chest, legs, stomach, arms…are all $12 per graft.
* PRP Therapy - $850 Micro needling is $160
*Acell, PRP and Thrombin combo $1200

So I basically said no thanks to their 40000.00 estimate. And mind you that is not even for a full head of hair!!

I think Dr.Cole is a little threatened by the challenge of competing with the future of automation, realizing this may eventually cut into his cash cow.
Who the hell makes 40000.00 in 2 days??!?!

I am all for the automation process and the thought of having realistic prices especially people who have suffered for years with horrible scarring or primitive procedures. This proceedure sounds outstanding and would love to hear more and see some results of the donor area after removal. Also to know if its possible to remove the hair from the chest, back, etc.

[amadeus]

That’s very pricy. These doctors make a lot of money but one thing Spencer Kobren says all the time when people bring this up on his show is that people will pay what the market will bear. It’s the law of economics he says, and he’s right. It’s not fair, but I guess there are plenty of well off guys who will pay these outrageous prices. I’m not one of them and am hoping that this robot will eventually help to drive down the cost to maybe 5 dollars per graft like regular hair transplants. Spencer if you are reading this please discuss this on Friday’s live hair transplant show.
Dr. Cole does seem a bit threatened by this robot, but I probably would feel the same way if I spent my life trying to improve hair transplants only to have the rug pulled out from under me by new technology. He’s only human like the rest of us. I still think he’s one of the best at FUE but so is Harris and now that I read that Dr. Bernstein is going to be using this robot, I can't help but think that it might me the best way to do FUE.

[charity]

That’s very pricy. These doctors make a lot of money but one thing Spencer Kobren says all the time when people bring this up on his show is that people will pay what the market will bear. It’s the law of economics he says, and he’s right. It’s not fair, but I guess there are plenty of well off guys who will pay these outrageous prices. I’m not one of them and am hoping that this robot will eventually help to drive down the cost to maybe 5 dollars per graft like regular hair transplants. Spencer if you are reading this please discuss this on Friday’s live hair transplant show.
Dr. Cole does seem a bit threatened by this robot, but I probably would feel the same way if I spent my life trying to improve hair transplants only to have the rug pulled out from under me by new technology. He’s only human like the rest of us. I still think he’s one of the best at FUE but so is Harris and now that I read that Dr. Bernstein is going to be using this robot, I can't help but think that it might me the best way to do FUE.

I agree Dr. Cole has a right to feel threatened. And I 100% agree that Dr.Cole is probably tops in the industry. that is the reason i sought him out to begin with. I know he hears my type of story a million times a year. I guess I was hoping for a humane side instead of a clinical reply. However keeping your prices out of reach also opens the door for people to capitalize on more cost effective means. If Coles prices where within reason( and let's face it he sets the bar in this category) the odds are that this technology would not even be needed. So in the end who's fault is it??

[PayDay]

The plot thickens

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/zie...tes-2011-10-17

LOS ANGELES, Oct 17, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ziering Medical Worldwide, a private practice dedicated exclusively to the specialty of hair restoration, today announced that they will be the first to bring the ground-breaking ARTAS(TM) System to Los Angeles. The ARTAS System is the first and only FDA cleared, physician controlled, interactive, computer assisted technology that allows safe and effective follicular unit extraction (FUE). The ARTAS System was developed in close collaboration with several leading hair restoration physicians to enable minimally invasive harvesting of hair follicles.

"My entire practice is committed to helping patients with various degrees of hair loss and providing them with state-of-the-art options that are very safe and effective," commented Craig L. Ziering, D.O., FAOCD, Founder and Medical Director for Ziering Medical Worldwide. "The ARTAS System is an excellent solution to hair loss that is less invasive, offers a quicker recovery time and natural permanent results."

"The ARTAS System adds to Ziering Medical's tradition of offering break-through treatments for hair loss for the benefit of patients," said Jim McCollum, President and Chief Executive Officer, Restoration Robotics, Inc. "We are proud to have him as the first adopter to the LA market."

Hair Loss By The Numbers

According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)(1), at least 35 million men in the United States are affected by male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. By age 50, approximately 50% of men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss. Approximately one in four men suffer from male pattern baldness (MPB), which has psychological, professional and social consequences for these patients, such as:

-- 68% of men feel helpless about their hair loss

-- 73% of balding men feel they are less attractive than they were when they had hair(2)

-- 77% of balding men would feel very or somewhat concerned if they were in their 20s, just starting their career and experiencing hair loss(3)

Hair restoration moves healthy, functioning follicles to the areas of the patient's scalp most impacted by baldness for more dramatic results. New hair continues to grow over the course of a full year, resulting in a gradual change in the patient's appearance over time. Hair restoration is the only permanent solution for hair loss.

About Ziering Medical Worldwide

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Ziering Medical Worldwide serves as the industry leader for hair restoration and transplants with numerous upscale surgery centers and consult destinations. Internationally recognized for his leadership and contributions to new innovations and studies in hair restoration, Dr. Ziering has practiced exclusively in his field for over 20 years. Dr. Ziering and his team of professionals have worked with world famous clientele and appeared on "Extreme Makeover," "The Today Show," and many cosmetic medicine programs. Learn more about Ziering Medical's continuing advancements in microsurgical technology as well as numerous non-surgical options for hair restoration at www.zieringmedical.com .

About Restoration Robotics

Restoration Robotics, Inc., a privately held medical device company, is dedicated to revolutionizing the field of hair transplantation by developing and commercializing its state-of-the-art image-guided ARTAS(TM) System. This interactive, computer assisted system uses image guided technology to enhance the quality of hair follicle harvesting for the benefit of physicians and their patients. To learn more about the ARTAS System and its unique technology, visit www.artashair.com . To learn more about hair loss and restoration, please visit the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS) at www.ishrs.org .

(1) International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS) website. http://www.ishrs.org/hair-loss/hair-loss-male.htm . Accessed April 11, 2011. (2) Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (3) ISHRS 2006 Consumer Hair Loss Survey

[Tom Ho]

That’s very pricy. These doctors make a lot of money but one thing Spencer Kobren says all the time when people bring this up on his show is that people will pay what the market will bear. It’s the law of economics he says, and he’s right. It’s not fair, but I guess there are plenty of well off guys who will pay these outrageous prices. I’m not one of them and am hoping that this robot will eventually help to drive down the cost to maybe 5 dollars per graft like regular hair transplants. Spencer if you are reading this please discuss this on Friday’s live hair transplant show.
Dr. Cole does seem a bit threatened by this robot, but I probably would feel the same way if I spent my life trying to improve hair transplants only to have the rug pulled out from under me by new technology. He’s only human like the rest of us. I still think he’s one of the best at FUE but so is Harris and now that I read that Dr. Bernstein is going to be using this robot, I can't help but think that it might me the best way to do FUE.

Yah, I agreed! these Dr are sucking too much money out of us. I will also wait for the price to come down.

[gillenator]

topcat,

Thanks for your insight and discernment. Actually we both agree on far far more issues than disagree. I believe we are both well intended in this industry. That is why I have never ever charged any patient one penny, just like you.

Listen, if you are ever in this area, let me know. You are most welcome in my office anytime and would love to chat and show you what I do for patients and then you'll see first hand.

That is an open-ended invitation my friend.

Take care...