Is Robotic Hair Transplantation Better Than a Surgeon’s Hands?
This is a common question today. With the improvement of robots and their ability to manage tasks precisely and efficiently, we have turned a corner. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is trending and showing up more every day. 
Many Bay Area residents rely on Siri to tell them where the best pizza is or when to go to the doctor’s appointment. AI can be beneficial and help people save “brain space” for more critical tasks.
And yes, the robots are taking over what used to be human jobs. For instance, the car manufacturing sector relies on robots to handle the repetitive tasks that easily tire a human worker. A weary employee can make costly mistakes. Inevitable mistakes have decreased with the help of new robots. NPR has an article on integrating robots into the car manufacturing workplace, for example.
The use of robotic devices has also increased in the medical community. Both medical and cosmetic surgeons might rely on a surgical robot to produce better patient results. But what about robotic hair transplantation vs. by hand? What is the best method for hair transplant?
Surgeons and Robots Coexist in Hair Rejuvenation Surgery
Robots can manage specific tasks with great accuracy, but pivoting can be complicated for them. Like AI, the level of critical thinking and creativity still needs to be 100% in even the most evolved technology. This is why, in the manufacturing world, a particular skilled human is typically overseeing the work. If they spot a possible issue, they can stop the machine before any damage is done. This is the same for a surgical robot.
As a professional robotic hair transplantation clinic, we understand the difference between automation vs. human touch. That’s why our clinic is home to the ARTAS Hair Transplant Robot and a best-in-class hair loss surgeon, Dr. Miguel Canales. Dr. Canales works with the ARTAS robot to help men and women achieve a flawless hair transplant experience. With his oversight, an individual’s head is mapped and thoroughly examined. In the FUE/FUT process, the robot helps to indicate the most robust hair follicles to extract and replant. Dr. Canales will watch the process every step of the way and then stop the robot if needed. Because there are moments when he needs to manage hair loss surgery by hand. It’s the level of creative thinking and experience only a human being can bring to the process. When people ask which is better, robotic hair transplantation vs. by hand, our answer is: neither and both. The partnership between humans and robots has improved overall performance and results in the medical world.
In Medical Care, the Human Touch is Still an Indicator of Positive Patient Outcomes
Let’s talk about the role of human interaction in the medical world. Because patients can have access to the best clinics, equipment, and robots but still not flourish. A sterilized and safe environment is essential, but the individual care of clinic staff human beings can help a patient thrive.
Our SVHI staff sees this. We listen to our patients and feel their concerns about surgery. Patients ask emotionally based questions an AI device can’t answer with genuine empathy. Although a patient might appreciate a comforting pat on the arm, the human touch can be felt through words, too. An ability to listen, provide clear answers, and a calming demeanor also helps to build trust. (https://blogs.einsteinmed.edu/human-touch-an-essential-connection-between-patients-and-doctors/)
Technology has achieved remarkable new developments in robotic devices. And we are proud to say we have the ARTAS Transplant Robot in our clinic. But it can only achieve superior results with a skilled hair loss surgeon and compassionate clinic staff!
