26/ May /04

FIT – Year in Review 2006

It has been a while since the last IHTI Newsletter and much has unfolded during that time in the world of Follicular Isolation (FIT). Over the past year Dr. Cole and the International Hair Transplant Institute have continued their remarkable advancement of the FIT technology to meet the needs of all patients seeking a non-strip harvest solution to their hair loss. Throughout this exciting period, we have seen a wide array of surgical results and clinical data pouring in that only confirm the status of FIT as the cutting edge in hair restoration surgery.

ISHRS MEETING IN SAN DIEGO

At the recent International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS) meeting Dr. Cole and IHTI presented the most recent data and findings with Follicular Isolation Technique, debuted new surgical tools, and participated in a showcase of FIT patients. Some of the most compelling data introduced was that concerning calculated densities (hair per graft) and transection rates with FIT. Some years ago, during our initial analysis of the procedure, we found the average calculated density of FIT to be 2.49 hairs/grafts. While this number far surpasses the CD of any strip procedure we know of, we were amazed to find that this average increased. Improved techniques and innovative technology now allow us to average 2.7 hair/grafts with FIT, a stunning increase confirmed by the compilation of all our blind data from 2004-2006. Furthermore, a review of all FIT cases during this time period indicated that the transection rate of the FIT extraction technique has fallen below 3%. In sum, all studies to date have shown that FIT delivers a better quality graft and therefore a better overall hair transplant.

HAIR RESTORATION INSTRUMENTATION

IHTI’s Devices for Hair Restoration also presented at the meeting, introducing its series of hair transplantation tools. Among these instruments was the "Counting-Incision Device" (CID). This device, used interchangeably with blade and needle tips, automatically monitors incisions with a digital display to ensure accurate grafts counts. In addition, Devices for Hair also offered a sneak preview of its "Graft Organizing Board" prototype as well as its "Temperature Controlled Graft Organizing Station" prototype.

DR. COLE’S PATIENT SHOWCASE

This year IHTI had the opportunity to showcase a full spectrum of surgical results at the ISHRS meeting’s live patient viewing. Patients displayed FIT, FIT/STRIP hybrids, and BHT (body hair transplant) results with 2 patients in particular sporting extraordinary results from over 8000 grafts. In fact, many other physicians at the meeting commented on "the great strip work" of Dr. Cole. These doctors were then encouraged to re-examine the donor areas of the patients. To the surprise of many, the excellent "strip" results were actually the fruits of FIT!

FIT MEGA-SESSION RESULTS IN 2006

2006 was a huge year for patient follow-ups at IHTI as we were able to meet and photograph many patients 6-12 months post-op from their FIT surgeries. Many of these sessions were in excess of 2000, 3000, 4000, and even 5000 FIT grafts. Included in this letter are photos of patients who have graciously allowed us to publish their outstanding results. These outcomes further validate our longstanding belief in FIT as the first and most effective line of surgical treatment for hair loss cases great and small. We believe that these FIT mega-sessions inaugurate a new era of strip-free hair restoration surgery.

Links to recent results

Wassup” with MORE F.I.T.

Widely known as having one of the best hair transplant results ever, internet poster “Wassup” recently returned to Dr. Cole’s chair for more FIT work. The new session brought our patient to a total graft count of over 8000 follicular units! And what is more, “Wassup” is at it again on Forhair.com with frequent photo updates of the latest hair journey.
Read more about Wassup's results and view his photos

Hair Transplant in Brussels

The European branch of IHTI has been up and moving in Brussels, Belgium over the last year. As the practice enters into its second year of operation, fully grown results are beginning to trickle in. Our dedication to delivering top quality hair transplant solutions in Northern Europe is seen in our latest FIT results from Brussels. Click here

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