We started doing the Combo technique in 2009 and called it FLUTE technique then. It was under the mistaken surmise that a combination technique will give more grafts. Many doctors in Brazil and India have built there practice today around this so called new ‘innovation’ because they are non full time hair transplant surgeons and do not have the long hours to spare for an FUE only technique; and also they are not FUE surgeons. We did a study a few years back on our previous Combo method patients and found that the technique increases graft requirements significantly. The FUT scar also gets twice as wider since scar contraction of FUE exerts a pull on the scar above and below it, thereby widening it considerably.
- Use high magnification
- Sit for long hours in difficult postures
- They usually cannot leave their lucrative dermatology/ plastic surgery practice they are used to in favour of FUE which requires complete sacrifice of time and attention.
- Leave doing FUT procedure which gives them a lot of free time for other avocations. (A strip surgeon typically spends just one hour)
- Lastly, FUE learning centers are few. Since it is a new technique, most centers remain closeted with their technique and do not open their doors to those seeking FUE training.
