Abstract
For decades, the placement of follicular units (FUs) into incisions in the recipient
area was exclusively carried out using forceps. In 1992, Dr. Choi introduced an instrument
known as the “implanter,” which had the advantage of simultaneously creating incisions
and placing FUs without damaging sensitive parts. Its initial popularity was greater
in the East, primarily due to the characteristics of Asian hair. Asian hair is typically
straight and thick, with FUs mostly consisting of just one or two hair.
With the description of the follicular unit excision (FUE) technique in 2002 and its
widespread adoption nearly a decade later, the advantages of using the implanter also
gained popularity in the West. The uniformity in the size of FUs provided by the FUE
technique and the possibility of delegating the placement were key attractions in
the use of this placement tool. In addition to the traditional Korean implanter with
a sharp needle, other implanters and inserters have been described.
The choice of implantation technique depends on individual adaptation and the advantages
and disadvantages offered by each instrument. Although forceps allow for safe placement
in the hands of well-trained teams, the increased fragility of FUs obtained with the
FUE technique has led to the growing acceptance of techniques that employ implanters
and inserters.
Keywords
placement - premade sites - implanter - inserter - FUE technique - dull-needled implanters
- DNI - sharp-needled implanters