Coalition Hair Transplant Surgeon Dr. David Josephitis Discusses the WAW Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Tool

This question, from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums, was answered by Coalition hair transplant surgeon Dr. David Josephitis:

What exactly is a WAW FUE device and how does it differ from other tools or techniques?

The WAW FUE is the device that we are currently using for over 90% of the follicular unit extraction cases at Shapiro Medical Group. We have been using it now for almost a year and have been very happy with the quality of the grafts and the patient results.

When it comes to FUE devices, they can basically be broken down into manual and motorized systems. Within those types they are also broken down into sharp or blunt – tipped punches.
If you are familiar with the devices, a common sharp punch is made by Cole and a common blunt is made by Harris SAFE. I have tried all of these devices and they all have different pros and cons. The WAW is somewhat of a combination of the blunt and sharp. The punch is actually a flat surface so that it actually cuts through the surface as a sharp punch does, but also glides easily past the follicles like the blunt punch does. The punch also uses oscillation and not rotation, so it is much gentler during the deeper dissection.

Currently we feel comfortable using the WAW with all different patients with many different hair types. We are finding the grafts are easier to extract and the grafts have more tissue around them too. There is also a lower transection rate with its use. We are excited to have this device and know that with time it will become more common with other FUE hair transplant surgeons in the field.

Dr. David Josephitis
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David
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator

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