How Many Grafts Will I Need for a Hair Transplant?
The number of grafts needed for a hair transplant can vary depending on the severity of hair loss the individual experiences and the size of the area to be transplanted. For individuals with sparse hair, 1,500-2,000 grafts may typically be sufficient. For an area with no hair at all, 4,000-5,000 grafts may be required.
The number of grafts may vary depending on the method of the transplant procedure, the individual’s expectations of the treatment, and the density of the hair in their donor area. Taking these criteria into account and seeking your opinion, your doctor will determine the number of grafts required for the treatment. This allows for detailed planning of how many grafts will be taken before treatment, as well as how densely and where these grafts will be planted.
What is a Graft?
The graft is a small piece of tissue taken from the donor area that contains hair follicles in hair transplant procedures. Grafts are usually taken from the nape area because this area is resistant to hair loss. Each graft typically includes 1 to 4 hair follicles. During a hair transplant, grafts are carefully removed from the nape area, stored in a special fluid, and carefully placed in the areas where hair loss is present. In a hair transplant, graft adhesion is one of the most crucial factors that affects the procedure’s success. Therefore, great care must be taken when extracting the grafts, preserving them before transplant, and placing them in their new areas.
Graft Requirements: Hamilton-Norwood Scale
For hair transplant procedures, the Hamilton-Norwood scale can be used to determine the number of grafts required for an individual.
- Stage 1: At this stage, hair loss is minimal. Therefore, the individual does not need a hair transplant.
- Stage 2: At this stage, hair loss has become more noticeable, with gaps appearing in the temporal region. Typically, around 500-1000 grafts are sufficient for achieving an ideal hair look.
- Stage 3: Hair loss is clearly noticeable, and the hairline has receded. Typically, a hair transplant of 1,500-2,000 grafts will be sufficient to create a natural-looking hairline.
- Stage 4: A receding hairline and hair loss in the vertex area are pretty obvious; 2,500-3,000 grafts may be required for a hair transplant.
- Stage 5: Severe hair loss. Between 3,500 and 4,000 grafts may be required to achieve a natural and dense hair look.
- Stage 6: Almost total hair loss. 4000-5000 grafts are required for a hair transplant.
- Stage 7: This stage is characterized by a complete loss of hair in the affected areas, typically seen in male pattern hair loss. Usually, over 7,000 grafts are required for a hair transplant.
During the hair transplant process, your doctor will evaluate your head structure, hair, donor area, and expectations to determine the number of grafts required.
