Conflicting advice about how many grafts I may need
Hi all, I'm a total newbie both here and in the world of hair restoration so sorry if I'm a bit slow to understand some things but please bear with me!
I recently decided to pursue the idea of a hair transplant, I've narrowed my options down to two doctors, both in different countries to me (I live in New Zealand). I'm not going to mention the names of these doctors for now because I don't want to risk bias in any potential replies and I also believe they are both recommended on this site and may read this thread.
I'm very confident that both doctors have excellent reputations but the thing is they've given me conflicting advice as to how many grafts I may need. One says 2000-2500 and the other says 4000. These estimates have been made only by looking at photos I emailed them so I totally understand that I can't get an exact number, but they're miles apart!
Anyway, my question is: If you look at the photos I've attached, would anybody be able to tell me which of the two estimates is more likely to be correct?
Thanks in advance and feel free to ask any questions if I've missed anything.
The docs maybe great but its not always them seeing the photos and this may be why. I think in person consults would be the next step.
Thanks for your comment and I completely agree, although it's a long flight to the doctor so I really need to do as much research as possible before I have a consultation in person.
Would you have any idea from the photos how many grafts I may need?
No problem-- and to echo what some others have said, I think you're a great candidate for a transplant.
You have the right coloring to create the all important illusion of density and your balding pattern is completely established-- you're frontal third will be rebuilt so there's no need to worry about future loss in this area (meaning you won't be losing original hair around the transplanted hair and end up chasing a hairline).
I have blond hair and fair skin and although I had a strip procedure, I can't find my scar. It was a very thin red line at the start, but over the last 4 years it has faded to nothing. I had a Trichophytic Closure.
I had average scalp laxity, and still do. I experienced no tightness or pulling after my transplant. I had initial scalp numbness but nothing major-- it resolved in a matter of a few months.
Growth was pretty rapid. I started growing at 3 months. by 4 and half months I had a pretty good thatch of hair up front. It grew in nice and filled out and I couldn't be happier. (well, I still have a bald spot on the crown, but hey, that's life
Dr. Ron Shapiro was my Doc. Great guy, one of the best. Excellent staff.
No problem-- and to echo what some others have said, I think you're a great candidate for a transplant.
You have the right coloring to create the all important illusion of density and your balding pattern is completely established-- you're frontal third will be rebuilt so there's no need to worry about future loss in this area (meaning you won't be losing original hair around the transplanted hair and end up chasing a hairline).
Thanks for the comment. Well it's nice to hear it may work well for me then! Still trying to figure out a reasonable graft number but hopefully will get to the bottom of that soon.
Your results are great, the scar is the main concern for me but I guess it's all part and parcel of the procedure.
I'll try to get a picture up of what it looks like now over the weekend.
I have been very happy with my results-- as I mentioned it started coming in around 3 months-- wispy at first and then poof! six weeks later it had all filled in. It was still short of course but I could see it was going to be a success.
You want to know what's funny? even now when I get out of the shower and towel dry my hair and then look in the mirror I sometimes do a double take-- I can't believe the guy in the mirror is me.
Please whatever you do research the heck out of your doc. If you're going to fly half way around the world, don't go cheap. I know this sounds a little off, but the best transplant docs are in the U.S.--or at least in North America. I truly believe that.
Hi all, I'm a total newbie both here and in the world of hair restoration so sorry if I'm a bit slow to understand some things but please bear with me!
I recently decided to pursue the idea of a hair transplant, I've narrowed my options down to two doctors, both in different countries to me (I live in New Zealand). I'm not going to mention the names of these doctors for now because I don't want to risk bias in any potential replies and I also believe they are both recommended on this site and may read this thread.
I'm very confident that both doctors have excellent reputations but the thing is they've given me conflicting advice as to how many grafts I may need. One says 2000-2500 and the other says 4000. These estimates have been made only by looking at photos I emailed them so I totally understand that I can't get an exact number, but they're miles apart!
Anyway, my question is: If you look at the photos I've attached, would anybody be able to tell me which of the two estimates is more likely to be correct?
When I was a consultant working for one clinic I would see photos like yours and salivate. If you are considering FUSS you are an IDEAL candidate. Why? Because I can see that your donor density is high, maybe even above average, and you have a low contrast between your hair color and your scalp color. Low contrast means stronger illusion of density.
So the question becomes, are you looking at FUE or FUSS? Both are great procedures but you have to understand the limitations of both and that is something that is not going to fit into one post. You need to do a lot of research so that you have fewer surprises once you have the procedure.
My preference, coming from a background of mega-sessions, is that when you get into the realm of 4000 or more grafts you're taking an unnecessary risk. This is because this is going to be 50% of your total donor reserves (depending on procedure) and if it doesn't work out then you will turn into one of those guys that we see every day looking for repair work.
I think going for around 3000 would be the safer option. You have less tension on the donor wound if you opt for FUSS and you aren't depleting your donor density if you opt for FUE. If you do decide on FUE then make sure the clinic you are considering takes from the widest extraction pattern possible in order to minimize the cosmetic impact from the 1/1/1 ratio of donor extraction. This ratio means that for every one follicular unit that is removed there is an equal reduction in density and an equal increase in scarring.
I could go on, as there is so much to understand, but you've started out right by using IAHRS doctors. It's a good starting point.
I'll leave you with this video to watch and consider...
So the question becomes, are you looking at FUE or FUSS? Both are great procedures but you have to understand the limitations of both and that is something that is not going to fit into one post. You need to do a lot of research so that you have fewer surprises once you have the procedure...
I think going for around 3000 would be the safer option...
Thanks for the advice, 3000 is another number into the mix!
With regard to FUT v FUE, I'm leaning toward FUT but am a bit worried that the scar will restrict me from keeping my hair short (which I prefer), but that's a decision I'll come around to eventually. I see that FUE scars can also be visible through very short hair anyway.
It's interesting that the graft numbers change with every person that sees the photos, it's clearly not an exact science but I'm getting multiple opinions which is great.
Well, I should clarify my observations. Physically, your characteristics tell me that you could probably get 5500 grafts in one strip. The density looks that good and I can actually see that your donor scalp has high laxity. However, my point is that just because you can does not mean you should. 3000 grafts is a safer number because it will make a massive positive change for you without risking the majority of your donor hair. It will also reduce the chance of a wider donor scar.
Regardless, I should back up and ask your age and if you are taking preventative medications. Propecia? Rogaine? Both?
Conflicting advice about how many grafts I may need
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Originally Posted by hal
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