Table of Contents
- Firstly, we need to understand… what is a hair graft and how many are needed?
- + A hair graft
- + How many grafts are needed?
- Can you get maximum number of hair density?
- However, 50 grafts / cm2 might not be possible for every case
- What if you don’t have enough grafts for a hair transplant?
- Don't wait any longer! Schedule your free consultation with our experts today!
For those considering to get a hair transplant may noticed the different results from each individual, while researching and a question may arise “can you get a high-density hair transplant, a head full of head like a prince or princess from a fairy tale?”
While an ideal “thick and dense hair” might be a bit differs in each individual and there several factors that can influence a result such as genetic, hair condition, age, and gender etc. those factors need to be considered but before that let’s explore whether it’s possible to achieve the maximum hair density and how dense should it ideally be, for each individual.
Firstly, we need to understand… what is a hair graft and how many are needed?
+ A hair graft
is a group of hair follicles that can be extracted from the scalp, known as the donor area which, is the area that has dense and strong among of hair follicles. Normally, a hair graft has 1-4 hairs but people with finer hair may only have 1-2 hairs per graft. Therefore, even with the same technique and same among of grafts, the result can be significantly different.
+ How many grafts are needed?
It depends on hair thickness and the area effect by hair loss but typically, hair density can be around 50-60 grafts / cm2. The among of hair grafts can be vary due to each patient’s internal factors. In general, the surgeon will use graft that contains 1-2 hairs mixed with graft that contains 3-4 hairs. The reason is to ensure the natural-looking result.
Can you get maximum number of hair density?
As you’re aware, the maximum number should be around 50-60 grafts / square centimeter, but why?
The problem is if the density is too low the transplanted hair might not cover the area effected by hair loss. If the density is too high, new hair may not receive a sufficient among of blood supply thus decrease survivability of transplanted hair due to limited blood supply in each square centimeter.
However, 50 grafts / cm2 might not be possible for every case
The result of one person can be different compares to others. Even with the same among of hair grafts / cm2, those who have thicker hair will appear to have denser hair compared to those with finer hair. The differences between person can be vary due to genetic, scalp condition, hair thickness.
Hair transplantation can be performed at various density level. For example, in a high density hair transplant procedure that aim restore hairline where there is ample hair in the donor area, a density of 50 grafts / cm2 can be possible. In a case that hair loss is widespread with limited hair grafts in donor area, a high-density transplant (around 50 grafts/cm2) might not be possible. The patient may consider choosing “cosmetic density” with typically around 25-40 grafts/cm2.
The severe the problem, the more grafts may be needed. If the available grafts are insufficient, the surgeon will have to distribute the density to cover the area evenly, leading to result may appear thinner than expected. The density of the hair transplant depends on the patient’s request and the surgeon’s assessment. If the patient's desires align with the surgeon’s capabilities assessment along with the patient is in good health. The surgeon will choose the most suitable method to ensure the best possible outcome for each case.
In summary, the higher-density requires more hair grafts therefore, it is unlikely to be possible in some cases.
What if you don’t have enough grafts for a hair transplant?
Hair follicle is a limited resource. Some people may have a common misconception is that hair transplants can be performed endlessly with no depletion of donor hair, but this is further from true. Hair transplant is similar to organ transplant it is a process that moves cell from its original location to other location. Once hair follicles are taken from the donor area, they will not grow back on the original location. So, the surgeon will have to use the available grafts as efficient as possible for the best result. Hair transplant is almost like a one-time procedure. If surgeon use too much hair grafts in one session. There will be insufficient hair grafts for future hair transplant.
Normally, a person can have hair density around 80–100 grafts / cm2. A hair transplantation can restore about 40–50% of that original density. Meaning, hair transplant cannot restore hair as dense as the patient used to have, originally. Those with hair loss or balding problems may consider using other non-surgical techniques such as ALMI Nano Fat, FRM anti-hair loss or premium growth factor to stimulate hair follicles and thicken the existing hair before undergone a high density hair transplant operation to archive maximum hair density a person could possibly get.
For those who experiencing severe hair loss, do not lose hope or be distressed. We recommend booking a consultation with a hair transplant surgeon for problem assessment and treatment plan. There are various methods for hair loss problems. The most important thing in hair transplant is to preserve both transplanted and existing hair as long as possible. An experienced surgeon will know how to manage the limited hair grafts for the most effective result.
