Updated 19/10/23
During your hair transplant consultation, the surgeon will let you know how many follicles must be transplanted. As a patient, this can be pretty confusing, especially since the number of hair grafts needed varies from one patient to another. In addition, it’s essential to understand the difference between hairs and grafts.
In this article, we talk you through what a hair graft is and how it’s different from a hair follicle and much more.
What is a Hair Graft?
A graft is what is extracted from the donor area on your scalp. The graft is a small piece of tissue (skin) that may contain between 1-4 hair follicles. It’s the skin around each hair follicle that provides each piece of hair with the nourishment it needs.
Healthy, strong hair follicles are chosen from the donor area to be transplanted into the recipient area (the balding area of your scalp).
What’s the Difference Between a Hair Graft vs. a Hair Follicle?
A hair follicle is a single hair, while a graft is tissue taken from your scalp. One graft may contain between 1-4 hair follicles.
The number of grafts that are extracted does not indicate how many hair follicles are implanted.
How Many Hair Grafts Will I Need?
The number of hair drafts required for a hair transplant varies from one patient to another. Your surgeon may recommend between 600 grafts (if you have minimal hair loss) to 3,000 or more (if you have extensive hair loss).
The number of grafts needed also depends on the thickness of the hair, the size of the scalp area to be covered, and the extent of the patient’s hair loss. Most surgeons use the Hamilton-Norwood Scale to determine the number of hair grafts needed.
The Hamilton-Norwood scale is a hair loss classification scale that’s used by hair transplant surgeons to map out a patient’s hair loss process.
FUE Hair Transplants – 500 to 3,000 Grafts
The FUE (Follicular Unit Transplantation) transplant procedure is a type of hair transplant that’s done by removing individual hair follicles from the donor area to the recipient area of your scalp. The surgeon uses a micro punch to remove individual follicles and move them to the recipient area.
FUE is considered to be a safe procedure that comes with some minor side effects. These side effects usually go away (heal) after a few days.
Patients who need about 600 hair grafts usually have minimal hair loss, but they may have receding hair at the temples. To treat this level of hair loss, a surgeon may first suggest using a hair loss medication instead of going directly to a hair transplant. However, for some cases, it’s better to have a small hair transplant procedure.
Patients who have mild hair loss may have about 900 hair grafts transplanted. These individuals usually have minor hair loss accompanied with receding hair at the temples. They are usually “Grade 2” on the Hamilton-Norwood scale and a surgeon may recommend a combination of a hair transplant and hair loss medication to treat their hair loss.
An individual who needs 1,000 hair grafts usually has moderate hair loss, with a receding hairline and overall thinning. The patient would usually be a Norwood Scale 3.
For a person who needs 2,000 hair grafts, they are usually suffering from moderate to severe hair loss. This patient would usually be graded as a 3-4 on the Hamilton-Norwood scale.
A patient who needs 3,000 hair grafts usually has extensive hair loss, especially near the temples and crown. They are usually graded as stage 5 on the Hamilton-Norwood scale.
How Much Does a Hair Transplant with 3,000 Hair Grafts Cost?
Determining the average cost for this type of hair transplant can be difficult. It’s essential to know how many hairs are in each graft.
The surgeon will provide an estimated hair graft count during the consultation. However, it’s possible that a hair transplant could require additional hair grafts, which will increase the cost of the transplant.
Is 3,000 Grafts A Lot for a Hair Transplant?
A 3,000-graft hair transplant is considered a large procedure. These are not commonly done in a clinic, unless the patient has severe hair loss. For instance, a patient who needs 3,000 hair grafts may need a combination of procedures done over 2 years.
How Many Hair Grafts Can Be Taken at Once?
On average, most patients need between 1,000 to 2,000 hair grafts. However, in severe cases, more grafts may be required. It’s not very common that a patient needs 5,000 or 6,000 hair grafts in one procedure.
In addition, it’s important to understand that the number of grafts available in the donor area is limited. A good quality donor area can provide up to 6,000 grafts; however, once these have been removed, they are gone. The hair in the donor area does grow back, but the hair is not viable to be used for hair grafts in the future.
It’s also not recommended that a surgeon implant more hair grafts to increase density. There’s a recommended guide on how many hair follicles can survive within each sq cm of the scalp. If too many hair follicles are implanted in a specific area, they won’t have enough blood supply to survive.
Moreover, some men require multiple hair transplants because a hair transplant doesn’t stop hair loss. Male pattern baldness will continue. For this reason, many hair transplant surgeons prescribe hair loss medication to their patients to help maintain their hair for as long as possible.
Concluding Thoughts
When having a hair transplant procedure at our clinic, you can expect to work with our highly experienced surgeons. Your entire procedure will be done by a professional surgeon who has years of experience with hair transplants.
We’ve worked with thousands of men and women from across the UK to overcome hair loss. We understand that hair loss is more than just about your appearance, and we’ll help you find the best solution for your hair loss condition.
FAQs
Will the Procedure Leave Visible Scars?
Hair transplant procedures have become more advanced, and with the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method, scarring is minimal. Tiny, almost invisible scars may be present at the donor site, but they are easily concealed by your existing hair.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Hair transplant procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring you don’t feel pain during the surgery. Some discomfort or mild pain can be expected after the procedure, but it’s manageable with prescribed medication.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery time varies from person to person, but most individuals can return to their daily routines within a week. Full recovery and the growth of transplanted hair can take several months.
Can Women Undergo Hair Transplants?
Absolutely, hair transplants are not exclusive to men. Women experiencing hair loss can also benefit from this procedure.
Are Hair Transplants Permanent?
Yes, hair transplants are considered a permanent solution. The transplanted hair should continue to grow for the rest of your life.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. These include infection, scarring, and, in rare cases, unnatural-looking results. It’s crucial to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon to minimise these risks.
