Will 4000 grafts using FTU fill my scalp? (Photos)

Question

Hi everyone I am 52 years old I had a FUT 25 years ago and now looking at getting a 2nd one with FUE method. I stopped hair loss years ago and my native hair has fully stablised. I have tried fin ,minox, lots of other topical liquids and solutions but have had zero results so I have decided to commence another HT. My question is will 4000 grafts fill in some density and give me a fuller appearance. I have had a smp about 1.5years ago but dont really want the buzz look.

Emrah Cinik, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sharing your situation.

We have reviewed your photos and can see that you have a large FUT scar, which appears quite noticeable.

As a solution, we can propose extracting approximately 1,200 grafts from the beard area and around 3,000 grafts from the donor area on the scalp. This combined approach can both help improve overall density for a fuller appearance and reduce the visibility of the scar.

With around 4,000 grafts, you should see a noticeable improvement, aiming for a natural and fuller look rather than very high density.

Glenn Charles, DO · Answer

That question would be very hard to answer without asking you more important questions. Also with your current donor situation it might not even be possible to get 4000 grafts using the FUE method. One of main benefits of FUE over FUT is not having linear scar after the procedure. You already have the linear scar from your first procedure so you could not get that benefit. If you had a second FUT procedure the first scar could be removed and replaced with a new scar.  So essentially you would be in the same position you are now but with more density in the transplanted areas. You do not appear to have above average density in the donor area as well as the donor area not being very large due to hair loss over the back edge in the crown area and thinning coming from the neck upwards. Because of this it is unlikely that 4000 grafts could be obtained in a single session using FUE method. Probably would be able to get a higher graft count using the FUT method.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

Although our aim as a  plastic  surgeon is to restore all bald areas of the scalp  in  one session of  operation , when I look to your donor site that is poor and has a limited area that we may not able to get enough number of follicles to cover all bald spot and restore preexisting hair. So your hair surgeon may plan to perform at least 2 session of operation for you: At first one he/she will restore a frontal hairline that is propotional to your face and hair transplantation up to projection of ears. Surgeon would restore rest of area (beyond vertex) that is remained untransplanted/bare in second operation that will be planned at least 6 months after first operation  .
Surgeon may also plan to do a body FUE and harvesting grafts as much as possible in order to get high number of follicles to try to cover all bald spot and restore almost  whole preexisting hair. We can harvest between 3000-3500 grafts from beard  with  body  FUE technique. But you  should know that those  number  of follicles depends on the  density and area  of  your  beard and  chest donor areas.

Flaviu Sebastian Deme, MD · Answer

DIfficult to estimate from photos alone, and 4000 grafts might be on the upper limit of what can be safely extracted from the donor area( FUT or FUE technique, or a combination of both).Whether 4,000 FUE grafts will provide the density you're hoping for depends on several important factors, including:
The size of the area you want to restore.The quality and calibre of your donor hair, which appears to be on the thinner side.The density achieved during your previous FUT.The amount of scalp showing through your existing hair.Your expectations regarding coverage versus density.
In many patients, 4,000 grafts can make a significant cosmetic difference, particularly if they're used strategically to increase density in the frontal and mid-scalp rather than trying to cover an excessively large area. The aim is often to create the illusion of fullness, which depends as much on graft placement, hair characteristics, and styling as on the total number of grafts.
Since you've previously had an FUT, it's also important to assess your donor area carefully. Many patients can successfully undergo FUE after FUT, but the surgeon should evaluate:
Remaining donor reserves.The existing FUT scar.Donor density and scalp laxity.Whether further extraction can be performed safely without causing visible thinning.
Your previous SMP may actually work in your favour by reducing the contrast between the hair and scalp, helping the transplanted hair appear denser than graft numbers alone would suggest.I hope this is helpful and wishing you all the best with the upcoming procedure.

Will 4000 grafts using FTU fill my scalp? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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