Can I get 4000 grafts done in a two day surgery?

Question

I have had two hair surgery, one in 2016 and one in 2017. The first time was to restore hairline and the second was to add density, I believe with 800 graft. By doing research and using a online calculator that evaluate my situation, looks like I need an average 4000 grafts to cover from the hairline to the Occipital line. I hear that I would need a two day operations for that. Is that achievable? Or is 4000 not suggested in a 2 days surgery? Should I do 2000 one year and 2000 the next?

David Deutsch, MD · Answer

FUE sessions can be achieved on successive days however more important for you is a comprehensive evaluation to determine your needs ,donor supply and design a long term treatment plan that also includes adjuncts to prevent further loss (e.g. Propecia,Rogaine ).I suggest scheduling an office consultation with an experienced Hair Restoration surgeon.

Michael Vories, MD · Answer

We normally split 4000 graft FUE cases into two consecutive days, which is pretty easy to achieve. We start at 7 AM each day and are finished around 2 PM, which minimizes the out of body time for the grafts.

Tayfun Oguzoglu, MD · Answer

Indeed you can have a 4000 Graft implantation in one single day, but there are other variables to consider;
A graft calculator is never as accurate, because you cannot enter the number of surgeries you have had and the graft numbers implanted. We have different head shapes and therefore the area of implantation varies widely, size wise. 
And you may be looking for the highest density possible, and getting that high number.
But is your donor region suitable still? Or such harvesting would leave the donor patchy?
The best is to get several opinions from different surgeons and assess the outcomes accordingly.

Ilker Apaydin, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. To have the hair transplant surgery with 4000 grafts you will need to pick the right place, experienced surgeon with experienced team. You should also keep in your mind that this is big amount and you already had surgery before, there might be possibility that with only FUE your donor area might be over-harvested. I suggest you have physical/ online consultation with experts, and check all the options. I have operated patients with over 4000 grafts in one single day, and had patients who were suitable for Combined Surgeries only, the combination of FUT & FUE together.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Yes you can have 4000 grafts done in 2 consecutive days. This is the preferred way in my practice. That being said, you  must be sure you have a robust donor area as to not deplete it or make it very thin.Best of luck to you.Dr. T

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You need to be evaluated for the residual donor density that you now have to make sure that after 2 surgeries, the donor area can handle 4000 grafts.  I would have to evaluate you to answer your questions properly.

Can I get 4000 grafts done in a two day surgery?

Answers (6)