Is a FUE transplant possible for a Norwood 7? (Photos)

Question

Hi. I'm obviously a Norwood 7. Is it possible I could have all or most of my hair remaining transplanted onto the top of my head? I would be more than ok with not having hair on the sides or bottom back of my head as I could have hair styles that fit that scheme.

Kevin Ende, MD · Answer

Most patients undergoing a transplant with norwood 7 do not get a full head of hair with a transplant.  If you take all of the hair from the donor region and have no hair left there, the scarring will be obvious whether it is FUE or FUT.  Have you considered using body/beard hair in combination with your scalp hair?

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

At the Norwood 7 stage, you would not have enough hair remaining on your scalp to produce a significant improvement in your coverage. If a doctor were to try and make this attempt, you would see noticeable depletion in your existing hair. This is a phenomenon known as "donor overharvesting."

At my office, the Dr.U Hair and Skin Clinic in Los Angeles, we are able to specialize in the restoration of both Norwood 6 and 7. We have developed technology capable of safely harvesting hair from the body in order to augment a patient's donor supply. In other words, we don't have to depend on removing grafts from just your scalp.

A hair restoration, in your case, could be possible if you have adequate supplies of alternate donor graft sources (e.g. beard, chest etc.) Below is an example of Norwood 7 patient from my clinic who underwent this approach.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!  FUE hair restoration is definitely possible in your situation, but it will take a significant commitment in terms of time and cost.  You may not get as full a result as your wish photos, but your result will be acceptable, especially if you can adopt a style where the hair is longer on the top of the head.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you are considering surgery it would be best to discuss your options with a doctor.  FUE is possible with a Norwood 7 but your goals and expectations has to fit with what the surgery can provide.

Robert S. Houser, DO · Answer

It can be done, but it is a long process.  You're not going to walk out on day 1 with a full head of hair!   I think that FUE would be best suited for you if you are planning to shave the back of your head in the future. Personally, I think a combination of robotic FUE with ARTAS and some manual FUE is the best approach.  Good luck!

Is a FUE transplant possible for a Norwood 7? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: If you are considering surgery it would be best to discuss your options with a doctor.

Answer: If you are considering surgery it would be best to discuss your options with a doctor.

Answer: It can be done, but it's a process!

Answer: It can be done, but it's a process!

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is a FUE transplant possible for a Norwood 7? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: If you are considering surgery it would be best to discuss your options with a doctor.

Answer: If you are considering surgery it would be best to discuss your options with a doctor.

Answer: It can be done, but it's a process!

Answer: It can be done, but it's a process!

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.