FUE procedure - 3500+ incisions in donor site but only 2500 grafts transplanted to recipient site

Question

I had an FUE procedure of 2500 grafts. I counted 3500+ incisions in donor area. Doctor response is they did incision depth at 4 mm and my follicles were deeper than average. Some follicles (1,000+) couldn’t be easily extracted and were left as-is in donor site unharmed because incision depth didn’t go down to follicle. Is this a valid explanation? I’ve been unable to find anything describing this situation on any hair transplant forums or medical literature.

Syed M. Sayeed, MD · Answer

During FUE procedures some grafts can end up being "stuck" or even buried from the spinning of the punch used to extract the grafts. I cannot comment as to the number that you feel were stuck or that was communicated with you. 
When grafts are stuck your transplant team will decide if there is any reason to extract or if it is better to leave them in place. Did you have a robotic procedure or manual FUE?

Audrey G. Bauer, MD · Answer

When you have an FUE, there are always grafts that are removed that cannot be used. There are various factors that contribute such as scar tissue, strange angles, weak bulbs (no finasteride) or other concerns. While 2500/3500 is about a 71% use rate and is lower than average it is certainly NOT out of the range of common "graft loss" rates. Some may have been left "unpulled" and some may have been pulled but then found on microscopic exam to be unusable. Regardless, there is always SOME loss and if done properly should not effect the appearance of the donor area after healing. I hope this answers your question.

Roberto Guerrero Zazueta, MD · Answer

My question is how did you count the incisions?? During the surgery?? Or they told you how many they make??Of course is not right to harvest 2500 and then make 3500 recipient sites Either you count them wrong but that could be normal since you were under the influence of medication or they made a mistake giving a wrong number to the doctor, and for last option if the recipient area has no hair that means nothing could happened but just skin to heal and if you had hair in that area and the recipient sites were done improperly that leads to permanent shock loss

FUE procedure - 3500+ incisions in donor site but only 2500 grafts transplanted to recipient site

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FUE procedure - 3500+ incisions in donor site but only 2500 grafts transplanted to recipient site

Answers (3)

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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.