Is it overkill to get 3000-3500 follicular units as I was told this is what I need? (Photo)

Question

Recently went to a clinic and they told me I needed 3000-3500 follicular units (8000 follicles) I'm afraid of running out of donor area for the future.

Paul P. Daraei, MD · Answer

Hi There,
Hair transplantation is a great option to restore hair volume to the scalp. This can be performed via FUE (follicular unit extraction) or FUT (follicular unit transplantation). Both will yield a certain number of follicles to transplant to the area you desire on your scalp.
3000-3500 follicles is a large number of follicles to transplant at once. Depending on your donor site (which I cannot see based on the photos), you may be able to perform 3000-3500 grafts safely without significantly thinning the back of your head. However, direct evaluation by an experience hair restoration surgeon would be the first step to determine that. In addition, 3000-3500 grafts to the frontal area is again a large amount. This would create high density in the front. Before you consider proceeding, I recommend discussing with a hair restoration surgeon whether placing 3000-3500 grafts in the front only would yield natural results. You do not want to lower your hairline significantly, and you also don't want to place 3000 grafts in the front and go on to lose the rest of your hair on top in 10-15 years. 
Hope that helps!

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Its difficult to tell by looking at your picture but I believe that’s a lot. There are many factors that go into determining how many grafts you need, including the texture and thickness of your hair. You are right to question the number of grafts and to be concerned about your donor area. Perhaps and second opinion is in order. Best wishes.Dr. T

Arslan Musbeh, MD · Answer

2300-2600 grafts estimated to restore the hair line and the temples. The estimation is provided according to your recipient area size. The hair loss might continue in the future and you will might need a second Hair transplant.

Neil Verma, HBSc, MD, FCFP - Account Suspended · Answer

Photos are deceiving to give an accurate assessment of number of grafts needed. It appears that 200 grafts would be sufficient to recreate anterior hairline and density.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The number of grafts is determined by the size of the balding area (moderate) plus the thickness of each hair (fine, medium or coarse).  IF it were fine, maybe 3000 grafts would be ok, but for medium and coarse hair, adjustments downward is appropriate.

Is it overkill to get 3000-3500 follicular units as I was told this is what I need? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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