Maximum number of FUE grafts that can be taken?

Question

I understand that the average human head will have around 10,000 FUE grafts to take from the donor zone. However, what is 1) the maximum that can be taken from there roughly, and 2) the maximum that can be taken without significant donor depletion. If in the case if the absolute maximum taken, can SMP create a reasonable illusion of hair on the sides?

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

The safe donor zone which supplies DHT resilient follicles is not a fixed area, but differs across each individual. At my office, the Dr.U Hair and Skin Clinics in Los Angeles, we estimate an average quantity of up to 7,000 grafts which can be safely extracted from the back of the scalp without severe donor depletion. Patients who have reached severely bald stages at Norwood 6 and 7 should not rely on head hair alone for restoring their coverage through a hair transplant surgery.  Doing so will run the risk of depleting the donor area. Certainly SMP can improve the appearance of hair density. But the safe extraction of body hair offers the approach of expanding the overall donor supply available to you. As specialists in this area, we’ve designed our own patented technology Dr.UGraft ™ which overcomes the top factors of graft damage and transection to produce successful coverage for patients.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you have 10,000 donor FUE grafts, it does not mean you can use all 10,000 FUE grafts or you will be bald in the donor area (with no hair).  You can imagine taking about 4,000 FUE grafts before your donor area looks thin.  SMP only colors in the scars.

Sait Gokhan Bircan, MD. · Answer

Hello, In one session if it will be extracted this huge amount of grafts, so it is high probability that necrosis can occur there. It is always more logically to make two session with less amount of grafts without damaging the donor side and keep it look healthy. It is wrong decision to extract in one session maximum grafts and close it with tattoo or SMP.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The maximum number of grafts one can give is ~3500-4000. This of course depends on your hair quantity and quality. One thing to remember this is in total. If you are young and could possible need another procedure in your later years you have to make sure you have enough for more than one procedure. My best advice is be conservative!Most Wishes,Dr. T

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

The human head does have approx 10-12K donor grafts available....however in order to harvest the region without making the area seem depleted no more than 50% of it should be extracted.

Maximum number of FUE grafts that can be taken?

Answers (7)

Answer: How many grafts possible?

Answer: How many grafts possible?

Answer: Donor Hair assessment

Answer: Donor Hair assessment

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Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

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Maximum number of FUE grafts that can be taken?

Answers (7)

Answer: How many grafts possible?

Answer: How many grafts possible?

Answer: Donor Hair assessment

Answer: Donor Hair assessment

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.