How can I verify I'm getting the number of grafts I paid for?

Dear calmclear,Thank you for writing in with this question. It’s actually a question I’m surprised hasn’t been asked before. The short and simple answer is that you really can’t verify the number of grafts. If the surgeon is out to deceive you it’s just a matter of words. Everybody knows you can’t really get in there and count every last graft. So, it’s about trust. Doctors are just people. You can get a good feeling from any particular doctor when you spend time with them in consultation. If you don’t meet a doctor, well, there’s your answer. In some practices, the doctor has no idea what the “counsellor” (read: commissioned salesperson) says to the patient. If a red flag is going up in your gut, that’s your indication to not have a transplant done by that particular clinic. Hair restoration surgery is an elective, cosmetic procedure, the results of which are permanent. If at your initial consultation appointment you are not able to meet with the doctor who’s going to be performing your surgery, that to me is a huge red flag. Since the doctor didn’t speak to you, then really no promises whatsoever have been made to you, as a “counsellor” is not the doctor and not held to the same standards of patient communications. Doctors know this and sometimes don’t meet with their patients for this very reason. All this being said, ethical doctors do keep count sheets, and you can ask to see them At our clinic we keep a record of not only how many grafts, but the distribution in terms of how many single hair follicles, 2 hair follicles, and so on. I hope this information is helpful to you.

Hello,Density is one of the most critical factors after hair transplantation.  Early on you may not be able to fully determine your density.  Density depends on various factors including the number of hairs  per cm squared, the thickness and vibrancy of hair, direction and design of hair.  Techniques for density vary from surgeon to surgeon.  In my office, we utilize a specialized technique that allows for optimizing density and found it to be helpful.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

That is a good question, you certainly want to be sure that you are getting what you are paying for.  But are you more interested in getting a certain amount of grafts, or are you purchasing the desired effects of the grafts?  To me that is a more important issue and hopefully your expectations are met.John Frank, MDNew YorkOhio

Thank you for your question, calmclear. It is of utmost importance that you select a trusted surgeon. Always see a board certified facial plastic surgeon and review their patient testimonials, before&after photos and their education, training and background. Best wishes,

You really don't know how many grafts you get but if you have doubts about your surgeon, why would you pick the surgeon?  How do you know if your cook didn't drop your steak on the floor or washed their hands after using the rest room? You can probably ask to see your surgical records, but they can lie about that too.

I would not recommend going with a doctor that you do not trust. Grafts are counted multiple times by different staff members, and careful records are kept in any reputable office. One should not second guess because with certain hair characteristics the number of grafts and the numbers of sites may not match. For example with thin caliber hair hair or to increase density in pivotal areas one may employ follicular family pairing, hence each site may contain multiple follicles in this area like behind the hair line or in the core forelock area.Sincerely, Bernardino A. Arocha, MD

You can ask to look at graft counts sheets. But all in all, you need to go with a doctor you trust. Not just to be sure they get the graft counts right but to make sure you get a hair transplant you are pleased with.

This seems to be a common question. There seems to be a failure of trust between doctors and patients. Every doctor has a surgical record and should have a count sheet. The count sheet is a written, legal record where the total number of grafts, one hair, two hairs, three hairs and four hair grafts are counted and recorded. These records should be available to you. I routinely show then to our patients so that they understand the distribution of the grafts that were harvested. 

The most important part of the whole process is the doctor and patient relationship and the trust formation. It allows for tHe patient to feel comfortable To leave the planning and the process to the doctors  hands and judgment.  If you don't trust the doctor then do not do it, since you will always have doubts. However, Most doctors keep tract of their graft count and you can ask to see it .