850 grafts FUE. Day 3. Worried it’s not enough density. (Photos)

Question

Had 850 grafts done to fill in my temples. Two consultations with different surgeons who both recommended the same so felt good about the amount. The expectation going into this was never a natural density but I’m afraid it’s going to be very thin. Looks sparse to me. Doctor and technician both have great experience; I trust they know what they’re doing. I’m hoping it’s just my nerves and that I don’t know what a good density post op should look like. Worried. It’s a long waiting game

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

The success or results of a hair transplant surgery is not about "how many" or "the number of grafts".
The results depend on a variety of other factors such as how long you keep your hair, how you style your hair, the hair color to skin color contrast, curl of your hair, the thickness of your hair.  If you have very fine straight hair that you keep very short, a hair transplant surgery will NOT look good.
The overall success of a hair transplant surgery depends on: (1) artistic and technical skill of your doctor and team (2) communication between you and your doctor to establish a realistic goal.It may take 6 to 12 months to see the results of a hair transplant surgery.  If you are concerned it is best to discuss it with your doctor.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You're right in that the NeoGraft process to create natural hair growth takes some time. Please remain patient and follow the recovery instructions provided by your board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Jeanette Straga, DO · Answer

On an initial hair transplant you can hope to obtain 40 % density.  After the hair grows out fully (at about one year), and if you are not satisfied you may always return for a second round to increase the density. Of course, hair shaft thickness, waviness of hair and hair to skin contrast also play a role in the appearance of fullness of ones transplanted hair.

Robert Jones, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Density in the hairline should be about 40 to 50 grafts per cm squared, given average shaft diameter and average hairs per graft. Measure the area in square cm and multiply by 45. If the number of grafts comes out to about 800 or 900, then you should be fine. Based on the picture, I would say that you needed more like 1000 or 1200 grafts to create adequate density. You can always go back for more,Dr. Robert Jones

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You will not know if the density you had put int is enough until the hair grows out. IF it is not, you can have more done

850 grafts FUE. Day 3. Worried it’s not enough density. (Photos)

Answers (5)