Join
For Providers
Join
Sign in

Ask a doctor

Hair transplant without finasteride. How many grafts will I need? (Photo)

I am considering having a hair transplant but I want to ensure I have considered all research before undertaking. I am 27 years old and been suffering MPB since I was 18. Recently it has speed up. I do not want to take finisteride because of the possible sexual side effects. You can see the pattern of baldness progressing what am I likely to be and how many grafts will I need? I feel like I will one day be a NW6. Can I have a successful HT on no finisteride with just minoxidil?

Doctor Answers 4

May 3rd, 2016

Graft Requirements

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Most critical is to have an overall plan that you come up with the help of your surgeon.   Future hair loss and availability of donor region critical components in determining graft requirements. 

Based on the pictures you provided it does appear you have a good donor region which can provide you 6000-7000 grafts over its lifetime without it appearing over harvested. 

Zone 1-2 (refer to the web link) based on the pictures you provide will require roughly 3200-3350 grafts, zone 3 will require 2000 for high density and 1500 for moderate density.  Your crown has just begun to miniaturize and medication options are best. However, you can also restore the crown (zone 4) with a HT procedure as well.  

Most critical is that prevention is worth its weight in gold and you must be judicious with the use of your grafts.  Considerations of whether you want the permanent scar of FUSS versus FUE harvesting are considerations but most important component of the procedure itself is the artistic skill set of your surgeon. 

Good luck and any questions let us know, 

Learn more: https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alviarmani.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F11%2Falviarmani-hair-zone.j

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD


Beverly Hills Physician
5.0 out of 5 stars 42 reviews

May 2nd, 2016

How many grafts?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Hard to tell without an in-person exam, but i would say that 2000-2500 would be a good estimate. 

A medical regimen with Romaine and/or Finasteride would also be a good possibility to prevent continued rapid hair loss.

Best.
Kirk Moore, MD

Kirk Moore, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
4.2 out of 5 stars 46 reviews

May 1st, 2016

How many grafts do I need

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Before answering this questions, I would like to speak with you over the phone. We are both in California although in different parts of the state. What you need to understand the the supply/demand formula for estimating grafts that you need for the short and long term. You will clearly need a Master Plan  for your hair loss so that throughout the process you never look abnormal.  I would discuss this with you over the phone at no charge.

Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sisfX3XBmOw

William Rassman, MD

William Rassman, MD
Los Angeles Hair Restoration Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 29 reviews

May 11th, 2016

Any doctor can say you may need 1000 or 3000 grafts but if you don't understand what you will look like after the surgery, the n

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Hair transplant surgery recommendation is based on an examination and a mutual understanding between a doctor and patient of what is achievable with surgery.  Any doctor can say you may need 1000 or 3000 grafts but if you don't understand what you will look like after the surgery, the number quote you want would be useless.

Learn more: https://newhair.com/resources/

Jae Pak, MD

Jae Pak, MD
Los Angeles Hair Restoration Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 106 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.