What is the Maximum Hair Density Achievable with Hair Transplant Surgery?

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums:

I’m looking into hair transplant surgery, and wondering what type of density is achievable with the procedure? Can I achieve the density I had before experiencing androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss)? What is the maximum density achievable with hair transplant surgery?

Normal hair density – in individuals not suffering from hair loss – is somewhere between 80-100 follicular units per square centimeter of scalp. Thinning is not visually obvious until approximately 50% of the native density has shed. This means transplanting between 45-55 follicular units per square centimeter during hair restoration procedures is normally sufficient.

Implanting at densities of 80-100 follicular unit per square centimeter (“normal” hair density) is usually never done. This happens for several reasons: 1. because it is not necessary and wastes finite grafts; 2. because implanting at this density may overwhelm the blood supply and cause shock loss in the surrounding native hairs; 3. because severe damage or diversion of the scalp blood supply can potentially cause necrosis or other serious issues.

Because of this, the maximum density achievable with hair transplant surgery is usually somewhere below natural hair density. While most surgeons will transplant somewhere between 45-65 grafts per square centimeter, some will implant at slightly higher densities. These surgeons will only do so when they are certain they will not overwhelm the scalp blood supply or cause excessive shock loss.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning

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