Why do Doctors Advise Against Hair Transplant Surgery in the Crown (Vertex) Region?

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

I have an advanced balding pattern and recently decided to undergo hair transplant surgery. I consulted with several surgeons, and informed them that my crown (or vertex region) was a big concern. However, most recommended “skipping” the crown and focusing on the hairline and mid-scalp instead. Is this normal? Why do hair restoration surgeons advise against transplanting into the crown/vertex region?

Many assume hair transplant surgeons do not like to operate in the crown because they aren’t comfortable working in the region or find crown hair transplants difficult. I don’t think this is necessarily the case. I think the hesitation has more to do with the finite nature of follicular unit grafts than it has to do with confidence or experience working in the crown.

Many physicians feel like the crown “eats” up a lot of precious grafts without offering a dramatic cosmetic difference – when compared to the hairline, temples, or frontal/mid-scalp – in return. However, if patients are intent on restoring the crown, there shouldn’t be a reason why it can’t be done.  Patients should simply make sure to discuss the plan thoroughly with their doctor and figure out the best way to utilize the limited number of grafts.
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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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