This time around I want more density. How many graphs per cm. is a good amount? I know that they are doing more than when I went the first time. I'm hearing mixed feelings on mega sessions. Whats the deal?

pittboss,

It really depends on your hair restoration goals. Generally speaking, most patients can carry off a nice illusion of fullness when they achieve half of their original natural hair density.

Average natural hair density without any hair loss is about 80 follicular units (FU) per square cm. Half of that would be around 40.

Hair characteristics will also play a major role in acheiving a proper illusion of density. Those with a thicker hair shaft diameters and a lesser skin to hair color ratio will most likely be able to achieve a greater cosmetic benefit with fewer follicular unit grafts.

Often times, a hair transplant surgeon will densely pack the front and gradually taper off density on patients in advanced stages of hair loss instead of evenly distributing the grafts. In my opinion, this makes for the most natural look possible.

This may or may not be able to be accomplished in a single hair transplant session, so be sure to discuss long term hair restoration goals with your surgeon.

Hair transplant megasessions are regularly performed by an elite group of surgeons (like members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians) who have the proper skills and experienced and right number of staff. They aren't for every patient however, in my opinion, megasessions are a viable option for patients with advanced degrees of balding and the proper donor characteristics.

Feel free to use our animated graft calculator which you can use as a tool to assist you with your planning. This should never take the place of a hair loss doctor consultation.

Best wishes,

Falc

Based on your loss pattern (and future prospects), you doctor will determine how many grafts you have "in the bank". This will largely determine how dense you can go.

If you have minimal loss in the front and lots of available donor, doctors can get you back to your original density.

What you DONT want is 100% density in the front, only to find out you dont have enough hair left to cover the rest.

Its about balance.