Graft Calculation

Hair graft and hair graft calculation are among the most frequently talked about topics as this can often be confusing for the patient. Hair graft does not mean hair follicle. Hair graft means the area involving the hair follicle that is removed with one or more hair strands and with a tiny piece of skin. Generally there are 1-2-3 strands of hair in a graft . Sometimes the number can increase up to 4-5-6 strands. For example, 2000 grafts may mean 4000 to 6000 hair follicles.

The transplantation specialist calculates the grafts prior to hair transplantation to determine how many grafts are needed. Then, the grafts needed are extracted from the donor area between the two ears (just above the neck area) and they are transplanted to the bald or sparce areas. In order for hair transplantation to be successful, the grafts to be transplanted shall be taken from the patient’s own hair or beard.

There are some factors affecting the accurate calculation of grafts. To ensure a high-quality hair transplantation process, the donor area shall be hosting the necessary amount of grafts of sufficient quality and quantity. If needed, the grafts in the beard area under the chin can also be extracted in our male patients. Hence, the structure of the patient’s hair strand, hair volume, the donor area at the back of the head and the beard area under the chin have key roles in graft calculation.

Therefore if the hair transplantation specialist (transplantologist) tells you that you need 3000 grafts, you can estimate 7000 to 9000 hair follicles.
Graft calculation is performed under the supervision of the hair transplantation specialist in a preliminary meeting or following the submission of the necessary amount of good quality photographs. The exact figures can only be determined during the examination following hair analysis.