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Procedures

How many grafts do I actually need?

Medcasts editorial team

Depends on Norwood pattern and desired density. Rough guide:

• Norwood 2–3 (early hairline recession): 1,500–2,500 grafts. • Norwood 3–4 (moderate recession + crown): 2,500–4,000 grafts. • Norwood 5–6 (significant balding): 4,000–6,000 grafts (often staged in two sessions). • Norwood 7 (advanced balding): may not be candidates for full coverage; donor reserve insufficient.

Trichoscopy at the consult is what tells the surgeon your actual donor density. Don't accept a graft count without this measurement.

Clinics quoting massive graft counts (6,000–8,000 in a single session) are typically counting follicles as grafts (a 1-graft can have 1, 2, or 3 hair follicles). Confirm whether the count is grafts or follicles.

This answer is general information, not medical advice. Your own doctor should confirm what applies to your case.

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