Estimating the Number of Lifetime Follicular Units: A Survey and Comments of Experienced Hair Transplant Surgeons

January 2013 in “ Dermatologic Surgery ”

Walter Unger, Robin Unger, C Wesley

follicular units hair transplant male pattern baldness Follicular Unit Extraction strip harvesting cherry picking Safe Donor Area FUs MPB FUE SDA

TLDR Experienced hair transplant surgeons suggest a limited number of hair follicles can be used for transplants, and recommend conservative methods to avoid scarring and depletion.

In 2013, a survey of 39 experienced hair transplant surgeons estimated the number of follicular units (FUs) available for transplantation in 30-year-old males with different hair densities and a potential for developing Type V or VI male pattern baldness (MPB). For Type V MPB, average hair density could yield approximately 6,404 FUs, below-average density could yield 4,963 FUs, and above-average density could yield 7,904 FUs. For Type VI MPB, the yields were 5,393 FUs for average density, 4,204 FUs for below-average density, and 6,661 FUs for above-average density. The study concluded that the number of FUs containing permanent hairs is finite and should be considered when planning hair transplants to avoid overly aggressive procedures. Additionally, the document discusses the practice of combining Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) with strip harvesting and "cherry picking" FUs, acknowledging the risks such as increased sparseness and visible scarring. The conclusion emphasizes the limitations of the Safe Donor Area (SDA) and the importance of conservative approaches in hair restoration surgery to prevent future aesthetic and legal issues.

View this study on journals.lww.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Distribution of Human Hair in Follicular Units

83 citations , April 1999 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

The research found that for a typical hair density, about 11 square centimeters of donor scalp is needed to get 800 hair grafts for transplantation.

research The Density Issue in Hair Transplantation

32 citations , September 1997 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Mini-micrografting in hair transplants can give similar density to older methods with fewer sessions.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 362 results

community Verteporfin trials in hair transplant patients begin

in Transplants 43 upvotes 3 years ago

A clinical trial for Verteporfin as a hair loss treatment, and the potential for greater progress in treatments for hair loss in the future. Common treatments such as Minoxidil, Finasteride and RU58841 were discussed.

community COMPLETE OVERVIEW of the Treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men

26 upvotes 11 years ago

Male androgenetic alopecia is commonly treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, both requiring continuous use. Other options include hair restoration surgery, dutasteride, light therapy, and camouflaging agents.

community Verteporfin and Microneedling

nkrata in Treatments 1 year ago

Clinical studies by Dr. Barghouthi and Dr. Bloxham indicate that Verteporfin, when used with FUE and FUT hair transplantation methods, shows promise in hair follicle regeneration and minimal scarring due to its ability to inhibit Yes-associated protein (YAP). Microneedling at depths of 3-3.5mm, combined with Verteporfin, could potentially reactivate dormant follicles, although the optimal dosage and application method are still under investigation. Concerns remain about the DHT sensitivity of regenerated follicles, highlighting the need for further research to optimize trauma levels and Verteporfin concentrations to achieve effective and scar-free hair regeneration.

community Antonio Conte hair transplant ? Graft estimate ?

in Progress Pictures 294 upvotes 2 years ago

The conclusion of this conversation about hair loss is that there is speculation about whether Antonio Conte had a hair transplant or wears a hair system. Some users believe it is a hair system, while others think it is a successful hair transplant.

community got my very first hair system :)

in Hair Systems 378 upvotes 3 years ago

User got a hair system after hair transplant and finasteride didn't meet their needs. Hair system cost $200, initial install $150, and user is satisfied with the results.

community 24M, 4 Months progress, Finastride 1MG daily, minoxidil once a day 6 sprays, nizoral once a week, don’t lose hope boys it’s never too late!

in Update 299 upvotes 3 years ago

This conversation is about a user's post showing their progress in hair growth after four months of taking finasteride and minoxidil, although it was later revealed that they had also received a hair transplant. The replies to the post were mixed, with some questioning the validity of the results and others expressing admiration.