Super dense packing (92 grafts/cm2), does it benefit the patients?
Super dense packing (92 grafts/cm2), does it benefit the patients?
I. Introduction
For the past several years, mega-session with dense packing is the main trend in hair transplant surgery. The graft number and density get more and higher every year.
Does it really benefit the patient in general?
II. Technique
To precisely calculate the growth rate of the transplanted hair, we transplanted hair onto the eyebrow instead of the scalp. We transplanted 544 grafts in an area of 6 cm2. The density is 92 grafts/ cm2.
Prior to this case, we usually deliver a density of 40 to 50 grafts/ cm2 on eyebrow transplantation.
We compare the result of the growth rate to find out if super dense packing benefits the patients.
III. Discussion
Six months after the 92 grafts/ cm2 eyebrow transplant surgery, we counted 455 hairs. The growth rate is 82%.
We have done about 300 eyebrow cases for the past 15 years and the average growth rate is about 96%.
With the super dense packing technique, we have sacrificed 14% of hair.
To grow 455 grafts with 40 to 50 grafts/ cm2 density, we only need to implant 474 grafts. The last 70 grafts (544-474) were wasted.
In order to achieve 92 grafts/ cm2 density, we have to cut the graft much smaller, and instead of making a 19G coronal slit, we have to make a 20G needle coronal slit.
When we transplant hair onto the scalp, we had the same result.
In the process of preparing the smaller graft, the technician must trim off all the tissue next to the grafts. Bare graft obviously has a lower growth rate.
IV. Conclusion
So far no one knows what the best density for the best growth rate is, maybe we never will.
I’m sure that depends on age, health, nutrition, etc. everyone has different limitations. Without knowing the body’s limitations, only looking for higher density is not in the patient’s best interest.
EXCLUSIVE FOR THE LATEST FUT TECHNOLOGY
Natural Hair Transplant Medical Center
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Address
1000 Dove Street, Suite #250 Newport Beach, California 92660, USA
EXCLUSIVE FOR THE LATEST FUT TECHNOLOGY
Natural Hair Transplant Medical Center
Call us
Email us
Address
1000 Dove Street, Suite #250 Newport Beach, California 92660, USA
How many surgeries do I need?
The goal for hair transplant is to increase density and look natural. Today, the size of graft is very small and we can transplant very closely without any problem. A natural look can be easily achieved, so the only problem is the density.
To look natural you do not need 100% density.
For the frontal area, ninety percent of the patients will be satisfied by 50% to 70% of donor site density (include your own existing density). Since human eyes cannot tell the difference between 50% -70% and 100% density, therefore, after we reach the 50%-70% density goal, the donor site (100% density) and recipient site (50%-70% density) should look very natural and harmonious.
The vertex area needs 70% to 90% of donor density (include your own existing density).
If you have a completely bald area, it may take two or three surgeries to cover. If you have an area partially covered with hair, it may take only one surgery to fill in the area.
For a large area, we increase 25% to 35% of the donor’s original density in each surgery. After two surgeries, the density is at about 50 to 70 % which is often adequate coverage to satisfy the patient. The time between each session is usually four to six months in order to see how the hair is growing out and to provide more equal distribution.
For the smaller areas in the hairline region, we can increase 40% to 45% density in one surgery.
We use an easy way to ensure that you will receive the promised donor site density.
Here is an example:
If we want to transplant 35% donor site density to cover a balding/thinning area of 80-cm2, we need to remove a 28-cm2 strip of donor skin. (80 cm2 x 35% =28 cm2)
We then divide the 28-cm2 strip of donor skin into small grafts and implant them to the 80-cm 2 coverage areas. This way you will receive a 35% density increase in the recipient area.
Natural Hair Transplant Medical Center
Call us
Email us
Address
1000 Dove Street, Suite #250 Newport Beach, California 92660, USA
