We know it’s so heartbreaking to go through old photos and wonder “Where did all that hair volume go?”. You are not the only one doing this. Many people miss their old, fuller hair. Countless people are affected by hair loss and for so many, the best solution is getting hair transplants. If you have been searching for the process, you might have seen the term “graft” used commonly. It’s basically a tiny hero of the hair restoration process. In this blog, we will cover the meaning of graft, why it’s commonly used in hair restoration and how graft calculation works.
What is a Hair Graft?
Begin with the definition of graft. It’s just a little piece of skin including hair follicles that are the roots of your hair. In the transplant process, these grafts are taken from where the hair is thicker, which is usually the back or sides of your head and then moved to the balding or thinning areas that need to be treated. Now, these small grafts may hold one or multiple hair strands and they have an ultimate role in giving a natural-looking result that brings back the lost confidence.
This whole graft hair transplant process of collecting and placing the grafts is very intricate. It’s done very precisely and carefully by trained professionals with the help of advanced tools so that there’s no damage. Throughout, it’s made sure the hair grows in the right direction and the patient achieves the hair they desire.
How Does Hair Transplantation Work?
So, there are two main ways to collect hair grafts and both of them aim to preserve the goodness of the hair grafts so that they support the transplantation process and the growth results.
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): This process involves taking out hair roots one by one.
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): Here, the experts remove a thin strip of skin which is later divided into grafts.
The chosen method largely depends on the condition of your hair condition and of course, your preference. The grafts are very carefully placed into the balding areas that need new growth. Here, the angle and direction of the hair are extremely important to achieve a natural good.
What Happens to the Grafts After the Transplant?
If the newly placed hair falls out within the first few weeks of the transplant, you don’t have to panic. There is nothing unusual, it is something expected. The roots will always be under the skin and start growing new hair soon.
Most graft plants settle in their new place in max 2 to 4 weeks. After that, new hair starts to grow after 3 to 6 months and you will be delighted with the final visible results within a year. You should remain patient and it’s going to be worth the tiring process.
But all this while, you need to help the grafts stay healthy and grow well. For that, you are expected to follow the aftercare tips as suggested by your doctor. Here are some most common recommendations:
- Wash your hair gently and only with mild shampoo
- Avoiding going into direct sunlight
- Wearing a loose hat to protect your scalp and hair
- Taking prescribed medications to prevent infection
How Many Grafts Do You Need?
A successful hair transplant is a result of proper graft calculating. Now this is what decides how many hair grafts are actually needed in the process to achieve the expected density and coverage. Several factors generally influence the number of grafts needed.
First of all, the size of the bald area plays a major role. The larger the affected area, the more grafts will be required. Desired hair density is also important. If you want a higher density, more grafts will be necessary.
In addition to this, hair characteristics such as thickness, curliness, and color can impact the number of grafts needed. This is because people with naturally thicker, curly, or darker hair may require fewer grafts to achieve a fuller appearance.
Lastly, the quality of the donor area matters, as it determines how many grafts can be safely harvested for transplantation.
In an average case, mild hair loss can often be addressed with 1,000 to 1,500 grafts. For those experiencing moderate to severe hair loss, a higher number of grafts, typically between 2,000 and 3,500 or more, may be required to achieve the desired results.
Doctors often use the Norwood Scale, a preferred guide to measure the level of hair loss. The number of grafts varies as per the size of the bald spots and the thickness and texture of hair to get a fuller look. The experts at the clinic also give proper attention to the way your natural hair grows. That’s how they can design a hairline and place the grafts so it is more like your original hair pattern. The goal is to keep it natural while also delivering the expected.
Hair transplantation goes a long way and is a perfect solution for hair loss. With the right planning, successful transplant and proper care, you not just get back hair but also your confidence.
