Dr. Elliott is able to achieve natural fullness with two transplant sessions and occasionally with a touch-up.

By using a method of small grafts at the hairline and slightly larger grafts on the rest of the head, Dr. Elliott is able to achieve density, which can appear to be as much as it was when a patient was younger. Of course, it would not actually be the same density as when the patient was younger. The goal is to get to about fifty-percent of original density. Fifty-percent of density generally will appear to be the same as full density. To achieve that density usually requires two sessions of transplants to the hairline and the top and back of the head, depending on where hair needs to be filled in. It is possible to do a third session for maximum density.

It is expected that virtually all of the transplanted grafts will grow. Typical growth rate is in the 98% – 100% range. All the grafts created at the time of surgery, including any extras, are used. When we transplant into old scarred areas in a revision case of old transplants done years ago, the growth rate will be somewhat less. This is due to scarring in the old section, which makes it difficult for the blood supply to get to the new grafts. If any of the grafts do not grow, they will be replaced at no charge, except those transplanted into old scarred areas. Of course, thick donor hair will give a thick result, thin donor hair will give a thin result. Density can be affected by low thyroid (free T3), low growth hormone or low testosterone; these may require treatment.

Each session needs to be at least 20 grafts per square cm of bald on thinning area to achieve good density. With limited donor, more smaller sessions may be necessary. Each case is unique.