Many patients may have received different graft estimation figures among different clinics, and feeling lost and confused. Here are our suggestions:
Ideally, graft estimation should be accurate, not too few and not way too much. An overestimation will be an extra expense to the patient. Including, since hair transplantation has a standardized density, the extra graft will be just wasted. On contrary, underestimation of the graft can make the whole operation look cheaper. However, without proper hair density, most patients are opted to come back for re-transplantation.
In order to receive a precise graft estimation, patience is suggested to visit our clinic in person. Estimation based on images sent via email or messaging apps can be rough and likely to be inaccurate because images taken in different angle can easily mislead the estimation by a big number. The best way for graft estimation is by calculating the density based on the measurement of the target area. Typical graft density for hair transplantation is 40 grafts/ cm2. If a patient has a transplantation area of 50 cm2, for example, the total graft needed will be 40 x 50 = 2,000 grafts.
From our experience, the difference in estimations from different clinics can vary from 500 – 1,500, which is a considerably large sum of the expense. Patients are suggested to check with the clinics about the methods they use to come up with the estimation. A good provider will be able to explain in detail, with a correct estimation.
