Hair Density

A major factor in achieving a natural look and the best hair transplant is determined by hair density. Hair density is measured in follicular units per square centimeter and it varies according to individual and by race. Normally the highest hair density ranges between between 70 and 120 follicular units per square centimeter.

Key to achieving density that is aesthetically pleasing is the ability to place follicular units close together. Specific cutting devices and blades that allow each follicular unit transplant site to be customized for size, depth and angle are used for the purpose. Doing this allows for dense packing with the highest level of follicular unit transplant survival.

While it is generally acknowledged that achieving a hair density that is 50% of the scalp’s original density will lead to pleasing results, it depends on other factors. These include race, skin and hair color as well as original density. For some patients, a natural look of density may occur at 30 follicles per square centimeters. For others it can be as high as 50 follicles per square centimeter. The transplantation techniques used allow for density as high as needed—limited only by the size of the donor area.

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