Graft count determines both the price and the result of a hair transplant. Yet most patients are quoted a number over the phone, without an examination. Knowing how the calculation is actually done tells you whether the number you were given is realistic.

A graft is not a hair

A graft is a follicular unit containing one to four hairs. An average graft carries 2 to 2.5 hairs, so 3,000 grafts is roughly 6,000 to 7,500 hairs. Some clinics quote hairs rather than grafts to make the figure look larger. Always confirm which one you are being quoted.

Three measurements decide the number

• Area of thinning. Measured in square centimetres, with the frontal zone, crown and hairline assessed separately.
• Target density. 30 to 45 grafts per cm² is usually enough for a natural result. Higher density does not automatically mean a better outcome and consumes donor supply unnecessarily.
• Donor capacity. The follicles at the back and sides are finite for life. How many can be taken in one session is decided with future sessions in mind.

A rough example

A patient with 60 cm² of frontal thinning, targeting 40 grafts per cm², needs around 2,400 grafts. Adding the crown raises the figure. This is an estimate; the final number comes from examining the donor area under magnification.

What to watch for

A firm graft number given without an examination, from photographs alone, is not a reliable basis for planning. Equally, a number that exceeds donor capacity may look dense for a year and leave visible thinning at the back later. Good planning accounts for the next twenty years, not just the next twelve months.

At Prime Hair Transplant Clinic

Graft planning is carried out during examination, with assessment of the donor area, by Dr. M. Resat Arpaci. The clinic takes a limited number of patients; planning, surgery and follow-up are handled by the same surgeon.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know a clinic calculates graft count correctly?

A proper calculation requires an examination: measurement of the thinning area in cm², a stated target density, and assessment of the donor area under magnification. Be cautious of firm numbers quoted by phone or from photographs alone.

How many hairs are 3,000 grafts?

An average graft contains 2 to 2.5 hairs, so 3,000 grafts is approximately 6,000 to 7,500 hairs. Always confirm whether a clinic is quoting grafts or hairs.

How many grafts per cm² should be transplanted?

Between 30 and 45 grafts per cm² is usually sufficient for a natural result. Higher density consumes donor supply without a proportional gain in appearance.

Why does donor capacity matter?

The follicles available at the back and sides of the head are finite. Taking too many in one session leaves nothing for a future procedure and can thin the donor area visibly.

To have your graft requirement assessed, contact Prime Hair Transplant Clinic in Istanbul.

Related pages

• Hair transplant aftercare in Turkey: what a good clinic provides
• Hair transplant guarantee: what it really means
• Natural-looking results: how hairline design decides the outcome
• Is a hair transplant in Turkey safe? Which clinics are reputable
• DHI vs Sapphire FUE: which technique is right for you
• What an all-inclusive hair transplant package includes
• Hair transplant for women: which clinic to pick
• Hair transplant in Turkey: frequently asked questions

At Prime Hair Transplant Clinic

Prime Hair Transplant Clinic is the personal practice of Dr. M. Reşat Arpacı, who founded it in 2015 and has headed it since. Here is how the subject above is handled at this clinic:

The graft count is calculated by Dr. Arpacı at the first consultation, weighing recipient area, target density and donor capacity together.

The surgeon

Dr. M. Reşat Arpacı has practised hair restoration surgery since 2002 and has performed more than 10,000 procedures.

• Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir — 2000
• Micrograft Hair Transplantation Certificate, ISHRS, Berlin — 2002
• Medical Aesthetics License, Turkish Ministry of Health — 2004–2005
• FUE training with Dr. Bessam Farjo — 2006
• Developed and patented an FUE micromotor technique — 2007
• Headed the hair transplantation departments at Liv Hospital Ulus (2013–2015), Acıbadem Ataşehir (2012–2013) and Estethica Ataşehir (2010–2012)
• Founder and head of Prime Hair Transplant Clinic since 2015

Practical details

• Prime Hair Transplant Clinic, Varyap Meridian, Block A, Floor 31, No 254, Ataşehir, 34746 İstanbul, Turkey
• Techniques: Sapphire FUE, DHI, unshaven hair transplant, beard transplant, eyebrow transplant, hair transplantation for women, PRP
• primehtc.com · info@primehtc.com · +90 543 224 24 14

Appointment

To book with Dr. Arpacı, see the appointment page, message WhatsApp, or call +90 543 224 24 14. The consultation is with Dr. Arpacı himself.