Hairbank,

The reason I used these numbers is to test the claim "you can achieve the illusion of full look with slightly over half the original density." In this hypothetical example, since we are dealing with the same person, hair characteistics that may affect the appearance of density are identical, so the only factor remaining is density.

Therefore, under ideal conditions (dry hair, lighting not working against you, etc), once the density has exceeded this "threshold" so to speak, will the eyes be able to tell the difference between "illusion of fullness" (70 fu/cm2), "original fullness" (100 fu/cm2), and "above original fullness" (130 fu/cm2)?

The simple issue is to have a gradient approach where the hair begins in a lower density and gradually increases to try and match the more dense existing native hair.

One thing to keep in mind--- it is almost impossible to achieve natural density, even if you are transplanted at 100 fu's c/2.

Natural follicular units as they exist on the head are grouped in 1,2,3,4,5-7 units, thus when we say "original density" and our original density was 100, the hair density is 200-230 hairs a sq cm, vs 100 singles, 50 doubles, etc...

Again make sure you understand how density works as a graft to hair count divided by the area of coverage needed.

100 single fu's cm/2 is equal to 50 2 hair grafts.

Take Care,
J

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6721 transplanted grafts
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Performed by Dr. Ron Shapiro

Dr. Ron Shapiro and Dr. Paul Shapiro are members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.

I'm not sure you're creating a realistic scenario here?? Under what conditions would this ever happen? I don't think native density is going to vary that much.......i.e. not matter how far my hairline or sides recede, the density I run into will likely be within 10 cm2 at each point of contact for native hair and HT donor hair.

For instance, take a look at guys like London Lad, NicNitro or others who have insane donor density at 130 cm2............look at their HT's........they appear natural, correct? I just don't think you're going to run into a situation where you'll be matching HT hair to 2 highly variable sets of donor density, make sense?

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Hairbank

1st HT 1-18-05 - 1200 FUT's
2nd HT 2-15-06 - 3886 FUT's Dr. Wong
3rd HT 4-24-08 - 2415 FUT's Dr. Wong

GRAND TOTAL: 7501 GRAFTS

current regimen: 1.25mg finasteride every other day

My Hair Loss Weblog

Disclaimer: I'm not a Doctor (and have never played one on TV ) and have no medical training. Any information I share here is in an effort to help those who don't like hair loss.

This is an interesting conversation and certainly worth discussing.

Of course, the problem is, regardless of whatever answers we give, one can only work with what is possible to achieve. As B Spot said, achieving natural density with transplantation may be next to impossible, yet at the same time, I think the gradient approach to a hair transplant is clearly the best approach. Of course, those with a thick crown and missing the frontal third might need to take a different approach. But those with less hair loss (if the other requirements are right, like age) are more optimal candidates for mega dense packed sessions. Though maybe matching native density may not be possible, going a few passes at the frontal third with much of the available donor could achieve some amazing results.

Bill

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I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own.