Virgin Scalp....best approach?

[cargo65]

I have a "virgin" scalp and I'm wondering what would be the best approach for my first surgery assuming I'd be going FUT.

 

Is it better to go for a 'megasession' for your first procedure, or should I go with 2,500 (which I've been recommended) grafts?

 

Is it harder to do a megasession if you've already had a relatively large procedure done previously?

[Thehairupthere]

It's hard to say without seeing any photos because if it's a small area than you may not need a large session. You may get less grafts if you've had a procedure previous to this one because of scalp laxity as well as the scar that developed which would reduce the amount of grafts you can get.

[mattj]

If you've been recommended 2500 grafts then do you actually need more?

 

It's generally better to get as much done in one go as possible, however, a patient need not have a 'virgin scalp' for a doctor to perform a megasession.

[jimmybald]

In my case, I had 1800 grafts for my first transplant and 3300 in my second. I was told by a coalition doctor that I still had another mega session left in the hair bank. So I think it's possible to have a mega session after or before a small surgery. Although, a lot depends on the patients donor characteristics.

[Spanker]

Yeah, that is a question I had.

 

Does it really matter in terms of available grafts if a person does 4 transplants of 1000 or 1 of 4000? Does having smaller sessions reduce you total available yield?

[lorenzo]

Most consults are done by photos but once you meet the doctors the original recommendation may change. Sometimes you dont need the original amount sometimes you need more All doctor have different approaches.

From my experience this is what doctors should look at.

1) What does the patient want

2) What does the doctor suggest

3) What is the age of the patient

4) How much hair have has the patient lost.

5) Is the patient taking meds.

6) Future hairloss.

7) Donor area.

 

Once the doctor looks at this then usually both the patient and the doctor can come up to an agreeable decision. Sometimes doctors refuses a patient because what they want is unrealistic or not natural, this is a sign of a good doctor.

 

Good luck!!!!!!!!

[cargo65]

If you've been recommended 2500 grafts then do you actually need more?

 

It's generally better to get as much done in one go as possible, however, a patient need not have a 'virgin scalp' for a doctor to perform a megasession.

 

 

Hi Matt, actually, I was quoted 2500 by Dr. Rahal for my frontal 1/3 area. That will suit my current need right now. You have my pictures on file, I'll be glad to give you my name if you want to private message me.

 

I'm asking my question in terms of future need. I'm anticipating I'll need more as my hair loss progresses on top and the crown.

 

To be clear, my question isn't really "hey, do you guys think I need X amount of grafts?" Rather, if you have a virgin scalp, will a smaller surgery (ie. 2500 grafts) prohibit you from doing a 'megasession' down the road due to scalp laxity issues or any other issues of having a previous surgery may cause?

[Jotronic]

To be clear, my question isn't really "hey, do you guys think I need X amount of grafts?" Rather, if you have a virgin scalp, will a smaller surgery (ie. 2500 grafts) prohibit you from doing a 'megasession' down the road due to scalp laxity issues or any other issues of having a previous surgery may cause?

 

Yes, having 2500 grafts now will make it more difficult to get a bigger session later. However, your need is only determined by what you wish to accomplish. If you are not interested in thickening your crown ( I see you have a rare double whorl ) then smaller sessions are fine. Your assumption about reduced laxity is correct. The additional scarring from previous procedures can also reduce the number of grafts available in subsequent procedures.

[RCWest]

Thank God you were smart to find this site and find a great doctor. Not having any previous surgery will mean a good harvest. Your donor looks excellent, so I think you are a great candidate for surgery. Some people are lucky enough to be able to have two megasessions, if they have a loose enough scalp and enough hair.

[cargo65]

Yes, having 2500 grafts now will make it more difficult to get a bigger session later. However, your need is only determined by what you wish to accomplish. If you are not interested in thickening your crown ( I see you have a rare double whorl ) then smaller sessions are fine. Your assumption about reduced laxity is correct. The additional scarring from previous procedures can also reduce the number of grafts available in subsequent procedures.

 

Assuming I wouldn't want anything done to my hairline, would a megasession to address my thinning middle third and crown help?

 

Would it be too much a risk with the amount of native hair (relatively speaking) I presently have?

[Jotronic]

It is difficult to say because the flash that you used on your overhead photo makes the area thinner than in reality. Can you take a picture without a flash for the overhead? If there is room for more hair then a healthy sized session would help. Any terminal hair can be preserved by shaving so that they spaces can be clearly visualized.

[cargo65]

It is difficult to say because the flash that you used on your overhead photo makes the area thinner than in reality. Can you take a picture without a flash for the overhead? If there is room for more hair then a healthy sized session would help. Any terminal hair can be preserved by shaving so that they spaces can be clearly visualized.

 

Sorry I forgot to ask in my last response to you, but does the double-whorl in my crown make a transplant problematic back there?