A hair transplant with 8,000 grafts isn’t unheard of, but it is still unusual since it involves a significantly large number of grafts – grafts that a donor area might not always have.
Hair transplants typically “redistribute” the hair on the scalp by taking it from the back of the head and placing it in the bald spots at the front. However, there’s a limited number of grafts that can be safely extracted from the back of the head.
But even if an 8,000 grafts hair transplant is possible, the surgery can be quite demanding, which is why you have to be very careful about finding someone who’s experienced with such cases. In this guide, you’ll learn more about how a transplant with 8,000 might possibly be done and how much it can cost you.
Is 8,000 Hair Grafts A Lot?
A hair transplant involving 8,000 grafts is notably extensive, especially when you consider the average number of grafts per procedure, which is 2,176 for the first procedure and 1,641 for the subsequent procedure, as per the 2022 practice census report of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS).
Additionally, it should be noted that the size of the donor area is significantly smaller than the front and vertex (crown) areas of the scalp. Therefore, there’s already less hair there to extract from and cover a balding area that’s quite large.
Overall, the scalp contains 50,000 follicular units, of which 37,500 (75%) are located in the frontal area and the vertex, as explained in a 2018 study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Only 12,500 follicular units are present in the permanent donor area (25%), and just 6,250 of those can be used for hair transplantation.
Of course, the density of the hair in the donor area can vary between patients. So, those who have a denser region can have more grafts available for extraction. But it’s still quite possible for you to not have 8,000 grafts available, at least on your scalp alone.
How Many Hairs Are In 8,000 Grafts?
Considering that each hair graft has 2 strands of hair on average, 8,000 grafts can have 16,000 hairs in total. It’s very important that you note the difference between “hair grafts” and just “hair.”
A graft is a follicular unit which can contain a cluster of hair (or just a single hair). Where 8,000 grafts may equal 16,000 hairs, 8,000 hairs may equal just 4,000 grafts.
Certain clinics might provide you with the number of hairs required for your surgery instead of the grafts, as the former yields a larger count. This, in turn, can be used to justify a higher price tag. So, you should be careful.
Can You Get An 8,000 Grafts Hair Transplant?
It may be possible for you to get an 8,000 grafts hair transplant, although your surgeon may have to look for another donor area in addition to the one on your scalp.
As the donor area capacity may be limited to around 6,000 grafts, your surgeon may consider extracting hair from your body to make up for the deficit.
The beard area is particularly popular in this regard. However, body hair transplants may also be done using hair on the chest, underarms, arms, legs, pubis, etc.
Unfortunately, with a body hair transplant, the success rate can be low, and the results can also be uneven and less natural-looking. So, if you are considering it, make sure to talk to an experienced board-certified professional who you can discuss different options with.
And if they have performed body-to-scalp hair transplants before, make sure to check the results of their previous patients.
It’s quite likely for such a hair transplant to be broken down into different sessions. Your surgeon may cover the front and mid-scalp in the first session. Keep in mind that no more than 4,500 may be extracted in the first session. Following that, you may have a second session for your crown area after 6-12 months.
As for the techniques used to perform an 8,000 grafts hair transplant, FUE or follicular unit extraction is one option, but it may also be done with a FUT (follicular unit transplant) or strip surgery.
FUT has the advantage of being less time-consuming, and it can also have a better graft yield. Only your surgeon can best advise you on this, depending on your needs.
When Do You Need An 8,000 Grafts Hair Transplant?
An 8,000 grafts hair transplant might be needed if you’re on Norwood stage 6-7 and have experienced extensive baldness.
It can extend all the way to the back of the crown, and you might only be left with a strip of hair at the back and on the sides of your scalp.
Is It Safe To Get 8,000 Grafts Hair Transplant?
The safety of an 8,000 grafts hair transplant might come down to the surgeon performing the procedure. If they’re unaware of the number of grafts that can be safely extracted from the donor area, they can end up causing permanent damage.
You can end up with visible scarring and bald, patchy areas that won’t grow new hair (known as overharvesting), among experiencing other potential complications of this surgery.
Your surgeon also needs to be very experienced in performing such surgeries as they have to be careful in not just extracting the grafts but also managing them so as to not have a negative impact on their survival.
But before any of that, they have to rightfully assess whether or not your donor area can even give you that many grafts. Otherwise, the surgery might not give you satisfactory results.
How Much Does 8,000 Grafts Hair Transplant Cost?
In the UK, where a single hair graft can cost around £3, a hair transplant with 8,000 grafts can cost you £24,000 or more. But keep in mind that price can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the expertise of your surgeon and the location of their clinic.
In Turkey, on the other hand, where a single hair graft might cost you around £1, the same surgery might cost you £8,000; although, some, like us, also offer fixed prices, regardless of the number of grafts. Other than that, since the procedure is likely to be divided into multiple sessions, you’ll also have to factor in the additional cost of flights.
Still, Turkey can be quite affordable because of the lower cost of living and exchange rate. But, that doesn’t mean you should go for the cheapest possible treatment plan, as it’s extremely important that you find an experienced surgeon for such a procedure.
Conclusion
An 8,000 grafts hair transplant isn’t exactly like other hair transplants. That’s because, for one, your scalp might not even have enough grafts to donate to your bald spots. Still, such a procedure may be done through different methods.
But no matter where you’re getting this surgery, make sure to do your research to find someone experienced. Importantly, check the before and after images of such patients to see the results for yourself and discuss all the pros and cons with your surgeon beforehand. It will help you make a more informed decision.
