Graft survival rate is the percentage of transplanted hair follicles that successfully establish blood supply and produce new hair growth. Here are the most common questions patients ask about this critical metric.
What is a normal graft survival rate?
A well-performed hair transplant (FUE, FUT, or DHI) achieves 90-95% graft survival when performed by an experienced surgeon with proper graft handling protocols. This means that for every 1,000 grafts transplanted, 900-950 will produce permanent hair growth. Rates below 85% indicate potential issues with surgical technique, graft storage, or aftercare compliance.
What factors affect graft survival the most?
Five factors have the greatest impact on whether your grafts survive:
| Factor | Impact Level | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon skill and involvement | Very High | Surgeon personally extracts and places grafts |
| Graft out-of-body time | High | Under 2 hours is ideal; over 4 hours is concerning |
| Storage solution quality | High | HypoThermosol or ATP-supplemented solutions at 4 degrees C |
| Patient aftercare compliance | Moderate-High | Following post-op instructions exactly for 14 days |
| Smoking and blood flow | Moderate | Nicotine reduces survival by 10-15% |
Review the detailed graft survival rates guide for a deeper breakdown of each factor.
When do transplanted grafts start growing?
Transplanted hair follows a predictable timeline. Most grafts shed their initial hair shaft within 2-4 weeks after surgery. This shedding is normal and expected. New growth begins at months 3-4, with visible improvement by month 6. Final density is typically reached at 12-18 months post-procedure.
Can I improve graft survival after surgery?
Yes. Patient behavior during the first 14 days significantly affects outcomes:
- Do not touch, scratch, or rub the recipient area for at least 10 days
- Sleep elevated at a 45-degree angle for the first week to reduce swelling
- Avoid exercise and heavy lifting for 2-3 weeks
- Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery
- Take prescribed medications including antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
- Use the spray bottle provided by your clinic rather than running water over new grafts
Does the transplant method affect survival rates?
FUE, FUT, and DHI all achieve the same 90-95% survival rate when performed correctly. The method choice affects scarring, recovery time, and cost rather than graft viability. FUE recovery takes 7-10 days. FUT requires 10-14 days. DHI recovery matches FUE at 7-10 days.
How many grafts do I actually need?
Graft requirements depend on your Norwood stage:
| Norwood Stage | Grafts Needed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | 800-1,500 | Slight temple recession |
| Norwood 3 | 1,500-2,200 | Deep temple recession, M-shape |
| Norwood 3V | 2,000-2,800 | Temple recession with vertex thinning |
| Norwood 4 | 2,500-3,500 | Further recession, enlarged vertex |
| Norwood 5 | 3,000-4,500 | Front and vertex nearly connected |
| Norwood 6 | 4,000-6,000 | Bridge between areas lost |
| Norwood 7 | 5,500-7,500 | Most extensive loss pattern |
Get an objective assessment of your stage with the free tool at myhairline.ai/analyze before consulting with any clinic.
What happens if graft survival is low?
Low graft survival (below 80%) results in patchy, uneven coverage that often requires revision surgery. Revision procedures cost as much as or more than the original surgery. Patients who research clinics independently have 45% lower revision rates, which makes pre-surgery research one of the most cost-effective steps you can take.
Watch for hair transplant clinic warning signs during your consultation process.
Does PRP therapy help graft survival?
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy has been shown to increase hair density by 30-40% in clinical studies. Some surgeons use PRP during the transplant procedure itself to enhance graft viability. PRP costs $500-2,000 per session. It is not a replacement for proper surgical technique, but it can provide a meaningful boost when combined with a well-performed procedure.
Can medications protect my transplanted hair?
Transplanted follicles are genetically resistant to DHT (the hormone that causes male pattern baldness), so they do not need medication to survive. However, finasteride (1mg daily) protects your remaining native hair from further loss. It halts progression in 80-90% of users, and 65% experience some regrowth. Side effects affect 2-4% of users and are reversible upon stopping. Minoxidil (applied twice daily) supports 40-60% of users with moderate regrowth of native hair.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified hair restoration surgeon for personalized recommendations.
FAQ
How do I find a reputable hair transplant clinic?
Use ISHRS and ABHRS directories to verify surgeon credentials. Ask clinics for published graft survival data and request before/after photos from patients at your Norwood stage. Read reviews on independent forums rather than relying solely on the clinic's own testimonials.
What credentials should a hair transplant surgeon have?
Board certification in dermatology or plastic surgery, plus ISHRS membership or ABHRS certification. Surgeons with fellowship training in hair restoration and annual volumes above 150 procedures maintain the sharpest skills and most consistent outcomes.
How do I know if before/after photos are real?
Authentic photos use standardized clinical photography with identical lighting, camera angle, and distance at every time point. Ask for 12-month and 18-month results, not just early post-op photos. Request to see multiple patients at your Norwood stage, not just one exceptional case.