The industry standard for FUE graft survival is 90 to 95%. Tracking your personal graft survival rate tells you whether your surgeon's technique and your post-operative care delivered results within that benchmark. Here is exactly how to measure it.
What Is Graft Survival Rate?
Graft survival rate is the percentage of transplanted follicular units that successfully establish blood supply and produce new hair growth. If your surgeon placed 2,000 grafts and 1,800 survive to produce hair, your graft survival rate is 90%.
This single metric is the most important indicator of surgical outcome quality. It captures the combined effect of surgeon skill, graft handling, and your post-operative care.
| Survival Rate | Assessment | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | Excellent | None, optimal result |
| 90 to 95% | Good, within standard | None, expected outcome |
| 85 to 90% | Acceptable | Monitor, discuss at follow-up |
| 80 to 85% | Below average | Consult surgeon, review causes |
| Below 80% | Poor outcome | Seek second opinion |
Step 1: Document Your Pre-Operative Graft Map
Your surgeon should provide a graft placement map after the procedure. This document shows how many grafts were placed in each zone of the recipient area. Request the following details:
- Total graft count
- Zone-by-zone breakdown (hairline, mid-scalp, crown)
- Average graft density per square centimeter for each zone
- Number of single, double, and triple-hair grafts used
Save this document. It becomes the denominator in your survival rate calculation. Without it, you cannot measure graft survival with precision.
Step 2: Establish Your Baseline Density
Before or immediately after surgery, take standardized photos of each recipient zone. These photos serve as your zero-point reference. Use consistent lighting, distance (30cm from the scalp), and camera settings.
Mark specific reference points on your scalp using small dots of surgical marker or by identifying natural landmarks (moles, scars). These reference points help you photograph the exact same area at each tracking interval.
Step 3: Track Monthly Density Changes
Follow this schedule for tracking photos:
- Month 1: Document shock shedding. Most transplanted hairs fall out between weeks 2 and 4. This is expected and does not indicate graft failure.
- Month 3: Look for the first signs of new growth. Fine, light-colored hairs should begin emerging.
- Month 6: Significant new growth should be visible. Take density measurements of each zone.
- Month 9: Hair caliber thickens. Density continues increasing.
- Month 12: Take final density measurements. This is your primary assessment point.
Upload each set of photos to myhairline.ai for automated density analysis. The AI compares pixel-level density changes across your tracking timeline.
Step 4: Calculate Your Graft Survival Rate
At 12 months, you have the data needed for calculation. There are two methods.
Method 1: Density comparison. Compare your 12-month density reading (follicular units per square centimeter) against the expected density from your surgeon's placement map. If your surgeon placed 40 grafts per square centimeter in a zone and your 12-month reading shows 37, your survival rate for that zone is approximately 92.5%.
Method 2: Hair count estimation. Count visible hairs in a defined area at 12 months. Divide by the expected hair count (grafts placed multiplied by 2.2 average hairs per graft). This gives an approximate survival percentage.
For example: 2,000 grafts placed, each averaging 2.2 hairs = 4,400 expected hairs. If density analysis estimates 4,000 visible hairs, your survival rate is approximately 91%.
Step 5: Interpret Your Results
Your calculated survival rate falls into one of the categories in the table above. Here is what to do with each result.
90% and above: Your procedure performed within the clinical standard. Continue tracking through month 18 for final maturation, as some grafts produce growth later than the 12-month mark.
85 to 90%: This is on the lower end of acceptable. Factors that can contribute include smoking, poor nutrition, sun exposure, or returning to vigorous exercise too early. Discuss with your surgeon whether adjunct treatments like PRP ($500 to $2,000 per session) or minoxidil (40 to 60% regrowth efficacy) could improve density.
Below 85%: Schedule a consultation with your surgeon. Bring your complete tracking dataset. Possible causes include:
- Graft desiccation during the procedure (grafts left outside the body too long)
- Poor recipient site blood supply
- Post-operative infection
- Mechanical trauma to grafts during early recovery
- Underlying conditions affecting healing
Common Factors That Affect Graft Survival
Understanding these factors helps you maximize your survival rate through proper post-operative care.
Surgeon technique. The extraction method, graft handling protocol, and implantation speed all affect survival. Experienced surgeons who limit out-of-body time achieve higher rates consistently.
Post-operative care. Following your surgeon's instructions during the first 14 days is critical. Avoid touching grafts, sleep elevated, and protect the recipient area from sun and physical impact.
Medications. Finasteride (80 to 90% efficacy at halting further loss) and minoxidil can support the transplanted area and protect existing native hair around the grafts.
Nutrition and health. Adequate protein intake, hydration, and avoiding smoking during recovery directly influence graft survival.
Tracking Beyond 12 Months
Some grafts continue maturing through month 18. If your 12-month survival rate is borderline (85 to 90%), take additional measurements at months 15 and 18 before making final assessments. Late-growing grafts can add 5 to 10% to your measured density.
FAQ
How do I calculate my FUE graft survival rate from my tracking data?
Divide the number of visible growing hairs at 12 months by the total grafts placed, then multiply by the average hairs per graft (2.2). Compare your post-op density per square centimeter against the expected density from your surgeon's graft placement map. A simpler method: upload your 12-month photos to myhairline.ai for automated density analysis.
What graft survival rate indicates a successful FUE procedure?
The industry standard for a successful FUE procedure is 90 to 95% graft survival. Rates above 85% are considered acceptable. Anything below 80% suggests a potential issue with surgical technique, post-operative care, or graft handling that warrants discussion with your surgeon.
Should I discuss my graft survival data with my surgeon if the rate is below 85%?
Yes. A graft survival rate below 85% is below the accepted clinical benchmark. Bring your tracking photos and density data to a follow-up appointment. Possible causes include poor graft handling, inadequate blood supply, infection, or premature physical activity during recovery.
Start tracking your FUE graft survival rate today. Upload your post-operative photos at myhairline.ai/analyze to get your personalized density analysis.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before making treatment decisions.