How Many Grafts to Fill in an Area the Size of a Quarter?

Dr. Rassman,

I have two specific questions for you:

1) How many grafts/what would the cost be to fill in a moderately thin area about the size of a quarter?
2) Do you have any suggestions for good, reputable doctors in Rhode Island?

And I have two non-specific answers for you:

1. A quarter sized area might take a variable amount of hair, depending upon where in the scalp it is located. It may possibly take between 100-200 grafts. Cost per graft varies per doctor, and many have a minimum fee for surgery. Without having your age, history, or really much information at all, it’s difficult to make recommendations — but assuming your thinning area is in the crown, you should talk to your doctor about Propecia or even getting some minoxidil (Rogaine). You might be able to avoid surgery altogether.
2. I don’t have any physician recommendations in RI, but if you don’t mind a little drive, Dr. Robert Bernstein is in Manhattan and he’s the best doctor on the East Coast. I would recommend him if you can manage a trip to New York. He should be able to do a telephone consultation with you by looking at good digital photographs, and then you can do it in one trip all in the same day.