
Technique Guide 2 min read
Crown (Vertex) Hair Transplant: Restoring the Top of Your Head
Crown transplants require special expertise — here's what makes them different.
Why Crown Transplants Are Different
The crown (vertex) area presents unique challenges for hair transplant surgeons:
Whirl pattern: Hair on the crown grows in a spiral pattern (the 'whorl'). Grafts must be placed at precise angles to match this natural pattern, or the result will look unnatural.
Larger area: The crown is a relatively large area that requires more grafts for adequate coverage compared to the hairline.
Visibility: The crown is visible from above and behind — angles that are harder to control than the front-facing hairline.
Ongoing loss: The crown is often the last area to stabilise in male pattern baldness. Transplanting too early can result in a 'halo' effect as surrounding hair continues to thin.
Density perception: The crown is harder to make look dense because hair lies flatter against the scalp (unlike the hairline where hair stands up more).
Graft Requirements
Crown transplants typically require:
Small crown area (early thinning): 1,000-1,500 grafts
Moderate crown baldness: 1,500-2,500 grafts
Large crown area: 2,500-3,500 grafts
Extensive crown + mid-scalp: 3,000-4,500 grafts
Many surgeons recommend addressing the hairline first (if needed) and the crown second, because:
- The hairline has the biggest visual impact
- Crown hair loss may still be progressing
- You can assess your donor supply after the first session
Best Approach
For crown transplants, most surgeons recommend:
FUE technique: Allows precise placement at the correct angles for the whorl pattern.
Conservative density: Start with moderate density and add more in a second session if needed. Over-transplanting the crown can deplete your donor supply.
Medication: Finasteride is particularly important for crown transplant patients because the crown is the area most affected by ongoing DHT-related hair loss.
Realistic expectations: The crown is harder to achieve 'full coverage' compared to the hairline. Discuss realistic outcomes with your surgeon.
Cost for Canadians
Crown transplant costs in Turkey depend on the number of grafts:
- 1,000-1,500 grafts: $2,000-$3,500 CAD
- 1,500-2,500 grafts: $2,500-$4,500 CAD
- 2,500-3,500 grafts: $3,000-$5,500 CAD
Many patients combine hairline and crown work in a single session (3,000-4,500 grafts total), which is more cost-effective than two separate trips.
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