Hair loss in men often begins subtly—usually at the hairline or crown—and progresses over time, often unnoticed until a significant amount of hair is lost. For this 31-year-old male, the issue was Norwood 3 Vertex: a type of male pattern hair loss that affects both the temples and crown (vertex), giving the classic “M-shape” with visible scalp exposure at the back.
This case study details how a SMART™ FUE Hair Transplant Malaysia using 2,500 grafts successfully reversed visible thinning and restored volume in just 8 months—with natural, undetectable results.
Patient Profile
Name: Mr. R (identity protected)
Age: 31
Diagnosis: Norwood 3 Vertex
Hair Loss Zones: Receding frontal hairline, crown thinning
Hair Type: Black, straight, medium thickness
Donor Area: Occipital and parietal regions (back and sides of scalp)
Mr. R had begun experiencing noticeable hair thinning at the age of 27. Over the next few years, the hairline receded further at the temples, and crown thinning became more apparent in photos and harsh lighting. His main concern was the loss of density at the crown and uneven hairline recession, which gave him an aged appearance.
Why SMART™ FUE?
SMART™ FUE (Scalp Micro-Advanced Restoration Technique) is a next-generation form of FUE hair transplantation, designed for:
Higher graft survival rates (up to 95%)
Minimal trauma during extraction
Micro-angled implantation for natural hair growth direction
Ideal for multi-zone hair loss, including temples, mid-scalp, and vertex
No linear scars and fast recovery time
For Mr. R, SMART™ FUE hair transplant was chosen to address two key areas: frontal hairline enhancement and crown restoration in one single session.
Consultation & Treatment Plan – Hair Transplant
During his consultation, a full trichoscopy and scalp mapping were performed. Key findings:
Hairline recession was symmetrical with deep temple loss
Crown showed diffuse thinning (~30% density remaining)
Donor area was healthy and dense (85–90 grafts/cm²)
Treatment Plan:
2,500 grafts total
1,200 grafts for frontal hairline and temple fill-in
1,300 grafts for crown density restoration
Density goal: 40–45 grafts/cm²
Goal: Seamless integration of new grafts with natural hair to avoid detection
Procedure Summary
Duration: 8 hours (1-day outpatient session)
Anaesthesia: Local
Team: Lead hair restoration surgeon + 2 technicians
Tools Used: 0.8 mm micro-punch, sapphire blade
Procedure Steps:
Hairline design and crown whorl mapping
Graft extraction from occipital region using SMART™ FUE
Graft sorting under microscope (singles for hairline, doubles/triples for crown)
Recipient site creation with sapphire blade at natural angles
Implantation with custom implanters for optimal depth and direction
Recovery Timeline
Day 1–3: Minor swelling at forehead, redness around implanted zones
Day 4–7: Formation of small scabs; gentle cleaning recommended
Week 3: Shock loss phase (temporary graft shedding—normal)
Month 3–4: Early signs of regrowth, especially in the hairline
Month 6: Visible thickening in crown and temples
Month 8: Significant density achieved, crown almost fully blended
8-Month Results
Mr. R returned for follow-up at the 8-month mark and was extremely satisfied with the outcome. Results were natural-looking, with even density and a restored youthful profile.
| Area | Before Transplant | After 8 Months |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal Hairline | M-shaped recession, poor definition | Strong contour, natural temple restoration |
| Crown | Thinning with visible scalp | 80% coverage, volume restored |
| Styling | Wore hair forward to cover loss | Open styling with fade haircut |
| Confidence | Avoided mirrors, photos | More social, improved self-esteem |
Patient Feedback
“I honestly didn’t expect to see this much growth in 8 months. The crown looks amazing, and my hairline actually suits my face now. SMART™ FUE was worth every cent.”
Post-Procedure Maintenance
Shampoo regimen: Mild, sulfate-free
No finasteride taken due to personal preference
PRP boosters advised every 6 months for longevity
Follow-up review scheduled at 12 months
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is 8 months enough to see full results?
Not yet full, but 70–80% of the result is visible by month 8. Most patients see final density and texture maturity by 12 months.
2. Can SMART™ FUE fix both crown and hairline in one session?
✅ Yes. With adequate donor grafts, SMART™ FUE can restore multiple zones (e.g., temples + crown) in a single sitting with balanced results.
3. Is the crown more difficult to treat than the front?
Yes. The crown requires more grafts for visual density due to spiral hair patterns, but with SMART™ FUE, results can still be excellent.
4. How do I know if I’m a candidate for 2,500 grafts?
It depends on your hair loss level, donor area density, and goals. A specialist consultation is needed to assess your suitability.
5. Are the results permanent?
✅ Yes. The transplanted hair is resistant to DHT and, once grown, remains for life, behaving like natural hair in every way.
Conclusion
Mr. R’s case illustrates the effectiveness of SMART™ FUE Hair Transplant for Norwood 3 Vertex hair loss, even with just 2,500 grafts. In only 8 months, he gained a complete transformation—not only in appearance but also in confidence and quality of life.
If you’re noticing thinning at the crown and temples, or want to take proactive steps before hair loss worsens, SMART™ FUE offers a minimally invasive, natural-looking, and permanent solution.