Hey Thomas, I tried to view your pics at the link you provided but for some reason would not allow me to view so feel free to e-mail your pics to me if you can.
Guys, possibly I can shed some light on the estimation of grafts thing. If the goal is to restore a surface area of one square inch, let's do the math. Most if not all hair transplant doctors measure the recipient area by centimeters, and keep in mind the new grafts will slightly impede into the natural hair that neighbors the recipient area where the new grafts are being placed. So in reality the surface area might end up being 1.5 X 1.5 inches = 2.25 or 5.6 centimeters. With average hair characteristics (caliper) and density, most docs may inform you that average density is approximately 80-90 FUs per 2cm. They may further inform you that achieving half of your density will provide a good illusion of coverage. So for analysis purposes we can say the goal then would be approximately 45 grafts per cm2. From our example, 5.6 cm (total surface area) X 45 = 253 grafts. Also keep in mind that if the recipient surface area is situated at the hairline, lots of single hair grafts are utilized in order to attain a natural appearance. Take the 253 number X 2 = 506 "if" the goal is to mildly restore the recession in the temporal areas (both sides). The average cost per graft is approximately $4.00 unless one is considering doing FUE which IMO might be the best way to approach such a small recipient area. So the math comes to roughly $2,000 for FUT or roughly $4000 for FUE.
I personally would not consider a FUT procedure for something that small, in fact I would hold off any surgery entirely to really get a gauge on where my genetic hairloss is ultimately heading. Obviously considering family history for male pattern baldness would also be prudent. Further consideration to a medicinal regimen namely Propecia and minoxidil can help to slow down the effects of male pattern baldness as many of us know.
We all need to be careful on where we situate our hairlines simply because once surgical hair restoration is started, we are then committed to it as we chase the hairloss behind our hairlines and other transplanted areas. UNTIL cloning, hair multiplication, scalp impregnation etc, etc, becomes viable, we ALL have LIMITATIONS in our donor supply. There is never enough to cover the "entire top surface" of our scalps and that is why the medications, the recommended "mature situated" hairlines, toning down density levels, etc are in the patients' best interest.
The best initial approach is comprehensive education on every aspect of male pattern baldness and prudent consideration of all of the treatments recommended by the reputable hair transplant doctors and dermatologists. An "in person" evaluation by the doctor is inevitable and most do not charge for the consultation. Best wishes!