Donor area after 5 months - worried. (photos)

Question

Hey was wondering if someone can help me out I had a fue transplant 5 months ago all the transplanted area is growing well but my donor area is causing me worry I've attached pictures

David Deutsch, MD · Answer

By 5 months post procedure your donor area should look back to normal.It appears as if there has been overharvesting,although something like Alopecia Areata is a remote possibility.I would recommend following up with your surgeon.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Unfortunately you may be finding out that FUE is NOT a "scarless" surgery.  Your donor hair may have been over harvested.  You may also have a condition called Alopecia Areata.  It is difficult to tell with photos alone.Donor area should NOT look like this after a FUE.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

This is not the appearance that should be expected five months after FUE harvest- you need to have your surgeon evaluate the area.

Mehmet Resat Arpaci, MD · Answer

Unfortunately there is nothing can be done to fix this , According to the over graft extraction your donor area is damaged.the Donor area should back to be normal in 15 days to 1 month as maximum after the operation and if the scar last for more time that mean there is problem for sure .You have to go back to the doctor who did the HT operation and ask for explanation of this the best can be done is wait for another one month to see what improvement could happen to your donor area and then you have to see dermatologist to know what are the option for you .Best wishes in finding good solution for your problem

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You have classic donor site depletion resulting from over-harvesting the grafts for your donor density. The surgeon who did not did not know what he/she was doing and clearly pushed your donor area well beyond what the blood supply could support and probably what your original density was. Make sure that you do not have alopecia areata which could look like this

Jonathan Ballon, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Charlie,This could be the result of over harvesting and/or shock loss. Both are the result of removing a large number of follicles very close together. If the situation is slowly improving, it may continue to do so over the next few months; otherwise, most or all of that loss could be permanent. You should return to the doctor who did your transplant and ask if he or she has another explanation. Meanwhile, there might be some benefit from applying 5% minoxidil twice a day.Thanks for your question--I wish you the best of luck.Dr. Ballon

Donor area after 5 months - worried. (photos)

Answers (6)

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