What can I do for low hair density in donor area 10 weeks after FUE? (photos)

Question

Hello, I am a doctor, I have done FUE technique 10 weeks ago, with 5100 hair follicles in one set under 8 hours.After the operation, had severe redness continued for 8 wks. Now the low density in the donor area continues without improvement. I use Minoxidil, Haarex multivitamins and serum regularly.I do not want to use Finasteride tablets because of possible side effects. What can I do to improve the donor area?Just to wait?When should I move for a correction of the donor area? Thanks in advance.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Your donor area will always look "thinner" proportionate to the number of hairs taken out after a FUE harvesting surgery.  The hairs will NOT grow back from the donor area (where it was taken).  If it all goes to plan the donor hairs will grow in the area it was transplanted.

Thomas Nakatsui, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

At this point, there are two main possibilities: the donor area was over-harvested or you have shock loss in the donor area. Shock loss in the donor area happens occasionally and hopefully this is the reason for the thinned appearance. 
At this point, it is best to give this another 4-10 months to see if this improves spontaneously. If not, you may need to consider scalp micro-pigmentation to camouflage the affected areas. 
The last option might be to carefully transplant FUE grafts from other areas into the depleted areas and refill them but this might require quite a few grafts. 
Dr. Thomas Nakatsuu

Anthony Bared, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears you have focal areas of alopecia given the large number of grafts that were obtained in one procedure.  It is still early in the healing process and some of the areas may have experienced shock loss.  You can give it some more time to allow for the hair in the donor area to regrow and if you feel that the donor area continues to appear depletd you may want to consider scalp micropigmentation.

William Woessner, MD · Answer

In FUE transplants the only donor area that may grow are resected hair bulbs i.e. - errors in graft excisions. Having had 5100 hair follicles removed, it is very possible you may have permanent low density in certain portions of the donor area. Consult ISHRS.org (take link to finesteride) to get honest "pros and cons" of it. Using minoxidil and finesteride may help the donor area.

Justin Rome, MD · Answer

I would wait until the 6 month mark to see if any of the hair was loss due to shock loss.  If density doesn't get better you should consider SMP (Scam Micropigmentation) to fill in the scarring that could camouflage the donor area.

What can I do for low hair density in donor area 10 weeks after FUE? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Low hair density after FUE

Answer: Low hair density after FUE

Answer: Donor density

Answer: Donor density

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What can I do for low hair density in donor area 10 weeks after FUE? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Low hair density after FUE

Answer: Low hair density after FUE

Answer: Donor density

Answer: Donor density

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.