How long does it take for donor area to blend in with the rest of the hair? (Photos)

Question

I had a FUE transplant of 2700 grafts from the back of the head to the hairline, it's been 2.5 weeks and the harvested strip is still very visible in all lighting. At what point should I expect a natural looking result in the back of the head? I have very fine hair (in diameter) and pale skin so I am wondering if this is taking longer than normal. My recipient area is getting noticeably less red so I am not too concerned about that.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you are having issues after your surgery, the best person to ask is your surgeon who knows the specifics of your surgery.
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.Shock loss is always a risk and it is difficult to assess this on the Internet or with photos.  You need a before and after comparison. You need an examination.

Sara Salas, MD · Answer

Well you may have some shockloss and there is still time for the donor to be ok because you are only 2 weeks out. SHave your scalp evenly and then wait to see how it looks. If it is still thin you may have shockloss. Wait 3 months. If it is still this then consider SMP.

Michael Vories, MD · Answer

One of two things have happened:1. Your donor area was over-harvested, in which the only recourse is SMP to try to get the donor area to blend in the the non-harvested areas.2. You are experiencing shock loss in the donor area, which over the next few months should improve as the hair that went dormant will re-appear.Hopefully it is the latter, and only time (the next 4-6 months) will tell.

Justin Rome, MD · Answer

Depending on your donor density before the procedure, harvesting 2700 grafts can lead to uneven growth in the donor zone compared to surrounding virgin area.  You should wait 6 to 9 months to see if any more hair grows in.  There is a method called scalp micropigmentation that can be done to the donor area to give the illusion of thickness if the thinner donor area causes a problem for you.

Robert Jones, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Hi,In most patients, 2 to 3 weeks is enough for the donor to blend in to the rest of the hair. Usually I taper the edges of the donor area so there is less of a stark line between the harvested area and the non harvested area.  Book a follow up with your doctor in a month or so so he can assess your situation. Your hair appears fine in these pictures, which makes you more prone to over harvesting,Dr. Robert Jones

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Using SmartGraft the donor site has 1mm areas where the hair follicle was removed.  These heal within 1 week.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Take a look at the chart below. Harvesting the donor area with FUE has limits tied to your original donor density. If your original donor density was low, then 2700 FUE grafts will never blend with the hair in the back of your head. Now, to answer that question, you need to have your present residual donor density measured as that will give you the answer, or wait 6 months and see what grows out.

How long does it take for donor area to blend in with the rest of the hair? (Photos)

Answers (7)