5 months post op - Will my donor area improve? (photos)

Question

I have had a FUE hair transplant in Oct 2018 for my hairline (1500 grafts). It's been 5 months and my concern is with my donor area. My donor area though recovered, i can see some bald patches and it is somewhat visible.Photos attached The right side is more visible and people can make out that something is amiss. My question is since i am 5 months over my procedure, will my donor area improve or will it remain the same?? my doctor said it will improve.

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. As for the donor area, some patients choose to conceal the donor depleted area with Scalp Micropigmentation, a medical grade tattoo.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello, I can see you aren’t feeling very good right now about your results and I can understand why. It could be that your donor area was over-harvested or it could be due to shock loss. Either way I would advise you to contact the surgeon that performed your procedure. If you don’t get adequate answers please feel free to contact me. Good luck.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Your donor area looks thin in spots  This is probably either due to overharvesting in those areas or telogen effluvium, caused when the remaining follicles shed.  If it's due to overharvesting it likely won't improve.  If telogen effluvium it should get better over the next few months.  If your doctor examined the area with magnification and saw new hairs coming in, it probably will improve.

Amit Gupta, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello there and thank you for your question. I understand you’re disappointment with the extreme thinning in the donor area post your hair transplant done by FUE Technique, unfortunately the hair that are missing right now and going to be missed forever as if it seems to be over harvested. Over harvesting is a side effect of FUE and sorry to say this is not recoverable. Please note: especially when ever we are considering a large number of follicles / grafts then it is advised opt for combination or FUT +  FUE technique. Thank you and connect with your surgeon in person to understand the alternatives at the moment.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

At 5 months, the donor site is fully recovered and if there are bald spots, i suspect that you may have it over-harvested. See your surgeon

5 months post op - Will my donor area improve? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Over Harvest of Grafts

Answer: Over Harvest of Grafts

Answer: 5 months

Answer: 5 months

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.

5 months post op - Will my donor area improve? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Over Harvest of Grafts

Answer: Over Harvest of Grafts

Answer: 5 months

Answer: 5 months

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.