Was my donor area over harvested? It is 1 month after surgery 3500 grafts were extracted. (photos)

Question

I feel like some areas might be overharvested ? Hoping to be proven wrong

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.
Scalp Micropigmentation is a medical grade tattoo that some patients may choose to undergo after an FUE to conceal any scars.

Munir Somji, BSc, MBBS · Answer

Unfortunately it seems you were never a candidate for 3500 grafts. The donor area does seem to be depleted. My advice is to wait until 6 months post op and then see a reputable surgeon for correction.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hi, after looking at your photos I understand your concern. However, it is difficult to assess since you have not provided any “before” pictures. I will say that its not necessarily “over harvesting” it could be due to shock loss. I’m sure you aren’t feeling great about your procedure right now and telling you to wait isn’t going to make you feel any better. If you provide your before pictures I might be able to give your more information. Please feel free to contact me and I can discuss it further with you.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Your donor hair does look thin.  This could be due to overharvesting or due to telogen effluvium (shedding of hairs from remaining follicles).  If it is telogen effluvium you will see regrowth within a few months.  If not, scalp micropigmentation may help improve your appearance.

Tushar Kshirsagar, MBBS · Answer

While over harvesting is a real problem of improper technique while extraction process, donor area shock loss is also a very common phenomenon. The donor sites do seem a little larger than usual. However there is a real possiblity of donor hair shedding exactly like planted hairs are shed after hair transplant. I will wait for at least 6 months after FuE extraction to confirm whether this is over harvesting or donor area shock loss. If it's donor area shock loss, all areas will be covered in roughly 5-6 months time after hair transplant.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, it appears that there is over-harvesting above the donor area which suggests that the grafts that were removed were not only over-harvested but not taken from the donor area

Was my donor area over harvested? It is 1 month after surgery 3500 grafts were extracted. (photos)

Answers (6)

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