Hair Transplant Donor Area

Hair Transplant Donor Area

While there are several different types of hair transplant, they all follow roughly the same procedure: transplanted hair follicles are first removed from a donor site before being implanted into the balding area. The final results of hair transplant surgery are ultimately dependent on the quality and quantity of hair in the donor area.

What Areas Are Used For Donor Hair?

For both men and women choosing to undergo a hair transplant, the first step is to define the specific donor area. The most common site for extraction is the back of the head, as the hairs here are generally the thickest, most resilient hairs on the head. Additionally, hair removed from here can be easily hidden by the remaining hair. In extreme cases, it is also possible to extract hairs from the beard area as well as body hair may potentially be used as donor sites. This, however, is typically a last resort as these hairs are generally of a different texture or colour than the scalp hair.

How Many Grafts Can Be Taken From The Donor Area?

The success of any hair transplant procedure ultimately depends on the density, volume, and health of the hair in the donor area. As such, each patients’ options will be unique. Having denser hair allows for the removal of more hair follicles without altering the appearance of the donor site following the operation. Several additional factors may impact the number of hair grafts that can be removed, these include:

  • Skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis
  • Layers of fat in the nape of the neck due to excess weight
  • Patients who have previously undergone a FUT hair transplant may have a linear scar on the donor area. This could have a negative impact on the number of grafts available.
  • Patients with thick curly hair may have a lower number of hair follicles available, both overall and for transplant.

During your free consultation, your hair transplant surgeon will evaluate all factors to determine the best course of treatment for you.

How Can I Care For the Donor Area Post-Op?

After your procedure, your doctor will provide you with a special medication for use on the donor area, as well as specific instructions for use. Soak a few pieces of gauze in the solution and place them on the donor area twice daily for 30 to 60 minutes. This will ensure that the area remains hydrated and heals smoothly. You will also be given a medicated ointment to apply to the area several times a day for the next several days. A small amount of bleeding is normal over the 24-48 hours after a hair transplant surgery, simply dab at it with sterile gauze.

How Long Does The Donor Area Need To Heal?

Following any hair transplant surgery, there are several minor symptoms that will need to be addressed over the ensuing days and weeks. Immediately after the procedure, the donor area will be covered with a bandage, when it is removed, several small holes will be visible in the skin. The main symptoms experienced in the donor area following a hair transplant surgery are:

  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Scabbing
  • Mild pain

All of these side-effects will naturally disappear over the next 7-14 days.

After a month any remaining pain or sensitivity will subside and the hair will begin to regrow.

After two months much of the donor area will be covered and few visible signs of the operation will remain.

After a ear the donor area will have returned to normal.

Does The Donor Area Regrow Hair?

Yes and no. The donor area is chosen as it has the highest density and volume of healthy hair follicles. During follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant surgery, thousands of these are extracted to be implanted into the recipient site. Therefore, you will have fewer hairs remaining in the donor area. However, the removed hair grafts are spread out and specially chosen so as not to be noticeable once the remaining hair has grown back. The remaining hair will be slightly less dense, though the degree of this depends on each patient’s specific case.

Get Your Free Consultation

In order to evaluate your donor area, book a full free consultation at the Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic. Our world-class hair transplant surgeons will fully assess your needs and treatment options. We are industry leaders in DHI and Sapphire FUE hair transplants. Our all-inclusive packages cover a full suite of aftercare including PRP treatment, LLLT laser hair therapy, follow-up consultations, and all required medications to guarantee a full, healthy recovery.

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