Hair transplantation offers a solution for individuals experiencing hair loss by redistributing healthy hair follicles to thinning or balding areas. A crucial component of this procedure involves the “donor area,” which serves as the source of these follicles. Understanding what happens to this area after a transplant, particularly regarding whether the hair within it regrows, is a common concern.
Understanding the Donor Area
The donor area refers to the region of the scalp from which hair follicles are harvested for transplantation. This area is typically located at the back and sides of the head. It is chosen due to the genetic resistance of its hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone primarily responsible for common pattern baldness. The donor area’s quality and quantity of hair are important factors influencing the outcome of the transplant.
The Core Question: Does Hair Grow Back?
The hair removed from the donor area during a hair transplant procedure does not grow back from the exact spot it was extracted. This is because the entire follicular unit, which is the structure responsible for producing hair, is extracted during the process. However, the overall appearance of the donor area can regain density over time as surrounding hair grows and conceals the extraction sites.
Why Hair Doesn’t Regrow
The absence of regrowth from extracted sites stems from the fundamental differences in the two primary hair transplant techniques: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). In Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), individual follicular units are extracted directly from the scalp using a small punch tool. This process removes the entire hair-producing structure. The FUE method leaves behind tiny, circular extraction sites that are less than 1mm in size.
Alternatively, Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), sometimes known as strip surgery, involves surgically removing a thin strip of skin containing hair follicles from the donor area. This strip is then dissected under a microscope into individual follicular units for transplantation. The incision is then sutured closed, resulting in a linear scar. In both FUE and FUT, the extracted hair follicles are permanently removed from their original location.
What to Expect: Donor Area Appearance and Healing
Following a hair transplant, the donor area undergoes a healing process that varies between FUE and FUT techniques. For FUE, small scabs or red dots typically appear at the extraction sites. These scabs usually fall off naturally within 7 to 10 days, and redness often subsides within the first week. The small marks left by FUE extractions are generally discreet and become nearly invisible as the surrounding hair grows.
With FUT, a linear scar forms where the strip of skin was removed and sutured. Stitches are typically removed after 10-14 days. While this scar is permanent, it is often well-hidden by the surrounding hair, especially if worn at a grade 4 length or longer.
The donor area may experience temporary numbness, mild discomfort, or tightness immediately after the procedure. These sensations usually subside within a few days to weeks. Responsible harvesting during the procedure is important to maintain the overall density and natural appearance of the donor area. Post-operative care for the donor area typically involves keeping the area clean, avoiding direct sun exposure, and refraining from strenuous activities for a period. The initial healing period for the donor area is usually about two weeks, with complete healing and scar maturation taking several months.