Getting a hair transplant to help address thinning hair or balding might seem like the perfect solution, but it does not always end up that way. Some patients are finding that they suffer from a condition called donor area alopecia. This is caused by the over-harvesting of donor hair… which is sadly common in overseas hair transplants.
What Is Hair Transplant Overharvesting?
According to this study from the International Society of Hair Restoration Specialists, the problem occurs when a person has repeated hair replacement surgeries and the donor hair is harvested from the same area. While the scar for each follicle (or set of follicles) harvested is very small, the ever-increasing number of scars builds up to the point that the area can no longer grow hair.
Essentially, each little nick becomes a source of stress and strain to the skin and hair system, leading the body to shed the hair in the remaining follicles as though the hair had progressed naturally to the telogen – or shedding – phase. “Commonly referred as donor shock loss, it can be seen above and below the line of incision but is usually temporary, and full recovery is almost always seen in the following 3–4 months,” one study explained.
In essence, it becomes a death of a thousand cuts. Donor hair effluvium or shock loss is not common and post-surgery topical treatments can help.
Can You Fix an Overharvested Donor Area?
When an area is over-harvested (from either a single follicular unit extraction surgery or many of them), the ability of your scalp – specifically the donor area – to recover is going to be largely dependent on the extent of the damage. If your hair was over-harvested in a single surgery or your body shed the hair in the donor area because of the shock of the surgery, you will likely see the hair in that part of the scalp regrowing about the same time your new implants start to grow.
According to Penn Medicine: “Much of the transplanted hair will shed within a month. Approximately three months later (90 to 100 days), new hair starts to grow and continues to grow at a normal rate. About six months after a hair transplant session, the transplanted hairs begin to take on a natural appearance and will continue to grow for a lifetime.”
By that time, the scars in the donor area should have almost disappeared and be hidden within your hairline. As noted previously, your doctor may suggest topical medications to help with the regrowth. It is also vital that you follow all the post-operative instructions regarding the care of your scalp.
How Do You Prevent Overharvesting of Hair Grafts?
The best way to prevent overharvesting of hair grafts is to remain with the same surgical team throughout your hair transplant journey. This study from the National Institutes of Health shows that many surgeons find it difficult to get exact data about where hair grafts were harvested from other surgeons. This can lead to a doctor choosing to take hair from scalp areas that are already damaged from previous harvesting.
Since this type of information is often not readily noted in medical records, one of the best ways to avoid a problem is to have the same people involved in any FUE treatment you plan to have done. Then, discuss with your physician what your harvesting options are and how to make sure that you do what is best for the health of your hair and scalp.
RHRLI Are Experts in Addressing & Correcting Bad Transplants From Other Practices
When you make the decision to trust RHRLI with your hair, we pay attention… and that means knowing where you previously donated from. Whether this is your first hair transplant, or you have seen someone else first, we will do the research to help avoid additional hair loss. To schedule a hair and scalp analysis, contact us today.