A hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which follicular units, also known as grafts, are extracted from the so-called ‘donor area,’ which is usually located at the back of the head, and transplanted into bald spots in the recipient area. In most cases, the recipient area receives a lot of attention, while the donor area is often neglected.
The donor area must be thoroughly cared for after a hair transplant, as this is where the follicular units were extracted. Strict hygiene and care are crucial to accelerate the healing process after a hair transplant in the donor area and to prevent infections. Therefore, it is important not to neglect the donor area.
How the Donor Area is Selected for a Hair Transplant
In most cases, follicular units for a hair transplant are extracted from the back of the head. The reason for this is that the hair in this area is not affected by androgenetic alopecia. Hair taken from this area yields natural results and provides a large number of healthy hair follicles. The exact area is selected based on various criteria.
The donor area must be densely populated and have a sufficient number of follicular units for a hair transplant. The hair should be healthy and thick. If the number of hair follicles is insufficient or there is baldness at the back of the head, alternative donor areas are considered. Beard hair is in most cases a great alternative that also leads to natural results.
In rare cases, if there are not enough donor hairs on the back of the head or the beard, donor hairs are taken from various areas of the body. This can include hair from the chest or shoulders. Body hair differs in texture and thickness and is generally only used in the crown area. Since the available follicles from these areas are quite limited, only a few surgeons offer this option as an alternative.
The Donor Area After the Hair Transplant
In most cases, patients focus on the recipient area and the before-and-after results after a hair transplant. However, it is just as important to care for and monitor the donor area to avoid negatively impacting the healing process.
With the FUT method (Follicular Unit Transplantation), the wound in the donor area is closed with staples, which are removed after two weeks. The donor area is swollen and red in the first few days after the hair transplant. The scalp should only be gently cleaned with lukewarm water until the stitches are removed.
The more commonly used FUE method (Follicular Unit Excision) is less invasive, and grafts are extracted from the donor area using a hollow needle during a hair transplant. This creates small wounds that do not need to be stitched, and the healing process is quicker. The follicular units in the donor area can be extracted using the Perkutan method with special tweezers to speed up the healing process.
The DHI technique (Direct Hair Implantation) is an advanced procedure known for its precision and full control over the direction, depth, and angle of each graft. In the donor area, the hair canal is opened and the grafts are extracted and implanted in one step using a so-called Choi needle during the hair transplant.
Thanks to the minimally invasive approach of the DHI method, patients can return to their daily lives immediately compared to the FUT or FUE method. Minor redness, crusting, and itching can occur in the donor area after a hair transplant. These usually disappear within 7 to 10 days.
After a hair transplant, a phenomenon known as shock loss can occur around the donor area, where the hairs adjacent to the donor area fall out. In most cases, the hair around the donor area will grow back within six months. If gaps or small scars appear in or around the donor area, this can be addressed through micropigmentation.
How to Care for the Donor Area After a Hair Transplant
After the procedure, it is important to properly care for the donor area. Recovery after a hair transplant in the donor area typically takes around 14 days. You should avoid swimming pools, tanning beds, saunas, and strenuous activities during the healing phase to achieve the best before-and-after results. By following all your doctor’s instructions, the donor area should heal within the given timeframe.
It is crucial to carefully care for the donor area after a hair transplant. This involves several steps, and your hair clinic will provide the necessary advice and usually a care guide for the donor area. You should regularly wash the donor area with mild shampoo and a gentle conditioner.
It is best to use a shampoo that is specifically designed for post-hair transplant care in the donor area. Be sure not to use hot water; instead, wash the donor area with lukewarm water and a gentle stream. Carefully apply the shampoo without using your fingernails or scratching the scalp.
What to Do if the Donor Area Itches After a Hair Transplant?
To avoid negatively affecting the before-and-after results, you should not scratch, squeeze, or rub the donor area. This can damage the forming crusts and easily lead to inflammation.
You should also protect the treated areas from strong heat sources and sunlight. Therefore, it is advisable to wear a loose hat or other head covering when outside in the sun and to avoid sunbathing in the first few weeks.
You should adhere to this guideline even in cooler seasons to avoid overburdening the donor area after a hair transplant. Direct sunlight should be avoided for the first two weeks.
Following a hair transplant, you should use a neck pillow and sleep on your back in the initial weeks after the procedure. The neck pillow prevents contact with the head pillow, thereby avoiding the risk of pulling out hair follicles or damaging the transplanted areas.
Typically, the healing time with proper post-hair transplant care for the donor area is two weeks.
The Hair Alliance – We Help You Find the Right Clinic
Tired of dealing with the consequences of hair loss and considering a hair transplant? Then The Hair Alliance is the right place for you. We are a neutral comparison portal for hair clinics in Germany and abroad. Whether you decide on the FUT, DHI, or FUE method, we make your decision easier and regularly review the clinics represented on our platform.
You will find a wealth of information on the topic of hair transplants, enabling you to make an informed decision. Take the first step toward a more confident life and compare clinics on our portal. Our team is also happy to personally advise you via phone or email.
