The Size of the Harvested Donor Area Is Critically Important

This patient had an FUE megassession surgery.  When harvesting the FUE grafts, the surgeon must recognize the size of the donor area and limit the FUE extraction to the permanent zone as outlined in this FUE patient photo.  The doctor who did the surgery on the patient in the photo did not understand the limits of the donor area.

The permanent donor area for a hair transplant begins at the bottom of the skull bone, known as the Occipital Notch, and extends upward two and half inches.  This is the case for patients who will bald to a Class 7 pattern and sometimes to an advanced Class 6 pattern.  This two and a half inch zone extends horizontally to just in front of the ear level.  Hair was harvested for FUE from above and below this zone of permanent hair which in the long term will fall out by not standing the test of time.  The hair below the permanent zone is neck hair and not scalp hair and this hair does not last.

QUESTION:

Why do doctors harvest hair beyond the permanent donor area as shown in the photo?

ANSWER:

(1) Because the patient wants a high number of grafts.

(2) Because the doctor makes more money by charging more for the larger FUE session.

(3) Everyone thinks it is safe and the hair will last a lifetime – Dead Wrong!

A word a of caution: some doctors will push the number of grafts within the permanent zone so much that the permanent donor area becomes a new bald area.

Buyer beware: it is your responsibility to keep the doctor honest and to make sure the doctor does what is in your best interest.  This is why I shared this information with you.  Good luck.