Donor Thickness After FUE Transplant

Q:

Hello Dr. Mohebi, I had a 1500 graft FUE transplant with you about 2 months ago. In the procedure, 1500 grafts were taken from the back, left side of my head. I’m having concerns because at 2 months post op, there is a noticeable difference in the thickness of my hair between the left side and right side. In the donor area, a lot more of my head can be seen. I like to keep my hair short at a #2 guard and I’m just a little concerned because there is a noticeable difference at that length. My question is, is this normal or should I be concerned about it? Will it get better over the next few months? And is there anything I can do to fix this? Any help would be great. Looking forward to hearing back from you. Thanks.

A:

Removing 1500 grafts from one side of the scalp usually does not leave a noticeable change.  I have never seen this as a problem.  However, it is a bit difficult to judge it at this point since you may also be experiencing some of the neighboring hair going to resting phase known as telogen effluvium, due to the inflammation of the healing.  This will be reversed when the resting follicles start growing new hair, as time goes by.  Feel free to let us know if you have any other questions or concerns.