When it comes to hair transplants, having an adequate amount of donor supply is critical. Donor supply refers to the amount of hair that the client has available to transplant. This hair can be transplanted to other areas of the scalp, such as the crown and frontal hair line. With a limited donor supply, the doctor can only do a limited hair transplant. It is not possible to achieve full coverage when there is not enough donor supply.
Everyone has a unique amount of donor supply, and the exact amount depends on hair density as well as other factors, such as scarring. Only an experienced hair transplant doctor can tell exactly how much donor hair is available for transplantation. However, nobody has an unlimited donor supply. And a hair transplant doctor cannot magically grow hair, but only redistribute hair that is already on the patients scalp. Using any other hair is usually not an option.
It is common for those who have had several or less successful hair transplants to have a limited donor supply. For instance, if there is excessive scarring in the donor area, enough hair must be left to cover these scars. And instead of using the entire donor supply someone with a failed hair transplant can sometimes have grafts removed and re-distributed. Not only will this result in a better look, but will also spare the already limited donor supply.
Someone with a limited donor supply will not be able to achieve full coverage, but can probably do a limited hair transplant, such as restoring the frontal hair line. This is a cosmetically important location, and will not need as much hair to accomplish. Restoring hair to the frontal parts of the scalp is always the first priority when there is a limited donor supply.
A skilled, experienced hair transplant doctor will make an effort not to waste any donor hair, as poor technique can lead to damage of the hair grafts during the procedure. While having a limited donor supply is not favorable when it comes to hair transplants, there is hope even for those who do. A skilled hair transplant doctor will have a variety of techniques to achieve as much coverage as possible with the amount of hair that he or she has to work with.
And a quality hair transplant doctor will create a plan for the client that includes not only the first but potential subsequent sessions as well, and this is where donor supply is one of the most important factors to consider. The doctor will try to estimate future hair loss and must save enough hair for future hair transplants. This part may be difficult when it comes to younger patients as they sometimes display impatience and demand full coverage. Using all or most of the donor supply in the first session will not leave enough hair for future hair transplants, as hair loss is likely to continue.
Photo via Dr_Alan_Bauman
