donorarea

Donorarea is a term used in transplant medicine to designate the region from which tissue or cells are harvested for transplantation or research. In the context of hair restoration, the donor area refers to the permanent zone of hair growth typically located at the back and sides of the scalp. Hair in this zone is genetically resistant to androgenic alopecia, which is why it is used to supply grafts for balding regions. The concept of donor dominance explains why transplanted hairs tend to retain their growth characteristics in the recipient site.

Harvest techniques in hair restoration include FUT and FUE. FUT (follicular unit transplantation) involves removing a strip of scalp, which is then dissected into follicular units for implantation, leaving a linear scar in the donor area. FUE (follicular unit extraction) harvests individual follicular units directly from the donor region, producing numerous small scars rather than a single line. The donor area's capacity is finite and depends on hair density, follicle density per square centimeter, hair caliber, and scalp elasticity. Overharvesting or aggressive techniques can lead to visible thinning or scarring in the donor region.

Other sources, such as body hair or beard hair, can supplement scalp donor supply in some cases, though integration and cosmetic appearance may vary. Postoperative care includes proper wound care, minimizing tension on closures when applicable, and following physician instructions to reduce complications. Outcomes depend on the donor area's quality and the recipient site's characteristics, with realistic expectations important for planning.