When we talk about hair transplantation, we often get questions about how the procedure works and what results can be achieved. Today we will focus on one of the most frequently asked questions – is it possible to transplant hair from another person? Here’s what you should know about this topic.
How does a standard FUE hair transplant work?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplantation is a modern technique that provides the most natural results.
The procedure involves transplanting individual hair follicles, usually 1 to 4 hairs, under local anesthesia. The extraction process uses a microsurgical tool with a diameter of 0.6 to 1.0 mm. The size of the tool and the technique leave minimal scarring, almost invisible to the naked eye.
The hair follicles are then examined and prepared under a microscope for transplantation. The doctor uses a special microsurgical needle to make holes in the scalp where the grafts will be inserted. The doctor places the hairs at the correct angle and density to create a natural and realistic hair pattern.
Can foreign hair be used for transplantation?
Is it possible to transplant hair from someone else? The short answer is – no, this is not recommended. When we think of transplantation, we can imagine that a donor can donate hair, just like organs. However, a hair transplant from a foreign source would be nearly impossible.
Hair transplantation uses only the patient’s own hair because of compatibility issues. Other people’s hair could be rejected by the patient’s body, which could lead to infections and failed transplants.
If you use a stranger’s hair, your body will automatically create an immune response and reject the foreign hair, which could lead to infection and lack of hair growth, resulting in transplant failure.
Can body hair be used for transplantation?
Body hair is different from hair on the head, which can lead to unsightly results or a complete failure of the procedure. There are several problems that include:
- Different structure of hair on the head and body
- The body hair removal process
- Mismatch between body hair and head hair
- The possibility of hair loss two to three years after the procedure
Body hair tends to be of lower quality than head hair because the texture of hair on the head is more uniform than on the body. In hair transplantation, the degree of compatibility is crucial for a good result, and body hair is different from scalp hair.
The probability of success of a body hair transplant is much lower than that of hair on the head. The main reason is that body hair is not as healthy as head hair, which means that not all hair accepts.
Therefore, it is recommended not to use body hair for hair transplants.
How should a FUE hair transplant be performed?
Traditionally, hair transplantation involves taking hair from another part of the scalp. Therefore, some patients may not have enough donors for transplantation. Using hair from the scalp provides the best and most natural results, as the transplanted hair has the same appearance and characteristics as the patient’s natural hair.
If you need additional information on hair transplant procedures, please contact us to schedule a free consultation.