While traditional hair transplants use your own hair, a newer option is gaining attention: hair transplant from another person. Also known as allogeneic hair transplant, this innovative procedure involves transferring hair from a donor to your scalp.
However, afro hair transplant requires a unique approach due to the distinctive characteristics of curly, kinky, or tightly coiled hair. Further, the application of this new method in Afro hair transplant raises important questions of compatibility, graft survival, and aesthetic outcomes.
Luckily, you can expect the desired results through this advanced hair restoration method, as we bring expertise to deliver customer satisfaction.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the possibilities and limitations of hair transplant from another person, specifically in the context of Afro hair transplants.
What is Hair Transplant?
It is a type of elective cosmetic surgical procedure where hair follicles are transplanted from one part of the body (donor site) to another (recipient site), typically to restore hair growth in areas of hair loss or thinning. The objective is to restore natural-looking hair growth in the deficit area.
Traditionally, hair follicles were only collected from the body of an individual seeking a transplant. However, scientific advancement has broken this barrier, as now hair transplant from one person to another is also possible, providing individuals with similar genetic makeup such as identical twins.
Types of Hair Transplant
Hair transplants have evolved over the years. Depending on the nature and condition of your hair, surgeons can select the right type of transplant. This comes in handy for Afro hair types, as they pose the highest level of challenge in delivering the desired outcomes. With continuous developments though, this is also equally manageable.
Here are the different types of hair transplants:
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
This type extracts individual follicular units from the donor area. It is less invasive and offers speedy recovery. It is recommended for smaller areas of hair loss and for those who prefer to avoid a linear scar.
Sapphire FUE
An advanced transplant technique that uses specialized sapphire-tipped instruments to enhance the precision and effectiveness of the procedure. Whereas, the traditional FUE method uses metal slits to access micro-channels. Sapphire FUE is popular for delivering high-quality results and a more natural hair appearance.
Body Hair Transplant (BHT)
Men’s hair is transplanted from other body parts such as the beard or chest. This type of transplantation is suited for individuals with limited scalp donor hair.
Robotic Hair Restoration (RHR)
This type of surgery is performed with the help of robots that increase precision and speed. It is commonly known as Automated Follicular Implantation (IFA) OR Artas Robotic Hair Restoration.
Afro Hair Transplant
It focuses on specialized techniques for curly, kinky or tightly coiled hair. Considering hair type, it requires expertise in handling and placing Afro-textured hair.
See Also: Second Hair Transplant
Can hair be transplanted from another person?
The simple answer is no! Although doctors have tried numerous scientific methodologies to use other people’s hair to transplant on patients’ scalp. It simply does not work, as our bodies are too clever to be tricked.
Despite other organ transplants like kidneys, livers, and hearts, human hair transplantation from another person has not yet materialized.
However, a hair transplant from another person is possible in only one instance if you have a monozygotic identical twin. Since they develop from the same zygote, thus making they are genetically nearly identical.
Therefore, the genetic makeup of cells in hair will accept the donor’s hair thinking it is not an invader. Because of shared genetic codes, the body will perceive newly implanted hair follicles as its own organ.
However, this is not possible for dizygotic twins, as they do not share the same genes.
Challenges of Hair Transplant from Other Person
Hair transplantation from another person often referred to as allogeneic hair transplantation is not possible because of the following main reasons.
Genetic Compatibility
Genetic compatibility is the core of successful hair transplantation. This is the reason why, a patient’s hair is always used for transplantation purposes.
Since all hair has different genetics, thus, using hair from another person causes problems during the grafting process.
Further, cells in the hair follicle only develop in a particular pattern and direction when it matches its genetic characteristics (color, texture, thickness). Therefore, hair follicles that are new to an individual’s genes, will be rejected.
Further, such compatibility issues can also result in a poor match that may offer an unnatural appearance.
Antigenic Immune Response
Each one of us has a different modulation of the immune system. Thus, your scalp will not accept a grafting that is donated by another immune system. Moreover, our body’s immune system creates antibodies against substances (antigens) that are new to our body.
Antigen presentation, where our immune system destroys foreign substances and destroys them, leaving those cells that are self-identical unharmed.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
There are ethical aspects of donor hair transplantation from another person as it involves the processing of human tissues. It also includes legal concerns regarding consent and potential risks associated with the surgery.
Alternatives to Hair Transplant with another Person’s Hair
Since it is not possible to transplant hair from another person, you should not be worried, as there are numerous other options. Luckily, for Afro hair transplant aspirants, they can avail any of the following alternate options to get their natural transplant before shunning the idea.
Synthetic Transplant
You can get a hair transplant with artificial hair. Doctors use bio-fibers as implants and it is the perfect alternative, as you will not need a donor. Further, these do not offer much compatibility problems, as they are not connected to the bloodstream.
Hair Pigmentation
It is an ideal alternative to conceal thin hair and bald spots permanently. The procedure does not require anesthesia or surgery, thus allowing you to quickly get back to normality. Similarly, the tattooing procedure (Scalp Micropigmentation) does not have side effects.
Transplant with your own Hair
Hair transplant for men is possible by using their own hair from other body parts, even if you are fully bald. Doctors combine PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment and growth agents, to potentially re-activate dead follicles.
Discover more: Robotic Dhi Hair Transplant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can hair be cloned for transplant?
Hair cloning, also known as hair multiplication, is a promising treatment for hair restoration. The procedure involves using germinative hair follicle stem cells to multiply outside the body, and then implant to the patient’s head after hair growth.
Can you lose transplanted hair?
It is normal that you may experience hair shedding after transplant. However, hair will follow its normal life cycle, and new hair will grow where it was implanted.
Does the donor site hair grow back?
A healthy scalp would experience regrowth of hair in the donor site within a few months of donation. It is natural for hair to grow back to normality from the donor site.
Can pubic hair be used for hair transplant?
Hair transplant from the pubic is the last option when hair from other areas is sparse or depleted.