Hair transplantation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic medicine procedures for people struggling with baldness. However, many patients who have very little hair in the so-called donor zone ask themselves: can hair be transplanted from another person, just as a kidney or heart is transplanted? It is definitely worth taking a closer look at this topic.
Techniques such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) allow hair follicles to be successfully transferred from one part of the patient’s body (usually the back of the head) to areas affected by baldness.
Why is it usual to transplant hair from the patient himself?
In a classic hair transplant, the patient’s own hair follicles are used. This is known as autografting. The main reason is the reaction of the immune system. Hair, like other tissues, contains cells that are recognized by the immune system as “its own” or “foreign.” If the follicles came from another person, the body would likely reject them as foreign – just as in the case of incompatibility in organ transplantation.
In autologous transplantation, there is no such risk, because the body “recognizes” its own cells and does not attack them after implantation. As a result, the transplanted follicles have a good chance of being permanently accepted and producing new hair.
Is a transplant from another person possible in theory?
In theory – yes. In practice – very difficult. In order to transplant hair from another person, a full immune match would be needed between donor and recipient, similar to bone marrow or organ transplants. In practice, this means the use of strong immunosuppressive drugs (which weaken the immune system) to prevent transplant rejection.
However, the use of immunosuppression is associated with serious side effects, such as an increased risk of infection, cancer or organ damage. For this reason, the use of such therapy solely for hair transplantation – an aesthetic rather than life-saving procedure – is currently medically and ethically unjustified.
Experiments and research
In the past, attempts have been made to transplant hair from monozygotic twins. In such cases, since the genetic material is identical, there is no rejection reaction. These experiments have confirmed that the hair can take in and grow properly. However, such a situation is the exception, not the rule.
Scientists are also working on other methods that could in the future solve the problem of a patient not having the right number of follicles. One of the most promising areas is follicle cloning – that is, multiplying the cells responsible for hair growth under laboratory conditions. Although the technology is still in the experimental stage, it offers hope for an alternative for people who do not have enough of their own hair to transplant.
Can hair from other parts of the body be transplanted?
For people who don’t have enough hair on their heads, it is sometimes possible to harvest follicles from other areas of the body – such as the chin, chest and even legs. This is known as a body hair transplant (BHT). Although the hair from these areas differs in texture, thickness and length of the growth cycle, it can be used to fill in the gaps on the scalp – especially for hairline reconstruction or thickening of areas with weaker hair.
However, this solution also has limitations – not everyone will have sufficient quality and quantity of body hair.
Can hair be transplanted from another person? Summary
At this point in time, hair transplantation from another person is not practically performed in aesthetic medicine, because it is associated with a very high risk of rejection and the need for strong immunosuppressive drugs. Such a procedure would only make sense in life-saving cases, not for aesthetic purposes.
Therefore, currently the only safe and effective method of hair transplantation is autotransplantation, i.e. using the patient’s own hair follicles. For those who do not have enough hair on their head, alternatives may include transplantation from the body or, in the future, innovative techniques such as follicle cloning.
If you’re considering a hair transplant, it’s best to consult with an experienced trichologist or transplant surgeon, who will evaluate your individual options and select the best treatment method.
You can read more about hair transplantation HERE. If the problem applies to you, we invite you to CONTACT US. You can also schedule a visit ON-LINE. Visit us on Instagram and TikToku.
See the effect of a hair transplant at Kierach Medical Clinic:
