Growth Rate and Characteristics of Transplanted Hair Vs. Normal Hair

There are always questions about how hair that is transplanted grows and if it follows the normal hair growth pattern. There are many areas that the transplanted hair can be harvested from and depending on the area, it could match the existing hair or have different growth rates and characteristics.

There are three different harvesting areas that a hair transplant specialist can use to harvest the new hair for hair transplantation. The first is from scalp to scalp. There is an area in the back of the scalp that is resistant to the DHT factor that is responsible for genetic male pattern hair loss. This area is called the donor zone and is usually permanent. It is also similar in texture, growth, and characteristics to the scalp hair in the thinning zone. Initially, when the hair starts to grow, it may look a little different than the Non transplanted hair but in time the hair characteristics soften and appear like the existing hair. The hair growth and other natural characteristics are also the same.

The second and third areas, in general, are from beard to scalp and from the body to scalp. There are many different sources of body hair, from the nape of the neck down to the top of the toes. These also represent many different types of hair both in hair characteristics and also in growth rate. For those who don't have sufficient hair in the back of the scalp area if they have enough hair in the body or on the beard area, and if they qualify, we can use body hair or beard for scalp hair transplant. In general, the beard to the scalp is the second choice because of the better similarity in hair characteristics than other parts of the body. A hair transplant specialist should discuss all the pros and cons of harvesting from the above areas before proceeding with the surgery. These areas are not resistant to the DHT factor and therefore are not permanent, therefore body to scalp hair transplant is usually recommended if the patient does not have enough donor hair in the donor zone in the back of the scalp.

Research also continues to advance in the field of stem cell therapy, hair multiplication, cell therapy, and tissue engineering, by which a single hair follicle could be turned into hundreds of thousands of hair cells or follicles in the laboratory. At the yearly meetings of ABHRS and ISHRS many hair restoration specialists present the latest developments in this field. If this method is perfected, the cells can produce infinite harvesting units which can then be placed back into the balding scalp. This phenomenon has already been proven feasible in humans; however, research is still in the preliminary stages and has to be further developed in the future.

Dr. Meshkin is honored to be recognized as a designated long-standing member of ISHRS by his peers and also be a certified diplomat by ABHRS for his knowledge and skill as a specialized hair restoration surgeon. He is also a verified Hair restoration specialist on Realself. Clients can see hundreds of before and after photos on www.meshkinmedical.com on yelp and follow him on social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok.

To find out more about your hair loss, visit one of Dr. Meshkin's hair transplant and hair restoration clinics in Los Angeles or in Irvine locations. Dr. Meshkin will use the latest techniques and gives the best hair restoration recommendations customized to your needs and concerns.

If you are suffering from hair loss or hair thinning you can contact us at (949) 219-0027 to schedule for a consultation or visit our website at www.MeshkinMedical.com