No, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) does not damage existing hair. FUE is a minimally invasive surgical hair transplant procedure that involves harvesting individual follicles from donor sites, usually from the back and sides of the scalp, and transplanting them to the scalp to replace or thicken areas affected by hair loss or thinning.
The procedure is performed using a tiny punch (less than 1 mm in diameter) which extracts the donor follicles without damaging existing hair follicles. FUE enables the surgeon to target specific donor areas and extract those individual follicles with precision, so there is minimal disruption to the existing hair structure, and the transplanted hairs are almost always accepted without complications.
Following the procedure, existing hairs can continue to grow as normal with little risk of damage, while the transplanted hairs may take several months to fully grow in.
Can hair transplanted be done on existing hair?
Yes, hair transplants can be done on existing hair. This procedure, known as “follicular unit transplantation” (FUT), involves taking healthy hair follicles and surgically transplanting them into the affected area of the scalp.
The transplanted hairs can then grow normally and healthy in their new location. FUT has become a popular option for treating hair loss and baldness, as it is less invasive than other types of surgery and the results can last a long time.
In some cases, the results can even be permanent. However, the success of the procedure will depend on the individual’s unique situation and extent of hair loss. Additionally, the cost of a FUT hair transplant will vary depending on the clinic and number of grafts being transplanted.
Can you get a hair transplant if you are already bald?
Yes, you can get a hair transplant if you are already bald. A hair transplant is a medical procedure that involves transferring hair follicles from a donor area to the recipient area, typically on the scalp.
If you are bald, the donor area is typically taken from somewhere else on your body. The recipient area, where the transplanted hair will grow, is usually located on the head, but can also be placed elsewhere, such as on the eyebrows or beard.
If you are bald and want to get a hair transplant, you should consult a board-certified surgeon who specializes in hair transplants. The surgeon will determine the extent of your baldness and the best method of transplantation for you.
Depending on the extent of baldness and your donor hair availability, the surgeon may recommend scalp reduction and grafting, follicular unit extraction (FUE), or follicular unit transplantation (FUT).
With scalp reduction and grafting, the bald areas are surgically removed and scalp tissue is taken from the donor area to cover the scalp. With FUE, individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area and transplanted in the recipient area one at a time.
With FUT, a strip of hair-bearing scalp is removed from the donor area and individual follicles are separated and transplanted into the recipient area.
No matter which procedure you choose, it is important to know that hair transplant results will only be effective if the donor hair is healthy and of good quality. Your board-certified surgeon will educate you on the best hair transplant options for you and help you make the best decision.
What hair is not suitable for hair transplant?
Hair transplantation as a hair restoration solution is not suitable for everyone, and certain hair conditions can make it a less effective or even impossible option. Hair that is not thick enough or has experienced extensive hair loss cannot be successfully targeted for hair transplant surgery.
Furthermore, hair loss caused by certain medical conditions, such as alopecia areata, a condition characterized by patches of baldness on the scalp, usually does not benefit from hair transplantation.
Similarly, men with frontal baldness – residing exclusively from the hairline backward — lack the donor hair necessary for the process. Lastly, those who have a pattern of baldness that is diffuse throughout the scalp face the same obstacle as hair transplantation requires a density of hair at the back and sides of the head to survive the procedure.
What happens to old hair after hair transplant?
When a person has a hair transplant, the collected donor hair will be taken out of the scalp, in a process called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The donor hair is then placed strategically on the scalp, to create the desired look or pattern that the person has requested.
After the transplant is complete, the old hair will still remain but simply be arranged differently on the scalp. It may look as if it has grown back where it once was transplanted, but this is only an illusion as the existing hair still remains in the same place it was prior to the transplant.
The old hair will not be removed during the transplant, but over time, the transplanted hair will gradually start to take over and take up the place of the existing hair. In most cases, the old hair will continue to remain the same length and continue to grow.
It will simply be shifted around, mixed in with the newly transplanted hair, to create the desired look. In effect, the old hair will continue to be present, as it is still present on the head, but it will also be mixed in with the new transplanted hair.
Is my hair too far gone for transplant?
It is difficult to answer your question without knowing more information about the current condition of your hair and the amount of hair loss you have experienced. Hair transplants can be successful in most cases of hair loss, even if hair loss is advanced or the scalp is damaged.
However, the success of the transplant can depend on the amount of healthy donor follicles still available on the head. In general, a hair transplant may not be successful if significant scarring is present or if there is not enough donor hair present to cover the area needing treatment.
If your hair loss is severe and the donor area is affected, other treatments such as topical medications, laser treatments, and scalp micropigmentation may be more effective in supporting hair regrowth.
If you’re considering a hair transplant, speak with a healthcare professional for more personalized guidance on the best treatment for your hair loss and any potential risks associated with the procedure.
How can I thicken my existing hair?
If you want to thicken your existing hair, the easiest way to achieve this is by using products with temporary-thickening effects. These can be applied to damp or dry hair and often come in the form of powders or sprays.
These are often highly affordable and can offer an instant boost to your hair volume and thickness. If you want longer-term results, you could consider getting hair extensions or getting a hair weave.
This will create immediate thickness in your hair and make it appear much fuller. If your main concern is thickness, you could even try a texturizing spray or mousse which will give your hair a thicker appearance.
Another great way to add thickness and fullness to your hair is to avoid heavy styling products and habits. Instead, switch to lightweight styling products and opt for gentle blow-drying and combing.
Also, try to avoid heat styling, opting instead for natural hairstyles or those that require minimal styling tools. Finally, make sure to get regular trims in order to keep your hair from getting split-ends, which can make it appear thinner.
Healthy hair is thick hair, and taking care of your hair is key for achieving volume.
Should I get a hair transplant if I have thin hair?
Ultimately, whether or not you should get a hair transplant for thin hair will depend on numerous factors such as the current condition of your hair and scalp, the type of hair loss, and your individual goals and needs.
Hair transplants are by no means a one-size-fits-all solution, and it is important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks when making a decision.
If you have thinning hair, a hair transplant may not be the best approach. Hair transplants can be extremely effective in restoring hair when it has been lost as a result of male pattern baldness, but they only work well if the patient has adequate donor hair to use for the transplant.
For those with thinning hair, a hair transplant may not provide much of a result, as there may not be enough donor hair to provide the desired result. In this case, it may be better to wait to see if a medication or other treatment plan can help restore healthy, thick hair before considering a hair transplant.
However, if you have already explored the alternatives and are certain that a hair transplant is the best course of action, then it is possible to have a successful transplant even with thin hair. Depending on the current condition of your scalp, a skilled surgeon may be able to use a minimally-invasive technique to place the transplanted hairs evenly throughout the scalp and maximize the chances of a successful outcome.
In conclusion, getting a hair transplant for thin hair is a very personal decision based on a variety of factors such as the type of hair loss, the condition of the scalp, and the individual’s desired outcome.
Depending on these considerations, it may be possible to achieve a successful result even with thin hair. It is important to discuss any decisions about hair restoration with a qualified professional to determine the most appropriate treatment solution for your individual situation.
How many grafts does it take to thicken hair?
The number of grafts needed to thicken hair can vary from person to person, depending on the individual’s existing hair density, the area to be treated, and the amount of coverage desired. Generally speaking, most hair restoration surgeons recommend between 800 and 2500 follicular unit grafts for a single session to cover a standard size area.
If the patient wishes to achieve a fuller look with more coverage, they may need more grafts to achieve their desired result. Those who have less hair to begin with may need more grafts as well. Depending on the size of the treatment area, in rare cases, some individuals may need up to 3500 grafts to produce a full, thick head of hair.
How thick can hair transplants get?
The thickness achieved with a hair transplant largely depends on the number of grafts used during the procedure. Typical hair restoration procedures result in a natural look, with a thickness that will depend on the amount of follicular units available, the area of the scalp covered, and how densely the hair is packed.
If a patient is willing to spend the extra money, a highly intense and densely packed hair transplant can create a look with a much fuller hairline that may appear thicker and fuller than the original.
For some patients, 400-600 grafts may be enough to create a natural look. With this many grafts, a somewhat thicker look can be achieved when compared to a thinning area. While the number of grafts can range, depending on a patient’s goals and the density required to achieve it, 1,500 to 2,500 grafts can be used to increase the density and visual thickness of the hair.
However, a patient’s overall expectations should be realistic, keeping in mind that the transplanted hair will still have the same hair caliber and width as it did before the procedure. Therefore, the thickness of the hair won’t be too different from the pre-treatment stage, though it may appear to be somewhat thicker due to the visual density achieved by the transplant process.
Can thin hair become thick again?
Yes, it is possible for thin hair to become thick again. The most effective and long lasting way of regaining thick hair is to address the causes of thinning hair. This includes addressing nutritional deficiencies, imbalanced hormones, and other health conditions that can contribute to thinning hair.
Additionally, making lifestyle adjustments can help improve hair texture and thickness. Incorporating foods that are rich in biotin, proteins, and healthy fats into the diet can help improve hair health and encourage thicker hair growth.
Regular scalp massages with essential oils can help increase blood flow to the scalp and increase the absorption of beneficial nutrients. Lastly, using mild, sulfate-free hair products and using a boar bristle brush to distribute the natural oils throughout the scalp are also beneficial.
Taking these steps can help restore your hair to its natural thickness and provide lasting results. It is important to note, however, that results vary from individual to individual and may take some time to be noticeable.
What vitamins make hair thicker?
Vitamins are essential components to keep your hair healthy and strong, so it stands to reason that certain vitamins may help to make your hair thicker.
The most important vitamins to support healthy hair growth and hair thickening are vitamin A, vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and biotin (vitamin B7).
Vitamin A is an important vitamin for hair growth and thickness when taken in small doses. Foods that are a good source of vitamin A are sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, and fortified dairy products.
Vitamin B3 (niacin) is important for maintaining a healthy scalp and for allowing for faster hair growth. Foods that are a good source of niacin are peanuts, mushrooms, and organ meats such as liver.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is responsible for thickening the hair shafts, which results in fuller looking hair. A good dietary source of pantothenic acid is sunflower seeds.
Vitamin B6 also helps with hair growth and nourishment by keeping hormones balanced as well as aiding in the circulation of oxygen to hair follicles. Wild-caught fish, organ meats, turkey, chicken, potatoes, and bananas are good sources of vitamin B6.
Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, an important protein which helps keep hair strong and healthy. Good dietary sources of vitamin C are spinach, broccoli, papaya, and oranges.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which helps to protect your scalp from free radicals and strengthen the cuticle of the hair. Food sources of vitamin E include almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds.
Biotin (vitamin B7) is essential for healthy hair and nails and it helps create keratin, which is a major building block of your hair. Good sources of biotin are cooked eggs, nuts, legumes, and whole grains.
By eating a healthy diet and taking a multivitamin which contains these essential vitamins, you can help make hair thicker and healthier.
Can thinning hair grow back?
Yes, in many cases, thinning hair can grow back. However, there are also circumstances in which the hair loss is permanent. It is important to determine the cause of the thinning hair before attempting to grow it back, as some causes of thinning hair cannot be reversed.
Common causes of thinning hair include genetics, medical conditions, certain medications, age, stress, and diet. Typically, those who experience thinning hair due to genetics, age, or stress can attempt to stimulate hair growth with vitamins, topical treatments, and low-level light therapy.
For those with a medical condition, such as alopecia, atrophic scarring, or follicle damage, medications may be needed to slow or stop the hair loss and, in some cases, stimulate hair growth. Medical treatments that involve taking drugs, such as finasteride, often have the best results in terms of hair regrowth.
It is important to note that results from treatments vary from person to person and cannot always be guaranteed. To ensure the most effective treatment, it is best to seek professional advice from a dermatologist or medical specialist.
What can go wrong with FUE?
FUE requires a high level of skill and experience from the surgeon, and if done incorrectly can result in damage to the existing hair follicles, resulting in diminished hair growth or even permanent hair loss in the area of the transplant.
In addition, FUE can be more complex and time consuming than other hair replacement techniques, so the costs can be significantly higher. Furthermore, scarring is still possible with FUE, though it is typically minimized due to the delicate nature of the procedure.
Finally, since FUE is a relatively new and developing procedure, research is still ongoing to understand the full range of risks and potential adverse effects “over the long-term,” and it is important to discuss these with your physician before making a decision.
Can anything go wrong with a hair transplant?
Yes, there are some potential risks and complications associated with hair transplants. In some cases, the transplanted hair follicles can be rejected by the body and fail to grow, resulting in bald spots in the transplanted area.
Other potential risks include infection, bleeding, chronic like scalp, a exposed FUE scars, poor growth or even an unnatural look. In some cases, the hair transplants may lead to a slight asymmetry of the scalp or an unnatural looking hairline.
Furthermore, the transplanted follicles may not be able to effectively repeat the natural growth cycle, resulting in thin and sparse hair. In the most severe cases, individuals may experience permanent nerve damage or an allergic reaction to anesthesia, which require further medical attention to be resolved.
It is important to consult a qualified doctor or surgeon before considering a hair transplant, as they can help you determine the most likely outcome of the treatment.
