Beard Hair Grafts (Body Hair Transplantation) or Scalp Grafts for Hair Transplant Scar Revision?

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums:

I underwent hair transplant surgery via the Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (strip) method. The results are good, but the scar needs revision. I want to transplant grafts into the scar to camouflage its appearance. I’m wondering, should I use scalp grafts from the donor region or grafts from my beard (body hair transplantation or BHT)?

Body hair grafts are generally more fragile and exhibit lower growth rates. One could only assume transplanting body hair grafts, opposed to scalp grafts, into scar tissue would provide lower yield.

Regardless, both are highly variable. Scar tissue is thick and lacks blood supply. This makes it difficult to predict if anything will grow in the scar tissue, let alone determine which type of graft – scalp versus body – will grow better. It’s likely safer to utilize scalp grafts first and then use body hair grafts, if necessary, down the road.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

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Dr. Souvik Adhikari says:

November 3, 2015 at 3:45 pm

I agree, body hair can be fragile but at the same time, beard is not. If the donor area in your scalp is depleted then it is better to go ahead with a BHT because FUE is a procedure which also leaves minute scars.
Having said this, if possible please ask your surgeon if he or she can consider a scar revision and trichophytic closure in your case, that would dramatically improve your scar without the need of any transplant and the uncertainty of hair follicles growing through your scar tissue.

Dr. Souvik Adhikari MBBS MS MCh
Consultant Cosmetic, Plastic & Hair Restoration Surgeon
India