Hair Transplant Using Body Hair (BHT): How is it Performed, Who is a Suitable Candidate, and Do Doctors Recommend it?
We will answer these questions in this article.
Is it Possible to Perform Hair Transplantation Using Body Hair?
Hair transplantation using body hair is limited to men and may be possible in rare cases, such as:
- When the scalp hair in the donor area is very thin and unsuitable for donation.
- In certain medical cases, if the donor areas of the scalp are scarred or damaged—as a result of previous surgeries or injuries—body hair may be the only available source.
- For limited cosmetic procedures that do not require the transfer of a large number of hair follicles, such as beard, mustache, or eyebrow transplants.
- To correct some residual scars on the scalp that may sometimes appear after a hair transplant.
How is Body Hair Used in Hair Transplants?
BHT (Body Hair Transplantation) is a specialized procedure that involves extracting hair follicles from different areas of the body and transplanting them to the scalp. Here’s an overview of how it’s typically performed:
- Initial Assessment and Planning:
The surgeon assesses the patient’s body hair density, quality, and distribution, as well as the condition of the scalp. A detailed plan is then developed to determine the number of grafts required and suitable donor areas. - Anesthesia:
The patient is given local anesthesia for both the donor areas (body parts) and the recipient scalp to ensure their comfort during the surgery. - Body Hair Extraction:
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): This is the most common method, where individual hair follicles are extracted using a fine micro-punch instrument.
- Suitable body areas include the chest, back, beard, and limbs, depending on the quantity and quality of available hair.
- Graft Preparation:
The extracted follicles are carefully prepared and examined under a microscope to ensure the viability of the transplanted grafts. - Creating Recipient Sites:
Small incisions are made in the scalp to create sites for the transplanted hair follicles. The angle, direction, and density are carefully planned to achieve a natural appearance. - Implanting the Grafts:
The prepared Grafts are implanted into the recipient sites. This step requires high precision to mimic natural hair growth patterns. - Post-Procedure Care:
After the hair transplant surgery, the patient receives instructions on scalp care, medication to prevent infection, and guidance to promote healing.
Notes on Using Body Hair for Scalp Hair Transplantation:
When considering a scalp hair transplant using body hair, keep these points in mind:
- Body hair often differs from scalp hair in texture and growth cycle.
- Achieving optimal density may require several sessions. This procedure is generally more complex and takes longer than traditional scalp hair transplants.
- There may be compatibility issues between body hair and the area being transplanted.
- Additionally, transplanted body hair may die off after two to three years if its structure is not similar to that of scalp hair.
Is Hair Transplant Using Body Hair Successful?
The success rate of this surgery is lower than that of other hair transplant methods, primarily because body hair is less viable than scalp hair.
For example:
– If we extract 2,000 hair grafts from the body, we might only obtain 1,000 healthy follicles.
– However, if we extract these grafts from the donor area on the scalp, we will obtain 2,000 healthy follicles out of the 2,000 extracted grafts.
This contributes to the lower success rate of this type of hair transplant surgery.
Costs of Hair Transplant Using Body Hair:
It costs significantly more than other natural hair transplant procedures, sometimes double or more.
For example, in Turkey, the minimum price for this procedure is $1,900 USD for a single session, and in some cases, it can exceed $2,100 USD.
In Conclusion:
Doctors never recommend hair transplantation using body hair except in cases of extreme necessity, and their priority is always to obtain follicles from the scalp.
If you have any questions about this topic, contact our specialists directly. You can also book an appointment online to come to Camilia Clinic at a time that suits you best.