Body Hair Transplant (BHT) or Body Hair to Head Transplant (BHHT) is a hair restoration method that uses the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique, which is a stitch-free method. Unlike traditional hair transplantation where the donor area is the back of the scalp, BHT uses hair from other parts of the body such as the beard, chest, back, stomach, legs, or arms. These hair grafts are then transplanted onto the balding areas of the head.
This technique is typically used for individuals with extreme baldness who have little to no reserve or thin hair at the back of the scalp. It offers a solution for those with severe hair loss, such as Type VI and Type VII. It can be used in combination with traditional scalp hair transplantation to achieve a more natural and full appearance.
Difference Between Scalp Hair and Body Hair
Diameter: Scalp hair is usually thinner in diameter than body hair. This is because scalp hair is exposed to more environmental factors that can affect its diameter.
Transplant success rate: Scalp hair is considered to be a better option for hair transplantation because it has a higher success rate of around 90-95% and a more natural-looking result compared to body hair.
Maintenance: Scalp hair may require more maintenance, such as regular haircuts and trims, to keep it looking healthy and well-groomed. Body hair, on the other hand, may not require as much maintenance.
Aging: Scalp hair tends to thin and gray with age, while body hair may retain its thickness and color for longer. This is due to the fact that scalp hair is exposed to more environmental factors that can affect its color and thickness.
Growth cycle: Scalp hair has a growth cycle of 2-7 years, whereas body hair has a growth cycle of 3-12 months. This is because scalp hair goes through more cycles of growth and rest than body hair, which allows it to grow longer.
It’s important to note that these generalizations might not apply to everyone, and there can be variations in hair characteristics among individuals and also body hair characteristics can be different based on the body area it’s taken from.
Advantages of Body Hair Transplant
One of the benefits of body hair transplantation is that the transplanted hair will mimic the native hair growth pattern and density of the surrounding hair on the scalp. This helps to create a more natural and seamless transition between the transplanted and existing hair.
Body hair transplantation can also be used to restore hair on other parts of the body, such as the beard or chest. This technique can be used to add density and fullness to these areas, creating a more masculine or youthful appearance.
No linear scarring: Unlike traditional strip methods, FUE leaves no linear scarring, giving more flexibility with hairstyles. This can be beneficial for those who want to keep their hair short or shave their head, as it eliminates the need to hide a linear scar.
It’s important to note that the best course of action may vary from person to person, and it’s always a good idea to consult with a hair specialist before making a decision. A hair specialist will be able to evaluate your individual case and recommend the best course of treatment for your specific needs. They will also be able to advise on the expected results, recovery time, and any potential risks or side effects associated with the procedure.
Limitations Of Body Hair Transplantation to Scalp
Body hair transplantation to the scalp is a hair restoration technique that uses hair from other parts of the body, such as the chest or legs, to increase the density of hair on the scalp. This technique has not been studied and researched as extensively as transplantation from a scalp donor area. Therefore, it should be considered as a last resort when other techniques are not effective.
One limitation of body hair transplantation is that the survival rate is lower compared to other transplant procedures. Additionally, after being transplanted to the scalp, it is observed that the body hairs change their structure to adapt to the head hair, becoming longer and straighter.
Individuals considering body hair transplantation to the scalp should understand that this treatment is done as a final effort to restore hair on the scalp, and the progress could be unpredictable. Therefore, before opting for body hair transplantation to the scalp, it is highly recommended to consult with a dermatologist and hair specialist to discuss the procedure in detail and consider all the possible options.
Indications For Body Hair Transplant to Scalp
Body Hair Transplant (BHT) to the scalp is a hair restoration technique that uses hair from other parts of the body, such as the chest or legs, to increase the density of hair on the scalp. This technique is typically used for individuals with an advanced grade of hair loss with limited scalp donor follicles and a good beard or torso hair. The indications for BHT to the scalp include:
- Individuals with an advanced grade of hair loss with limited scalp donor follicles and having a good beard or torso hair.
- History of previous hair restoration surgeries that have resulted in depletion of scalp donor areas and inadequate coverage of recipient areas.
- To combine it with a regular scalp transplant to augment the coverage, thus achieving a higher density of hair that is difficult otherwise, given the limitation of grafts that can be extracted from the scalp in one sitting.
- For camouflaging donor scars.
- Extensive scarring alopecia of the scalp (example: as seen in burns), where the scalp donor area is inadequate.
It’s important to note that BHT to the scalp is not suitable for everyone, and it is highly recommended to consult with a hair specialist before making a decision. A hair specialist will be able to evaluate your individual case and recommend the best course of treatment for your specific needs. They will also be able to advise on the expected results, recovery time, and any potential risks or side effects associated with the procedure.
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