Hair from the thorax, abdomen or beard is the most frequently used in BHT, and as previously mentioned, are useful for filling up the areas posterior to a transplant (zones C and D), mixed with hairs transplanted from the scalp. However, experts advise against using body hair in the frontal hairline as the hair in this area is typically finer and more delicate, and using body hair in this area may result in an unnatural look.
It’s also important to note that BHT may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results and the individual should be in good overall health and have healthy hair growth on the scalp. It’s essential to consult with a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon to evaluate your suitability for the procedure and to discuss your expectations and goals for the outcome.
It may interest you: Dye Your Hair with Nutella
The Method Used For Body Hair Transplant To Head
Body hair transplant to the head is a procedure that involves using the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique to extract hair from various parts of the body and transplanting it to the scalp. The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, and small punches are made over the donor area in order to extract the hair. The extraction process typically takes one to two days and results in around 500 to 4000 grafts being transplanted.
Before the procedure, the hair in the donor area needs to be shaved 2-7 days prior, depending on the location of the donor area, to ensure that the strongest hair is selected for use in the transplant. Additionally, hair that is in the anagen (growing) stage produces the most consistent results.
The wounds created during the extraction process typically heal within 4-5 days, leaving minimal to no visible scars. To aid in the healing process, the donor area should be covered and special ointment should be applied. The grafts, which usually contain one or two hairs, are then transplanted into the recipient sites on the scalp, and may need to be refined further to remove excess fat or skin.
After the transplant, the hair will fall out within two weeks, but will start to regrow at around four months after treatment and continue to grow for a lifetime. The structure of the body hair may or may not change after being transplanted, but in most cases, it becomes longer and straighter and adapts to the structure of the scalp hair.
Advantages Of Body Hair Transplant
More donor hair available: One of the major advantages of body hair transplant is that there is a greater availability of donor hair. Since body hair is more abundant compared to scalp hair, it provides a larger pool of hair for transplantation, which can result in a fuller head of hair. This can be particularly beneficial for those who have a limited amount of hair on their scalp and are looking for a more dramatic change.
More options for hair texture and caliber: Body hair can come in different textures and calibers, which can provide more options for creating a natural-looking head of hair.
Less visible scarring: The FUE technique used in body hair transplantation typically results in minimal to no visible scarring. This is because the small punches that are used to extract the hair are usually less than 1mm in size and heal quickly, leaving minimal to no visible scarring. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are concerned about scarring and want a more discreet outcome.
More consistent results: Body hair that is in the anagen (growing) stage produces more consistent results, which can lead to a more natural-looking outcome. This is because hair that is in the anagen stage is more likely to survive the transplantation process and grow into healthy hair.
Disadvantages Of Body Hair Transplant
BHT, or Body Hair Transplantation, is a procedure that involves the extraction of hair from various parts of the body and transplanting it to the scalp to achieve a fuller head of hair. While this procedure may sound promising, it is important to note that it comes with a number of disadvantages.
Units
One of the major disadvantages of BHT is that the units of hair that are extracted are typically only one or, very rarely, two hairs. This means that the overall yield of the extraction process is significantly lower compared to traditional hair transplantation methods. Additionally, the hairs that are extracted from the body are often of a different caliber and texture than scalp hair, which can make the transplantation process more challenging and result in a less natural-looking outcome.
Technical Difficulties
Another disadvantage of BHT is the technical difficulties that can arise during the procedure. The hair on the body exits the skin at a more acute angle than the hair on the scalp, which can make it more difficult to extract and transplant. Furthermore, the angle of the hair can also make the level of transection, or the amount of hair that is cut during the extraction process, much higher. This can lead to a greater risk of damage to the hair and a lower overall yield.
Velocity
The extraction velocity is also much slower in BHT as compared to scalp hair. On average, the extraction rate in the scalp is 300 units per hour. In BHT, the best is around 100 units per hour, which means it would take 4 hours to extract 400 units of one hair or very rarely 2 hairs. This significantly increases the time required for the procedure and can make it less efficient.
Coverage
Finally, the coverage achieved with BHT is often less than desired. Because there are typically fewer hairs per unit and they are often of less thickness, the coverage achieved is often bare or patchy. This can make it difficult to achieve the desired level of fullness and density on the scalp.
While BHT can be an option for those looking to achieve a fuller head of hair, it is important to be aware of the potential disadvantages and limitations of the procedure. It’s always a good idea to consult with a hair specialist before making a decision.