What is a body hair transplant?

Body hair transplantation (BHT) is a surgical technique that is comparable to standard hair transplantation; however, instead of using scalp hair, hair follicles from other parts of the body are harvested and transplanted onto the scalp or other places of the body where hair loss has occurred. This method is usually applied to people who have severe scarring or baldness and may not have enough donor hair on their scalp.

Body hair transplant can be a suitable option for individuals with limited donor hair on the scalp or those who desire additional hair transplant beyond what can be achieved with traditional hair transplantation. However, it’s essential to consult with a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon to determine if BHT is the right approach based on individual factors such as hair characteristics, donor availability, and aesthetic goals.

Which type of body hair should be preferred for transplant on the scalp?

Beard hair is well suited for body hair transplants due to its thickness. However, only up to 1,000 grafts can be removed, as otherwise unsightly gaps will appear in the beard. Beard hair is also very firm and rigid, which makes it unsuitable for hair transplants at the hairline. They would look very unnatural there. For the middle or upper region of the scalp, on the other hand, they are an excellent addition to scalp hair transplants. Beard hair is also very suitable for eyebrow transplants.

If the chest hair is to be used as a donor area, around 300 to 1,000 grafts can usually be harvested, depending on how pronounced the body hair is. However, as the skin tissue is very different from the tissue of the scalp, a larger hollow needle is used for the extraction. This means that there is a greater risk of micro-scars remaining. However, only enough grafts are harvested so that the micro-scars are covered by the remaining chest hair.

Body hair from the legs and arms is finer and shorter than hair from the donor area of the scalp. They are suitable for hairlines and temple areas, giving them a softer and more natural appearance. They are also suitable for repairing previously transplanted, hard hairlines.

Can a hair transplant only be performed on body hair?

Thanks to the development of the FUE method in hair transplant, it is now possible to harvest hair follicles from other areas of the body. In FUE hair transplant, individual hair follicles or grafts are removed from the donor area, sorted according to the number of hairs and direction of growth and then transplanted into the bald areas of the scalp. This special technique also makes it possible to transplant beard or chest hair in men, for example. This technique is called body hair transplant (BHT = body hair to head).
BHT is usually used if the patient has only a small amount of donor hair available on the scalp or if a conventional hair transplant on the scalp is not an option. In BHT, hair follicles are harvested from various parts of the body such as the chest, back, legs or beard and transplanted into the bald areas of the scalp.
However, a hair transplant using only body hair is not possible due to the different growth phases. In the case of chest hair, 50 percent of the hair is in the resting phase, after which it falls out. If 50 percent of the transplanted body hair were to fall out at once, bald patches would be visible again.

Who is suitable for body hair transplant?

BHT is generally more suitable for men than women, as men usually have more body hair. As this is usually unwanted hair anyway, in most cases patients have no problem using it for their bald scalp. However, a body hair transplant is only suitable if a conventional hair transplant using the FUE or FUT method is not an option. This may be the case for hair loss caused by alopecia areata, physical trauma, scarring alopecia or trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder).

The Torso Donor Index (TDI) was developed to determine whether the body hair is sufficient for a hair transplant in these cases. If the TDI value is below 4, the patient cannot undergo BHT. The following characteristics are taken into account to determine the value:

• Density of the follicular units
• Similarity of the hair structure of the body and scalp
• Number of follicular units with 2-3 follicles
• Length of the hair
• Area of the hair-bearing regions

Before body hair transplant

Before undergoing a body hair transplant procedure, several important steps should be taken. Firstly, individuals considering this treatment should have a thorough consultation with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient’s medical history, discuss their expectations and desired outcomes, and evaluate the feasibility of the procedure based on factors such as the availability of donor hair and the condition of the recipient area.

Additionally, it is crucial for patients to follow any pre-operative instructions provided by their surgeon. This may include avoiding certain medications that can interfere with the procedure, refraining from smoking, and following a healthy diet to promote optimal healing.

Furthermore, patients should have realistic expectations about the results of the body hair transplant. While the procedure can significantly improve hair density in targeted areas, it may require multiple sessions for optimal results, and individual outcomes can vary based on factors such as hair quality and skin characteristics. Overall, proper preparation, realistic expectations, and clear communication with the surgeon are key elements to consider before undergoing a body hair transplant.

After body hair transplant

After undergoing a body hair transplant procedure, it’s crucial to follow post-operative care instructions diligently. This includes keeping the transplanted area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities or excessive sweating, and taking any prescribed medications as directed by your doctor. Additionally, it’s essential to attend follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the transplant and address any concerns or issues that may arise. Proper care and maintenance are key to ensuring the success and longevity of your body hair transplant results.

Why choose Turkey for body hair transplant?

Hair transplant cost in Turkey is one of the key factors that make it an attractive destination for individuals seeking hair transplant solutions. Compared to many other countries, the cost of body hair transplant in Turkey is generally more affordable, without compromising on the quality of care or the expertise of medical professionals.

There are several reasons why Turkey stands out as a preferred choice for hair transplants:

Cost-effectiveness: In health centers serving in the field of hair transplant in Turkey and especially hair transplant in Istanbul, body hair transplant services are provided with price advantages suitable for all kinds of personal preferences and needs. Turkey offers competitive pricing for body hair transplant procedures, including all aspects of the treatment such as consultation, surgery, post-operative care, and follow-up appointments. This affordability makes it accessible to a wider range of patients who may not be able to afford the same level of care in their home countries.

Quality of care: Despite lower costs, high standards of medical care and expertise are maintained in the field of hair transplant in Istanbul. Many clinics and surgeons in Turkey are internationally accredited and use advanced techniques and technology to deliver successful results. In addition to the affordability of hair transplant cost in Turkey, this detail is one of the reasons why this place is preferred by foreign patients.

Experienced professionals: Turkey is home to a large number of experienced and skilled hair transplant surgeons who have performed numerous successful procedures. Patients can benefit from the expertise of these professionals who stay updated with the latest advancements in the field.

Tourism and hospitality: Turkey’s popularity as a tourist destination adds another dimension to the appeal of getting a hair transplant in the country. Patients can combine their treatment with a pleasant travel experience, exploring the rich culture, history, and natural beauty that Turkey has to offer.
Overall, the combination of cost-effectiveness, quality of care, experienced professionals, and the opportunity for a memorable travel experience makes Turkey a compelling choice for individuals considering hair transplant procedures, including body hair transplants.