If you’re experiencing hair loss from a medical or genetic condition, you may have considered a hair transplant to restore growth to balding areas. This requires a viable donor site from which hair can be harvested, usually the back of the head. However, if you lack sufficient donor hair in this area, another option could be available.
What is a Body Hair Transplant?
Transplantation of body hair is a type of follicular unit extraction (FUE) in which donor hairs are taken from areas of the body such as the beard, chest or back. An extraction tool is used to remove enough hairs to cover the desired area on the head, and these hairs are transplanted to reverse the visible effects of hair loss.
When is Body Hair Transplantation Recommended?
Using donor hair from the scalp is preferable for restoration procedures, but there are several cases in which body hair may be harvested instead:
- No donor sites are available on the head due to extensive loss or prior transplants
- Abundant hairof the proper thickness is available on the body
- Additional donor sites are required in a standard FUE procedure
- You want to conceal a scar from a previous follicular unit transplant (FUT)
- Extensive scarring from cicatricial alopeciais being covered
Your surgeon can tell you if you have enough of the right type of body hair for a transplant to be successful.
What are the Potential Drawbacks and Complications?
Body hair has different characteristics than hair on the scalp. This requires more careful grooming and styling of transplanted hairs.
Infections in donor follicles, called folliculitis, is possible. As with all surgery, hair transplants carry risks of pain, bleeding and scarring.
It’s best to work with a doctor first to rule out medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies as the cause of hair loss. Correcting these problems can stop or reverse the advancement of bald areas without surgery. Discuss all available options with Dr. Bared to determine if a body hair transplant is the best choice for you.
