Body hair transplant: hair restoration technology is on the rise

by Kalsoom Waqas ASO and Digital marketing pro

Body hair transplant (BHT) has emerged from the dust of a very flawed and outdated hair transplant method in the past. The first punch transplants were performed in the 1950s. This is a 4mm circular incision that leaves multiple scars of the same size and shape in the donor area, creating a "stuffed up" appearance in the repaired area. Then came the mini and micro transplants and then the surgery. However, hair restoration technology is constantly evolving. We have made great strides over the decades and today we consider body hair transplantation to be the newest, best and most beneficial technique out there.

Developments in body hair transplantation

Body hair transplant, also known as beard transplants, first appeared in 1909. However, until less than ten years ago it was still in its very early stages. The most advantageous aspect of this technology is that the donor hair bundle is virtually unlimited by inserting hair from the outside of the head. Older techniques, strip surgery, and even scalp hair-only FUE limited the amount of donor hair that can be used. For people with advanced androgenetic alopecia, scars that have caused hair loss, or defects from previous failed surgeries, scalp hair alone is not sufficient to completely cover the scalp. Many of these patients were dismissed as "poor candidates" by clinics unfamiliar with BHT.

BHT surgeons are hard to find because they have to be very proficient in their practice and body hair transplant is a long and tedious procedure.

How does a body hair transplant work?

Beard transplant using an advanced form of Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). As with FUE, BHT donor hair is harvested individually into follicular units (natural groups of one to four hairs). Donor hair can be taken from the beard, chest, stomach, arms or legs. These hairs are carefully selected and trimmed, usually with a hand-held device that can be moved manually or electrically. Small incisions measuring 8 to 1.2 mm are small enough that stitches are not needed and can heal so that scarring is minimized. Once the follicles are harvested, they are stored in mother liquor until implantation in the receiving area. Thousands of tiny fissures are created in the bald area where these follicles find their new homes. Most patients will see full growth and thickness of new hair after about 18 months.

Another benefit of body hair transplant

· Besides the unique ability to treat severe baldness, body hair transplants make sense for other reasons as well.

· BHT means there should always be a donor in reserve for future operations.

· BHT allows for a greater range of follicle types. For example, smooth leg hair is great for a natural-looking hairline, while beard or chest hair has great coarseness for filling in the top of the scalp.

· BHT needs an advanced FUE surgeon who uses only his experience and a steady hand, not the robotic FUE devices (which are becoming more popular but also have drawbacks). So you know you're in the best hands.

At Hair Repair Clinic we strive to provide the latest hair loss solutions and information about new discoveries in the field.

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