What is a BHT hair transplant?
Normally, scalp hair is preferably used for a transplant on the head. However, sometimes patients do not have enough donor hair to achieve the desired result. In this case, body hair can be used. This hair resembles scalp hair in shape and quality. Hair can also be removed from the legs, arms, stomach, chest, back, armpits or even the face. Dr. Feriduni only performs Body Hair Transplantation -BHT - or body hair transplants with donor hair from the chest, back or beard.
Origin of the BHT technique
The BHT technique evolved from the FUE technique. The donor area covers the entire body and is not limited to the hair on the head. The BHT is initially applied when the donor area on the scalp is no longer suitable or has insufficient hair density for the extraction of donor material. In this case and if the patient meets the physical requirements, follicular units can be taken directly from various body parts, for example the torso, arms or legs, and transplanted/implanted into the scalp. The BHT-FUE therefore offers new possibilities for patients with a donor area that has been poorly used or destroyed by outdated techniques.
FUs extracted from the body are anatomically different from scalp hair: while follicular units of scalp hair consist of 1, 2 or 3 hairs, in body hair they usually consist of only 1 hair per unit.
Are you suitable for BHT?
For some, body hair is a source of thousands of transplants of additional donor material, especially for those who have a lot of body hair available. This extended donor area is especially indicated to increase the overall density of the hair or to fill in a crown area – treatment options that would otherwise not be possible for patients with a limited amount of donor hair from the scalp. However, body hair transplantation is not indicated for complete hair reconstruction or to restore the patient's hairline. Patients who are not eligible for a 'normal' transplant usually do not have sufficient hair in the donor area. This may be due to hair loss or a previous hair transplant, so that no more hair can be extracted from the donor area.
Patients who are eligible for a BHT must meet good physiological conditions. For example, the body hair must be suitable for use as head hair. Body hair goes through different growth phases than scalp hair. Whether this will change later has not yet been scientifically proven, but experience shows that it can happen.
Limitations of BHT
The technique of BHT has not yet been as thoroughly researched as that of FUE and FUT. Our experience to date indicates a growth rate of at least 70-80%. That doesn't seem like much, but it is often still a chance. If you opt for a BHT, you should know that high growth rates are not guaranteed. Transplanted body hair may change in structure after transplantation. It normally grows longer and smoother than body hair and remarkably conforms somewhat to the structure of the scalp hair. If you have already undergone a transplant with an unnatural or poor result, you may be eligible for a BHT. A BHT is often a radical and last option. A BHT requires an extensive advice and information interview with Dr. Feriduni is therefore very important.
Practical information
You can read more about what the day of the procedure looks like exactly, how you should prepare, what you can expect after the procedure and how the healing process will work: