For men facing advanced stages of hair loss (Norwood Scale 5, 6, or 7), hearing that their scalp donor area is “depleted” can be devastating. However, choosing a Body Hair Transplant BHT in Turkey offers a second chance at coverage by utilizing alternative graft sources. At Clinic Care Center, we view BHT not as a standard procedure, but as an advanced “rescue mission” designed to increase overall density when the back of the head can no longer provide sufficient follicles.
Why Body Hair is Different: The Anagen Cycle
To understand why body hair is a secondary choice, we must look at the biology of hair growth. Scalp hair stays in the Anagen (Growth) Phase for 2 to 6 years, allowing it to grow long. In contrast, body hair (from the chest or beard) has a much shorter Anagen phase (usually only a few months) and a longer Telogen (Resting) Phase.
This means that transplanted body hair will retain its original characteristics even when moved to the head. It will never grow as long as scalp hair, it will often have a different curl or texture, and it may spend more time in the shedding phase. Therefore, BHT grafts are biologically best suited for adding visual density (filler) behind a wall of scalp hair, rather than creating length or a hairline.
Clinic Care Center: Expert Warning
BHT is a rescue procedure, not a primary choice. We strictly DO NOT implant body hair into the front hairline. Body hair has a different texture, curl, and color than scalp hair. Placing it in the front line results in an unnatural, ‘pubic’ appearance. BHT is used exclusively as a ‘filler’ in the mid-scalp and crown to add density behind a wall of natural scalp hair. Furthermore, survival rates for chest hair are lower (60-70%) compared to scalp hair (90%+).
Which Body Hair is Best? A Comparison
Not all body hair is created equal. We prioritize donor sources based on their thickness, survival rate, and similarity to scalp hair.
| Donor Source | Quality & Texture | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Beard Hair (Under chin) | Thick, coarse, robust. High survival rate (80-85%). | Adding volume and density to the crown or mid-scalp. One beard graft covers as much skin as two scalp grafts due to thickness. |
| Chest Hair | Thinner, curlier. Moderate survival rate (60-70%). | Softening the look or adding minor coverage when beard is unavailable. Best mixed with scalp hair. |
| Back/Leg Hair | Fine, weak. Low survival rate (<50%). | Not recommended. Often fails to take root or produce significant cosmetic value. We rarely harvest from here. |
| Scalp Hair | Ideal texture and growth. | The Gold Standard. Always the first priority for the hairline and framing the face. |
Extraction Differences and Healing
Performing a BHT requires a different surgical approach than standard FUE:
- Extraction Technique: Body hair exits the skin at much sharper angles than scalp hair. The surgeon must use customized manual punches or specialized micromotor tips to follow the curve of the hair under the skin to avoid transection (cutting the root).
- Anesthesia & Sensitivity: The chest and neck areas are more sensitive than the scalp. We adjust anesthesia protocols to ensure patient comfort, but some post-op soreness in the extraction zones is expected.
- Scarring: Beard extraction is typically taken from the “shadow area” (under the chin and neck). These heal as tiny white dots that are virtually invisible. Chest extraction carries a higher risk of visible hypopigmentation (white spots), so we often perform a “test patch” first.
Frequently Asked Questions about BHT
Will the beard hair grow long on my head?
No. It will grow to the maximum length it reached on your face (usually a few centimeters). You will not be able to grow a long ponytail with beard grafts.
Does extracting beard hair leave gaps in my face?
No. We extract grafts diffusely from the area under the jawline and chin. We do not take hair from the cheeks or visible beard line. This actually creates a cleaner look on the neck, similar to a defined beard trim.
Can I use someone else’s body hair?
No. Hair transplantation is an organ transplant. Your body will reject hair from another person unless you are on lifelong immunosuppressant medication, which is not justified for a cosmetic procedure.
How many grafts can I get from my beard?
This varies by patient, but typically we can harvest between 1,000 to 3,000 grafts over a lifetime without causing visible thinning in the beard donor area.
Is BHT more expensive?
Yes. BHT is more labor-intensive, requires more time, and demands higher surgical skill than scalp FUE. Therefore, the price per graft is usually higher.
Can I shave my head after BHT?
If you shave your head down to the skin, the difference in texture between scalp and body hair will not be visible. However, the tiny white dots from the chest extraction sites might be visible on your body if you shave your chest.
Does chest hair hurt more?
The skin on the chest is softer and more mobile than the scalp. Patients often report slightly more stinging during the anesthesia injection, but the surgery itself is painless.
Maximize Your Potential Coverage.
When your scalp donor is limited, your body offers a second chance. At Clinic Care Center, our surgeons are experts in the delicate art of Body Hair Transplantation, integrating beard and chest grafts seamlessly for maximum density. Contact us today for a specialized assessment of your total donor capacity.
Also Read:
Hair Transplant
Beard Hair Transplant
Eyebrow Transplant
