The Use of Body Hair with Scalp Hair for “Combination Grafting” to Enhance Visual Density of Hair Transplantation and Increase Coverage in Advanced Alopecia

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hair transplantation is becoming the most common cosmetic procedure for men across the world with demand for higher density and treatment of extensive hair loss. This requires a higher number of donor follicles. Beard and body follicles can be used in addition to scalp hair as donor in suitable patients.

Objective: To demonstrate the use of body hair to increase the visual density and for better coverage for higher grades of androgenetic alopecia (AA).

Method & Material: Sixteen patients were selected due to the availability of body donor hair and consent for body hair harvesting was taken. The beard was the first preference and then chest and abdominal follicles were used in combination with scalp hair follicles to treat Norwood grade IV and above. Beard and body hair were harvested using the follicular unit excision (FUE) technique. Post-operative pictures were taken and patient satisfaction, doctor’s observation, and global photographic evaluation was done.

Results: Following hair transplantation, patient photographs were taken at 4, 8, and 12 months. The results were assessed on the basis of global photography. The use of body hair combined with scalp hair greatly enhanced the visual density, leading to better coverage in even higher grades of hair loss.

Conclusion: “Combination grafting” is a good method to use to treat higher grades of hair loss as well as to enhance the results of hair transplantation in suitable patients.