Treatment Overview
The Body Hair Transplant for Alopecia Areata / Patch Balding is a specialized approach designed for patients with small to moderate-sized bald patches caused by alopecia areata (after stabilization) or patch-type hair loss.
In cases where scalp donor availability is limited or patch areas require ultra-specific graft matching, body hair — such as from the beard, chest, arms, legs, or torso — can be used as a donor source through micro-FUE extraction.
Korean clinics excel in this advanced technique, focusing on natural blending, soft texture matching, and restoring density to previously bald patches.
Purpose & Benefits
This treatment helps restore hair to localized bald patches caused by alopecia areata (in remission) or other non-scarring patchy hair loss conditions.
Key benefits include:
- Fills isolated bald patches that scalp hair cannot fully cover.
- Provides additional donor sources when scalp donor is limited.
- Improves density in stubborn patch areas resistant to medical treatment.
- Restores natural appearance and symmetry.
- Offers ultra-fine body hair options for soft blending.
- Permanent solution once alopecia is medically stabilized.
Important Note
Hair transplantation is only recommended for alopecia areata that has been stable (no new patches) for 1–2 years.
Korean clinics screen patients carefully to ensure the condition is inactive before performing BHT.
Ideal Candidates
You are an ideal candidate if you:
- Have alopecia areata that is stable and inactive.
- Experience patch balding that hasn’t regrown with medical treatment.
- Have limited scalp donor availability for patch repair.
- Want to restore small or medium bald patches naturally.
- Prefer body hair for specific textures or blending purposes.
- Have beard or body donor hair suitable for transplant use.
Possible Risks & Complications
While the procedure is safe, patch-repair BHT carries considerations:
- Temporary redness or scabs in donor and patch areas.
- Slight texture differences between scalp and body hair.
- Risk of alopecia recurrence in rare cases (medically evaluated first).
- Body hair may grow shorter than scalp hair depending on natural cycle.
- Rare ingrown hairs in donor zones.
Techniques & Technology Used
- Micro-FUE Extraction: 0.6–0.9 mm punches for safe beard/body hair harvesting.
- Patch-Specific Mapping: Determines exact density needed for each patch.
- Body Hair Integration:
- Beard hair → strong density for deeper patches
- Chest/arm/leg hair → soft, natural texture for fine blending
- Density Enhancement Strategy: Ensures natural coverage in previously bald areas.
- PRP / Growth Factors (Optional): Encourages healing and early growth.
Treatment Process in Korea
- Stability Assessment: Confirm alopecia areata is inactive for 12–24 months.
- Patch Analysis & Design: Determine density needs and blending zones.
- Donor Area Preparation: Beard or body hair trimmed and sterilized.
- Micro-FUE Extraction: Fine grafts harvested with minimal trauma.
- Graft Sorting: Categorized by thickness and curl for ideal placement.
- Patch Implantation: Follicles placed strategically to restore natural growth patterns.
- After-Care Protocol: Tailored post-transplant care for sensitive patch zones.
Recovery & After-Care
- Donor redness heals in 2–5 days depending on body area.
- Patch areas show mild scabbing for 3–7 days.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing the patch region.
- Transplanted body hair sheds in 2–6 weeks (normal).
- Initial growth appears around 3–4 months.
- Full patch restoration visible at 8–12 months.
- Long-term outcome stable once grafts settle.
Results & Longevity
- Natural patch coverage with permanent transplanted follicles.
- Significant improvement in appearance and scalp symmetry.
- Ideal for small to moderate patchy hair loss.
- Long-lasting outcomes when alopecia remains inactive.
- Soft, blended look due to fine-texture body grafts.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Korea leads in complex patch-repair transplant techniques.
- Surgeons specialize in blending body grafts into scalp zones seamlessly.
- Clinics emphasize stability testing to avoid recurrence.
- Advanced micro-FUE tools allow precise body-hair harvesting.
- High success rates and natural aesthetic results.
- Affordable and popular among international patients with difficult patch cases.
Cost Range
Pricing varies based on patch size and graft number:
- Small patch (200–400 grafts): ₩1,800,000 – ₩3,000,000
- Medium patch (400–800 grafts): ₩3,000,000 – ₩5,000,000
- Multiple patches (800–1,500 grafts): ₩5,000,000 – ₩8,000,000
Includes consultation, extraction, implantation, medication, and follow-ups.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Dream Hairline Clinic (Seoul): Experts in patch restoration and fine-graft body extraction.
- Moaman Hair Transplant Clinic (Seoul): Known for alopecia repair and high-precision BHT.
- Woomchan Hair Transplant Clinic (Gangnam): Skilled in multi-patch restoration and body-to-scalp blending.
