Beard hair transplantation is the latest dental treatment that aims at addressing a problem most men face these days-beard patchiness. Whether it’s a full beard, a goatee, or filling up few patchy spots, facial hair is coming to symbolize for a lot of men. Still, not everyone can boast of the perfect beard. If you find it hard to grow facial hair or have patchy spots, a beard hair transplant just might be what you are looking for. Its popularity has been increasing as this is preferred by those who want a full, natural-looking beard. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about beard transplants, how they work, and what you can expect.
What Is a Beard Hair Transplant?
Beard hair transplant is taking grafts from another part of your body, typically the back of your scalp, which is known as the donor area, and transferring them to areas of your face in order to increase beard thickness and coverage. As in cases with scalp hair transplants, the two primary methods used for a beard transplant are:
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): Single hair follicles are extracted and implanted to the beard area.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): A strip of skin containing hair is harvested from the donor area and individual follicles are transplanted from this strip into the beard area.
Of the two, FUE is a more popular choice for beard transplants because it involves minimal invasion and faster recovery .
Why Have a Beard Hair Transplant?
There are many reasons why people opt to undergo a beard transplant. Some of them include:
Disorganized Beard Growth: Some men have dispersive or uncoordinated facial hair growth that prevents them from achieving the beard they would wish to have.
Scars or Injuries: A beard transplant can regain the scars from injuries, burns, or other past surgical procedures.
Genetics: If your genes do not support beard growth, a transplant can give you the face hairs you have always wanted.
Thicker Beard Desire: Some men naturally sport thin or sparse beards and wish to have something added on top to achieve a fuller appearance with a defined look.
How is the Beard Hair Transplant Process Accomplished?
This is the step-by-step explanation of what goes on in the course of a beard hair transplant procedure:
1. Consultation
You would be interviewed with your surgeon before any procedure is made. They will examine and assess your facial hair and the donor area coupled with explaining to you what shape and type of beard you really want to achieve. This would be your opportunity to communicate with your surgeon on what you want to achieve for your appearance.
On the transplant day, your surgeon will apply local anesthesia on both the donor area and recipient area (on your face). This means you’ll not feel any pain during the procedure.
2. Extraction of Hair Follicles
If you decide on FUE, then individual follicles will be carefully taken out from the donor site. Follicles are taken one by one to cause the least amount of damage to the skin. If you opt for FUT, then a thin strip of the donor site is taken out. Subsequently, the follicles are separated so that they can be implanted.
3. Implantation of Follicles
The next step is the transplant process after harvesting the follicles. The surgeon will make several small incisions on the skin and then implant the hair follicle in every location where it is desired. This process is very delicate and requires precision to ensure proper and natural new hair growth around the existing facial hair.
4. Recovery and Aftercare
To prevent complications and healing, it is advisable that you do not touch the treated areas. Swelling and redness may also occur at the recipient and donor sites. The donor site will also require some care for healing purposes. You will be directed on how to clean and care for your face post-operatively. Most patients are able to go about their normal activities within a few days, but recovery to full strength takes about two weeks.
What Takes Place Immediately After a Beard Hair Transplant?
Immediate Results: The new hair shape appears immediately after the transplant, though this is far from the final result; the transplanted hairs will likely fall off during the first weeks following the transplant. After that, new hair growth will start.
Final Result: It may take about 6-12 months after a beard transplant to be able to completely enjoy the final results. Just like your regular facial hair, you can shave, trim, and style the transplanted hair.
Scarring: With FUE, you have minimal scarring, and the few small scars you will have in the donor area will be almost completely hidden by your hair growth. In FUT, you will have a thin scar resulting from the take of the strip of skin; however, this falls mostly in the lower back or the base of the back of your head, which is mostly covered by your hair.
Benefits of Beard Hair Transplant
Are you wondering whether doing a beard transplant is a good move? Here are some of the top benefits for you to consider:
1. Totally Natural Results
The transplanted hair is your own, so the results look absolutely natural. When healed nobody will say you even had a transplant.
2. Permanent Hair Solution
Your transplanted hair is permanent and would keep growing for life. Post recovery, you get a full and thick beard that can be styled anyway you’d like it to be.
3. Customizable Beard Style
The best thing about beard transplant is that you could actually design your beard according to the specifications of your preference. Whether you like a full beard, goatee, or sideburns, you can have it designed by your surgeon according to your preference.
4. Self-Esteem Enhancement
For men, an entire beard can be quite a determinant of masculinity and greatly enhance confidence. Be that as it may, if you’ve been facing the issues of patchy or thin facial hair, a beard hair transplant can be the solution to getting the look you always wanted, hence improving your self-esteem.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Beard Hair Transplant?
Nearly all men who are in good overall health can receive a beard transplant. However, there are a couple specific things to note:
Sufficient Donor Hair: You must have adequate hair in the donor area-which is usually the back of the scalp-to perform the transplant.
Realistic Expectations: Beard transplant is sure to fill out the density and shape of your beard, but it will not grow hair in an area with no follicles, such as areas highly scarred.
Healthy Skin and Hair: For the grafting participant to have healthy skin and hair will work to ensure that the transplant is successful and the new hair grows well.
Cost of Beard Hair Transplant
The cost of a beard transplant depends on several factors: the amount of grafts required, the skill of the surgeon, and your location. Normally, a beard transplant will cost between £3,000 and £7,000. Of course, permanent results for years, even decades to come, are an investment in your appearance and self-esteem. Conclusion
Beard hair transplant is a wonderful remedy for men who want to enhance facial hair due to aesthetic reasons or for covering up scars. The procedure is least invasive and will result in permanently natural facial hair. Maybe you have always dreamed of having a fuller beard or more denser hair and this might be the perfect solution for you.
