Beard Transplants

What Is a Beard Transplant?

A beard transplant involves the extraction of hair follicles from another part of your body, typically the scalp, and the implantation of these hair follicles into the beard area.

Why Are Beard Transplants popular?

Some men decide to get beard transplants to either cover up scars or to obtain a lush natural looking beard. Some men lose beard and moustache hair due to testosterone levels. Some men just have difficulty growing a beard and seek beard transplants. The appearance of men’s beard and moustache has a significant place in their style.

What Are the Benefits Of Beard Transplants?

There are many advantages to having a beard transplant. Some of the advantages are:

Beard Style

Beard transplant patients can choose the beard style they like. It is a good idea to bring a picture to the clinic to show the surgeon the outcome you are looking for.

Sex Appeal

Many women find men with beards and moustaches extremely sexy. They perceive bearded men as being masculine and very attractive. However, men also see other bearded men as being masculine.

Minimal Pain

A beard transplant provides minimal pain.

Recovery Time

A beard transplant involves minimal recovery time. You may have to miss just a few days from work.

Permanent

Your beard transplant provides permanent hair grafts that can be cared for like any other beard. Beard transplant patients will have the look and functionality as anyone else with a beard.

Types of Beard Transplants

The most common two types of beard transplants are FUE and FUT.

FUE Beard Transplants

FUE beard and moustache transplants typically involve the extraction of individual hair follicles from the back of the scalp area. These hair follicles are then transplanted one by one into the beard and moustache area on the face. The procedure is performed by a licensed physician who is trained and experienced in hair restoration.

The Stages of a Beard and Moustache Transplant

Family Physician

It is very important as with any surgical procedure that you speak with your family doctor about your intentions regarding a beard and moustache transplant. Patients should be in good health before seeking a transplant.

Clinic Consultation

When you arrive at the transplant clinic, you will meet the surgeon and team that will be involved with your beard transplant. During this consultation, you will discuss things like your health, including medications you are currently taking, your expectations surrounding the transplant, the hair transplant procedure that will be used, and the cost. The surgeon will examine the recipient area on your face and then examine the donor area on your face. Most clinics commonly take photos for beard transplants before and after images.

Transplant Preparation

The surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for your beard and moustache transplant. These instructions may include:

Arrange for transportation after the procedure, as you will not be able to drive after receiving an anesthetic.

• Grow out the hair on your head to 2 centimeters in length.

• Take vitamin C and vitamin K to help with the healing process.

• Avoid medications like aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as vitamin E.

• Avoid alcohol for approximately one week before your procedure and avoid caffeine the day before and the day of your procedure.

• Avoid smoking for weeks prior and following your procedure.

The Procedure

The FUE beard transplant procedure involves administering a general anesthetic. This will minimize discomfort during the procedure. The surgeon will then extract the donor hair follicles from the donor area on the back of the scalp using a specialized extraction tool, which makes tiny punch incisions. The hair follicles will then be examined, and the surgeon will select the best hair follicles for transplantation. Once this has been done, the surgeon will then make tiny incisions in the recipient area of the beard to place the donor hair follicles into. Once your facial hair transplant is complete, you will be given specific instructions on how to care for both the donor location and the recipient location.

FUT Beard Transplants

The above stages of an FUE beard transplant pertain to a FUT beard transplant also. The difference lies in the technique of removing the donor hair follicles. FUE extractions involve the removal of individual hair follicles from the donor area, whereas, FUT involves the removal of small sections of the scalp containing skin and hair follicles. The procedure involves the surgeon removing a strip of scalp skin containing hair follicles from the back of the head. The incision typically is several inches long. This will require the surgeon to close the incision by stitching it. The surgeon will then separate the removed strip into smaller sections using a sharp surgical instrument. Small incisions will be made into the recipient area of the beard, and the surgeon then implants the sections.

Choosing the Right Clinic and Surgeon

As a beard transplant or a moustache transplant directly affects your physical appearance, it is important to locate a reputable and experienced hair transplant surgeon and team. The beard transplant cost can vary depending on how the fee schedule is set up by the clinic. Some clinics may charge by the individual graft, whereas other clinics may charge per session.

Aftercare

You must take the medications given to you by the doctor. This will help alleviate any discomfort you may experience after the procedure. The doctor will also give you antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. It is important to sleep with your head elevated for the first night following the procedure. Do not get the transplant area wet for the first 5 days following the procedure. Avoid exposure to direct sun for approximately 2 weeks. Avoid strenuous activity for the first week following your procedure. Gently rub off any remaining crusting where the grafts were placed at the one-week mark. For prolonged pinkness at the recipient site, you can take Benadryl twice a day in 25mg doses.

Results

Beard implant patients can expect to see results after approximately six months. Keep in mind as with any hair transplant, and the transplanted hair can fall out within two to three weeks before re-growth begins. Patients can expect to see intensive natural-looking beards and moustaches within 12 to 18 months.