A beard transplant is a cosmetic procedure in which hair follicles are taken from the scalp and transplanted to the face to enhance or restore beard growth. It is a significant breakthrough in the field of cosmetology. However, the procedure is lengthy and complex. It is performed via various techniques and has varying effects on different candidates.1International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Beard Transplantation Techniques. Hair Transplant Forum International. 2015;25(4):133. Available at: https://www.ishrs-htforum.org/content/25/4/133.2. Accessed October 22, 2024.
What is a Beard Transplant?
In medical terminology, a transplant refers to harvesting a piece of tissue from one part of the body and fixing it onto another. The donor tissue can belong to the same person, another human being, or even a different species.
Growing a beard on guys sounds quite natural and easy. However, growing beards isn’t a piece of cake for most of the lads. The struggle of naturally attaining an attractive beard is real. It, unfortunately, isn’t as simple as running a razor on your jawline and letting nature take over its course.
Here is when a beard transplant comes to the rescue. It is the same as a hair transplant, but the area under treatment is different.2 International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Beard Transplant. Available at: https://ishrs.org/beard-transplant/. Accessed October 22, 2024.
How Does a Beard Transplant Happen?
Beard transplantation is usually performed by hair restoration surgeons, plastic surgeons, or cosmetologists in a sterile and controlled environment at their clinics.
Beard transplantation is a complex procedure. We can stage it into two or three steps, depending on the extent of treatment required. The two most popular techniques of beard transplantation3Sharma, R., & Ranjan, A. (2019). Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant: Curves Ahead. Journal of maxillofacial and oral surgery, 18(4), 509–517. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-019-01245-6 are discussed as under:
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT):
This is a rather traditional method of beard hair transplant wherein the surgeon cuts a small strip from the back of your head under local anesthesia and extracts hair follicles from it. The cosmetologist then transplants these hair follicles onto the jawline or wherever required. It is also known as the ‘strip procedure.’ The results of FUT are satisfactory and natural. However, they are associated with minor scarring.4Dua K, Verma V, Dua A. Beard, and Moustache Reconstruction. Indian J Plast Surg. 2021 Dec 20;54(4):483-488. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1739248. PMID: 34984089; PMCID: PMC8719972.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE):
This is a relatively newer technique of beard hair transplant that extracts follicles without causing any visible scarring at the donor site. It is also comparatively painless and, hence, more popular.5Umar, Sanusi MD*,†,‡; Khanna, Raveena MD‡,§; Maldonado, Juan Carlos MD‖; Chouhan, Kavish MD¶; Gonzales, Alejandro MD**. Beard and Body Hair Transplantation by Follicular Unit Excision Using a Skin-Responsive Device: A Multicenter Study. Dermatologic Surgery 50(3):p 306-308, March 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000004061
Fue hair transplant is a sutureless technique wherein the surgeon creates micro punctures at the back of your head under local anesthesia to extract the hair follicles. Studies show that FUE is associated with better cosmesis and higher patient satisfaction rates.6Civaş, E, Aksoy, B, Aksoy, HM, Çalıkoğlu, E. Follicular unit extraction as a valuable method for the restoration of the beard: Retrospective case series study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020; 19: 2049– 2056. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13448
How long is the Beard Transplant Procedure?
The time required to complete a beard hair transplant depends upon the extent of hair transplantation required. A complete beard transplantation may take about eight to ten hours. You may need more than one session to cover extensive hair loss.
The procedure comprises the following main steps:
- Harvesting: whether you go for an FUE hair transplant or a FUT, the first step is to harvest hair follicles from the back of your head, aka, the donor site
- Implantation: after harvesting sufficient hair follicles, the surgeon will carefully implant them onto your face, shaping a new beard the way you have agreed with your doctor
Both these steps are carried out under local anesthesia - Recovery: this final step should not take more than seven to ten days. Beard hair transplant is generally a safe procedure with minimal invasion and does not require long recovery hours
What to Expect After a Beard Transplant?
Once the procedure is complete, you can go home the same day. Twenty-four hours are usually sufficient to recover from the procedure. It is normal for tiny crusts or flakes to form around the freshly implanted hair follicles that will eventually shed away on their own. About ten days post-procedure, you will be able to shave and trim your new beard.
Shock loss: You may notice a fall of implanted hair follicles at 2nd or 3rd week of transplant, but that is nothing to worry about. This phenomenon is known as shock loss. The sequelae are normal, and new hair is expected to take its place in a short time. Shock loss is temporary and affects about five percent of transplant procedures.
Post-procedure7Sharma, R., Ranjan, A. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant: Curves Ahead. J. Maxillofac. Oral Surg. 18, 509–517 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-019-01245-6, you are expected to experience the following symptoms at your donor and recipient sites:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Numbness
- Crustiness
- Flaky skin
- Tightness
These symptoms usually subside in a day or two, but contact your doctor immediately if they persist.
Am I a Candidate for Beard Transplantation?
It doesn’t take a lot to be an ideal candidate for beard transplantation. Since your surgeon will harvest the hair follicles from the back of your head, it is essential that you have a good volume of hair back there.
When going bald, the head area right above the neck is the last to be affected, if at all. Hence, there is hardly any chance that the doctor might reject your request for a beard transplant.
The process can be carried out at any age.
However, it would be best to visit your doctor to discuss your general health condition before going for any surgical procedure. Certain chronic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, can adversely affect wound healing and may result in failure of the procedure.
What is a Successful Beard Hair Transplant?
It takes a lot of patience during and after the hair transplantation procedure. You have to wait for a couple of months before determining the success ratio of your treatment.
Whether an FUE or a FUT, the transplanted follicles take about three to four months to adapt to the new area. It is only after the acceptance that any growth is visible.
By the end of the 8th or 9th-month post-procedure, you will finally be able to appreciate a full-grown beard with thick hair strands that you can treat as you like.
Beard Transplant Before & After
By the end of the 8th or 9th-month post-procedure, you can differentiate a heavy difference between your previous beard growth and the one after the treatment. The hair strands must be thick and healthy, and all the bald patches near the jawline must be covered. It is also essential that there is no permanent beard transplant scar on the face or the donor site.
Precautions After Beard Hair Transplant
Both the donor and the recipient areas of your face and head demand special care and attention. A list of after-care instructions shall be provided by your doctor beforehand. However, you need to follow some general precautions in the first few days after the procedure:
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight
- Avoid swimming
- Avoid strenuous physical activities
- Avoid hot bathtubs or saunas
- Avoid frequent rubbing, touching, or scratching the treated skin areas
Risks & Complications of Beard Transplant
As with most surgeries, beard transplant carries minor risks and complications. Occasionally, a transplanted hair follicle may become infected. This infection could be transmitted by the surrounding normal flora of your scalp or could be done during the procedure via the surgeon’s hands or surgical tools. Adequate sterilization techniques can minimize the risk of infection up to less than one percent.
Another common complication of beard transplant is bleeding. As the cosmetologist creates micro punctures on the recipient site, bleeding can occur. This should not be a problem if you don’t have blood clotting disorders.8Kerure AS, Patwardhan N. Complications in Hair Transplantation. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018 Oct-Dec;11(4):182-189. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_125_18. PMID: 30886471; PMCID: PMC6371733.
Does a Beard Transplant Cause Scarring?
Scarring is your body’s natural way of healing. Your skin undergoes scarring after an injury.
During a beard transplant, the process of extracting hair follicles from the donor site injures the underlying skin. The tiny incisions made on the recipient site also promote scarring.
How Visible is a Beard Transplant Scar?
A fine surgeon will take all measures to minimize scarring. He will employ meticulous incision techniques during the surgery to avoid excessive scar formation.
Moreover, it usually takes more than twelve weeks for the wounds to heal and the swelling to subside after a transplant procedure. The hair eventually grows on the donor and recipient sites, covering all the scars and incision marks, so you don’t have to worry about scars on your face or head.
Practically, it takes up to a year to witness your complete expectations from your beard transplant procedure. Meanwhile, it is crucial that you follow all the wound care steps provided by your doctor and avoid scratching at those sites to ensure healthy healing.
How Much Does a Beard Transplant Cost?
The average cost of a beard transplant can vary depending on various factors, such as the geographic location, the reputation and expertise of the surgeon, the extent of the transplant, and additional services or procedures involved. On average, a beard transplant can range from $5,000 to $15000. You can find competitive clinics in your area that offer beard transplantation. The procedure must be carried out by a doctor approved by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgeons. It is always wise to take multiple reviews of the clinics and the service providers before settling for one. You can always ask the doctor about their specialty and how many such procedures they have performed successfully so far.
Beard transplants are usually costly and require a couple of months of savings. There is no use in compromising the quality of treatment by saving a few bucks.
Conclusion
A beard is a man’s beauty statement, but not every guy is lucky enough to naturally grow a beautiful and aesthetic beard. A beard transplant is a recent advancement that can fill the void. Today, beard transplants can be carried out conveniently in a clinic setup and usually take only a few hours. The procedure is carried out by a board-certified surgeon who thoroughly determines your skin and hair before the process and discusses realistic outcomes with you. Beard transplant results take up to eight or nine months before you can finally enjoy a face full of healthy, thriving beards you may treat as you like.
Refrences
- 1International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Beard Transplantation Techniques. Hair Transplant Forum International. 2015;25(4):133. Available at: https://www.ishrs-htforum.org/content/25/4/133.2. Accessed October 22, 2024.
- 2International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Beard Transplant. Available at: https://ishrs.org/beard-transplant/. Accessed October 22, 2024.
- 3Sharma, R., & Ranjan, A. (2019). Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant: Curves Ahead. Journal of maxillofacial and oral surgery, 18(4), 509–517. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-019-01245-6
- 4Dua K, Verma V, Dua A. Beard, and Moustache Reconstruction. Indian J Plast Surg. 2021 Dec 20;54(4):483-488. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1739248. PMID: 34984089; PMCID: PMC8719972.
- 5Umar, Sanusi MD*,†,‡; Khanna, Raveena MD‡,§; Maldonado, Juan Carlos MD‖; Chouhan, Kavish MD¶; Gonzales, Alejandro MD**. Beard and Body Hair Transplantation by Follicular Unit Excision Using a Skin-Responsive Device: A Multicenter Study. Dermatologic Surgery 50(3):p 306-308, March 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000004061
- 6Civaş, E, Aksoy, B, Aksoy, HM, Çalıkoğlu, E. Follicular unit extraction as a valuable method for the restoration of the beard: Retrospective case series study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020; 19: 2049– 2056. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13448
- 7Sharma, R., Ranjan, A. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant: Curves Ahead. J. Maxillofac. Oral Surg. 18, 509–517 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-019-01245-6
- 8Kerure AS, Patwardhan N. Complications in Hair Transplantation. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018 Oct-Dec;11(4):182-189. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_125_18. PMID: 30886471; PMCID: PMC6371733.
