Beard Transplants: What to Know
Beards are back. In fact, facial hair has been trending for a while, and many men are looking for ways to cultivate a fuller, more robust beard. For some, that might mean beard oil and patience. But for others, a beard transplant offers a more immediate solution.
Beard hair transplantation is a procedure where hair follicles are surgically moved to your beard area. The procedure can give you the beard of your dreams, but it’s not for everyone.
Here’s what you should know about beard transplants, including what the procedure involves, how much it costs, and who makes a good candidate.
What is a beard transplant?
A beard transplant is a surgical procedure that restores hair to the face. Technicians remove hair follicles from a “donor” area (usually the back of the head or under the chin) and implant them into the beard area.
Surgeons perform beard transplants in a few different situations:
- To create a fuller beard for men who have patchy or thin facial hair to begin with.
- To restore hair in parts of the beard that have been scarred by burns, cuts, or other injuries.
- To salvage previous hair transplants on the scalp that didn’t work.
It’s also worth noting that beard hair can be transplanted to other areas of the body, such as the scalp.
Am I a good candidate for a beard transplant?
You may want to consider a beard transplant if:
- You have a patchy beard or no beard
- You want a fuller, thicker beard
- You have scars on your face or have lost facial hair due to an accident or surgery
- You understand what a beard transplant can and can’t do for you
- You have enough hair to use as a donor source
It’s important to remember that beard transplants, like all cosmetic surgeries, are not risk-free. Talk to your doctor about whether or not this procedure is right for you.
The Beard Transplant Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, what exactly happens when you get a beard transplant? Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Preoperative Evaluation
Before anything else, you’ll have a thorough consultation. The surgeon will assess the hair loss on your face, examine your facial structure, and check the donor area (usually the back of your head) to determine the quality and density of your hair. They’ll also make sure the hair from the donor area closely matches the color, curl, and thickness of your existing beard so the final result looks natural.
Harvesting Follicles: FUE vs. FUT
This is where the hair that will make up your new beard comes from. There are two main methods:
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): With FUE, individual hair follicles are taken directly from the donor area. This is often the preferred method because it leaves minimal scarring – usually just tiny, barely visible dots.
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): In FUT, the surgeon removes a strip of skin from the donor area, and then extracts the follicles from that strip. While FUT can be effective, it leaves a linear scar, which may be a concern for some people.
Implantation
Once the follicles are harvested, it’s time to implant them into your beard area. The surgeon will create tiny recipient sites where the new hairs will go. Then, they carefully insert the harvested follicles into these sites, paying close attention to the angle and direction of each graft to mimic the natural growth patterns of a beard. Forceps or special implanters are used during this process to make sure the follicles are placed precisely.
Recovery and Aftercare
After a beard transplant, you’ll need to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll need to keep the transplanted area very clean and dry.
- Avoid strenuous activity for a period specified by your surgeon.
- Expect some scabbing and crusting. Your doctor will tell you how to manage this.
Full recovery usually takes between 7 and 14 days. You might see some redness and swelling for a few days following the procedure.
How much does a beard transplant cost?
Several factors can influence the cost of a beard transplant:
- The surgeon’s experience and qualifications
- The number of grafts required to achieve the desired fullness
- Whether the surgeon uses Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
- The clinic’s location
Here are some average cost ranges in different regions:
- USA: $15,000 – $20,000
- UK: £3,500 – £9,500
- Turkey: $2,500 – $4,500
Many clinics offer financing options or payment plans to help make the procedure more accessible. However, because beard transplants are considered cosmetic, they are not typically covered by insurance.
Are there any risks?
As with any surgery, a beard transplant comes with the possibility of side effects. Most people experience:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Itching
- Discomfort
- Numbness
These tend to be temporary. More rarely, people experience:
- Infection
- Poor hair growth from the grafts
- Scarring
- An unnatural-looking hairline
Choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon can significantly reduce the chance of complications. Before you agree to a transplant, make sure you understand the doctor’s qualifications and experience, and ask about their complication rate.
Finding the right surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon is the most important part of a beard transplant. You’ll want to do your research to make sure they have plenty of experience.
Make sure to check your surgeon’s credentials and qualifications. Look for board certifications, such as the ABHRS (American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery). Memberships in professional organizations like the ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) are also a good sign.
Ask to see before-and-after photos of other patients. You should also confirm that the surgeon will be performing the procedure themselves, rather than delegating it to an assistant.
Finally, read online reviews and testimonials to get a sense of other patients’ experiences.
What are the alternatives to beard transplants?
Beard transplants are typically safe and effective, but they’re not the only option.
Some people use minoxidil (Rogaine) to improve beard growth. It can increase beard density, but it doesn’t always work, and you have to keep using it to maintain the results.
There are also other topical treatments and supplements that some people use for beard growth. But it’s important to understand that these options have limitations and may cause side effects.
Expert Opinion: Is beard hair a good choice for hair transplants?
Beard hair has some unique advantages as a donor source. Because it tends to grow quickly and survive the transplant process, beard hair is an excellent choice.
Beard hair also tends to be coarse, which can help create the appearance of greater density after transplantation.
However, because beard hairs usually only grow as singles, they may not provide as much density as hair from the scalp. It’s also worth noting that beard hair transplantation typically results in minimal scarring and less hypopigmentation in the donor area, which is especially beneficial for people with darker skin.
Ultimately, the success of beard hair transplantation hinges on careful matching of donor and recipient hair characteristics.
Wrapping Up
A beard transplant can be a transformative procedure, restoring facial hair where it’s been lost and dramatically improving a man’s appearance. Many men report a significant boost in confidence and self-esteem after undergoing a beard transplant.
If you’re considering this option, it’s important to have realistic expectations and plan carefully. Be sure to consult with a qualified and experienced surgeon who can assess your individual needs and goals. Make sure you fully understand all the costs and potential risks involved.
With careful planning and a skilled surgeon, a beard transplant can be a highly effective way to achieve the facial hair you’ve always wanted.