Beard transplantation has become one of the most common surgical procedures in recent years. Indeed, having beautiful and long beards has become a trend, leading to frustration for those who lack sufficient facial hair. To address this, many opt for a beard transplant. However, this procedure is not limited to those with insufficient beard density. It is also possible to undergo a beard transplant even if one has no facial hair at all.
What Is a Beard Transplant?
A beard transplant is a hair transplantation technique aimed at correcting a lack of facial hair in specific areas such as the upper lip, chin, or cheeks. To fill in the deficit, the doctor harvests hair from the nape of the neck. These are referred to as grafts or implants, which are then transplanted to the target areas.
Beard transplantation can be performed on various types of individuals. It is suitable for men who feel their beard density is inadequate, those unhappy with their beard’s distribution, and men who have no facial hair at all for various reasons. Typically, this procedure is performed by a specialized surgeon and involves several key steps.
The Steps of a Beard Transplant
A beard transplant is a delicate procedure, but it generally goes smoothly when performed by an expert. The process takes about three hours, depending on the size of the area to be transplanted. It involves four main steps.
Pre-Transplant Diagnosis
Every beard transplant operation is preceded by a diagnosis. This helps the surgeon study the patient’s case to understand their hair characteristics and verify there are no contraindications to the procedure. During the diagnosis, the surgeon:
- Carefully examines the density of the donor area for hair harvesting;
- Assesses the hair’s caliber;
- Evaluates the distribution and orientation of beard hair.
During this stage, the doctor also consults with the patient, discussing the desired outcome and helping them make an appropriate choice. The doctor explains the procedure and provides pre-transplant instructions that the patient must follow.
Graft Extraction
The second step is harvesting the grafts, which is done under local anesthesia. There are two methods for performing this procedure:
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE):
For this method, the doctor shaves the scalp in the donor area. The graft is shaped during the extraction process to ensure it matches the required final form. - Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT):
This method involves dissecting a strip of scalp, which is then divided into smaller fragments to create ideal grafts for the transplant.
After harvesting, the grafts are sorted before implantation.
Graft Implantation
Contrary to common belief, implanting beard grafts is not painful, as it is performed under local anesthesia to prevent any discomfort. The grafts are implanted manually, one by one, while considering the desired shape of the beard.
To facilitate graft implantation, the surgeon uses a needle to make small incisions in the skin. The spacing and direction of the grafts are carefully aligned to promote harmonious growth. For instance, mustache grafts are implanted to grow laterally, while cheek grafts are oriented downward.
Post-Transplant Care
Once the implantation is complete, the doctor provides instructions for aftercare. The patient must follow these guidelines carefully to ensure the grafts take successfully.
The marks from the procedure are visible for two to three days and are characterized by redness or small scabs. Patients are advised to wait at least two days before washing their face and at least a month before shaving.
Additionally, sun exposure is strongly discouraged after a beard transplant, as the skin becomes more sensitive to UV rays. The doctor may prescribe a cosmetic product for facial massage and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the patient’s health and observe beard growth. The surgeon ensures the grafts have taken properly and the beard appears even.
Complications After a Beard Transplant
Beard transplantation generally goes well, and the results are often satisfactory. However, complications can arise if all precautions are not taken. In the immediate aftermath, patients may experience discomfort, bleeding, or minor infections. These symptoms are typically normal and resolve within a few days. It is the late-onset complications that require careful attention.
For example, small scars may form in the donor area, which are usually unavoidable but can be minimized with modern techniques. Graft loss is another potential complication. Normally, grafts fall out two to three weeks after the transplant. However, excessive shedding or continued loss beyond this period indicates a failed procedure. Additionally, asymmetry in the beard may occur.
In Summary
A beard transplant is a procedure that allows men without facial hair to address this issue. It involves four key steps: diagnosis, graft extraction, implantation, and post-transplant care. Choosing a qualified specialist and following pre- and post-operative recommendations is essential to avoid complications.
