Whether you follow Major League Baseball’s recent penchant for bushy beards or subscribe to “no shave Novembers” to raise awareness for prostate cancer and other men’s health issues, you know that beards are not only are making a resurgence, they are helping to send a message. For many, beards are symbols of rugged masculinity and good looks; for others beards represent freedom from the grind of shaving daily. Whereas a generation ago, beards were a rarity, we have since raised a generation of men who are embracing their whiskers and letting their beards reach new lengths.
But what if you are unable to grow a beard? Perhaps your genes don’t work in your favor or you were injured and are no longer are able to support facial hair. Can you still enjoy a beard? The answer is yes if you consider a beard transplant. And if you are, now’s the time to get one! That’s because beard transplants have evolved to the point where the transplanted hair looks and feels natural (after all you are using your own hair!), and the procedure itself is part of an exciting and rapidly advancing field in cosmetic surgery. Want to know more about beard transplants? Here are six things you need to know if you are considering a beard transplant procedure.
- What’s the process like?
Most beard transplants are performed using a technique called a follicular unit transfer (FUT), which consists of the removal of transplanting hair –2000 at a time– to provide the best texture and coverage. The doctor makes small incisions in the beard area that will determine the direction and growth pattern of your beard. The source hair is then placed in these incisions. Only local anesthesia is required.
- Where does the transplanted hair come from?
Transplanted hairs come from your own scalp, mainly the back of the head where it is the thickest and most similar to a beard. This helps the aesthetic surgeon use the best source for the transplant and also helps avoid problems with beard color, consistency and texture.
- How long does the process take?
A full beard transplantation may take about eight hours and the road to recovery and growing a full beard may take several weeks.
- What happens after surgery?
Your transplanted hairs will begin to fall out 15-30 days after surgery. But this is good news – your new beard follicles are just getting ready for a growth spurt. In about 90 days your beard will have completed its growth and most hair follicles will have settled into place. Approximately four months after surgery, your beard begins to gain coverage; by about nine months you will be able to grow a full beard.
- Are there any risks or side effects?
As with most surgeries, there are risks of infection and some bleeding, but these are rare in hair transplantation. Occasionally, the hair follicles may become infected and inflamed. There is also a possibility of scarring at the source area, although most hair will cover that area with time. Results can vary, so be realistic about your expectations.
- Are you a good candidate for beard transplantation?
As long as you have healthy hair on your scalp, a beard transplant is a viable possibility to achieve your facial hair goals. Many men who have male pattern baldness are interested in the beard transplantation process but may have more limited options. Know that this procedure is a bit pricey and insurance doesn’t always cover it.
Is your beard patchy, uneven or hard to grow out due to genes, scarring or an injury? Northwest Hair Restoration in Tacoma, Seattle, and Spokane can help. Facial hair transplants restore hair to areas of the face where hair is sparse or nonexistent, such as sideburns, cheek beard, goatee, or mustache. Dr. Robert Niedbalski has years of experience helping people restore their hair – and their confidence! For a complimentary consultation and to find out if you are a good candidate for facial hair transplant, call Dr. Robert Niedbalski at (253) 572-2949 or schedule a consultation online today.
