Beard transplant surgery is a ground-breaking trend that has been growing in popularity over the past decade. By transferring facial hair follicles from the back of the scalp, individuals can achieve a more dense and natural-looking facial hair in less time. Although some individuals opt for procedures to improve the overall feel of their facial hair, there are individuals who utilize this transplant as a form of facial feminization. Does beard transplant look natural?
In terms of looking natural, beard transplant is becoming increasingly popular and physicians can now recreate a variety of facial hair looks. Beard transplant surgery is customizable, allowing physician to transfer small to large amounts of facial hair depending on the individual’s needs or desired aesthetic. By using the patient’s existing hair from the back or sides of the scalp, the density of the new beard can be achieved and it may look better than a completely shaven face.
“Beard transplant can yield exceptionally natural results, if done well,” states Dr. Philip Miller, plastic surgeon, board certified in facial plastic surgery, and expert in facial transplant surgery. “We use a variety of techniques to achieve the desired look, without any obvious scarring or donor area.”
The transplant procedure requires healthy donor hair from the head which needs to have similar characteristics to the recipient’s facial hair. Compared to previous procedures, facial hair transplant can provide a much more realistic result with strong and distinct features such as jaw lines and moustaches. The technique itself does not impair the recipient’s growth of the native facial hair.
Due to the advanced skill level required to perform the transplant, a surgeon with extensive experience and expertise in facial hair transplant surgery is a must to ensure optimal results. “It is important to seek out a surgeon well-versed in facial hair transplant to ensure the highest standard of results,” says Dr. Miller. “A well-trained surgeon will be able to appreciate the unique challenges of facial hair transplant and tailor the procedure to the patient’s facial anatomy and desired aesthetic.”
Before proceeding, individuals considering beard transplant must also consider the cost of the procedure, which may vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the skills of the surgeon. However, compared with other facial feminization or hair loss treatments, beard transplant is typically one of the most cost-effective options. In terms of healing time, beard transplant recipients should expect up to six months for before the full results become visible.
The Healing Process
Once the surgery is complete, there will be a downtime period that can last for up to ten days. During this time, the individual should limit all physical activity and avoid any contact or manipulation of the affected area. The person should also take all medications and supplements as instructed to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
Following the recovery period, the hair will gradually start to grow and the individual should keep up with regular deep conditioning treatments, trimming and brushing on a weekly basis. It is very important to maintain the health of the follicles during this time to ensure optimal results. Additionally, individuals may see color or texture changes as the newly transplanted hairs grow out.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to beard transplant. Whether it is enhancing a current look or crafting a new style, the procedure has tremendous potential to improve an individual’s appearance and self-confidence. When done right, the final result can be exceptionally natural-looking, restoring a masculine feel to the face.
Risks and Complications
As with all medical treatments, beard transplant comes with some level of risk and potential complication. This includes pain and inflammation, infection, blood loss and reaction to anesthesia. There is also the possibility of poor results due to poor technique, improper post-care or an inadequate donor area. To minimise these risks and ensure a successful outcome, individuals must work with surgeons who have extensive experience and expertise in facial hair transplant.
Although the facial hair transplants are permanent, the recipient may experience a decrease in the overall density with age. This can be attributed to the gradual decline in hair follicle production that occurs with age, something that no cosmetic procedure can prevent.
In the long-term, the results of facial hair transplant are expected to last for many years, with the individual gradually adapting to their new facial features or facial look.
Long-Term Care
In order to maintain the results of a beard transplant, it is important to take a few precautionary measures. It is important to avoid sun exposure as much as possible and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Additionally, the individual must ensure their hair is kept in good condition, as poor care can cause damage to both the recipient and donor sites.
It is also important to use gentle shampoos and avoiding tight hairstyles as well as excessive heat styling. Finally, medications such as blood-thinners, chemotherapy, and anti-androgens must be avoided as they can impact the follicle growth.
Appearance Benefits
When done properly, beard transplant surgery can create a natural, masculine look for individuals who lack facial hair. Many individuals cite an increase in self-confidence, as well as greater ease of self-expression, as some of the desired benefits of the procedure. Factors such as facial symmetry and more even hair distribution can result in a more chiseled and aesthetically pleasing look.
Additionally, the effects of the procedure are permanent, which has the potential to reduce the stress and time associated with other daily grooming or facial hair styling routines. Furthermore, the results of facial hair transplant can often last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Side Effects
Common side effects of a beard transplant include inflammation, swelling and redness. While these should steadily diminish over time, individuals may continue to experience some degree of these side effects for up to a month after the surgery. It is important to take all medications or supplements as directed by the physician in order to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Skin discoloration is also a common side effect, particularly around the eyes and nose. This is a result of the inflammatory process and typically resolves itself with time. Finally, some individuals may experience itching or tenderness of the donor and recipient areas, which may sometimes require a topical ointment or medication to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Facial hair transplants are becoming increasingly popular and people often have a lot of questions about the procedure. A few of the most common questions are listed below.
Do I need to be on a special diet for beard transplant? There is no specific diet for facial hair transplant recipients. However, individuals should practice healthy eating habits and drink plenty of water to ensure the surgery is a success.
Can I go out in the sun after the procedure? Sun exposure is not recommended for at least the first month following the procedure. After that, facial hair transplant recipients should use a high-SPF sunscreen to protect against any further damage.
Are there any medications I should avoid? Certain medications such as blood-thinners, chemotherapy, and anti-androgens are not ideal for individuals who had facial hair transplants and should be avoided if possible.
Do I still need to use regular styling products? Yes, although the transplanted facial hair may look natural, styling products can still be used to enhance the look. Natural, mild hair products are recommended over chemical-heavy options.
