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What Is a Beard Transplant?

Lakshmi Sandhana
Lakshmi Sandhana

A beard transplant is a type of procedure that involves transplanting hair, typically from the scalp to the beard region. Men usually go for this type of procedure to thicken the beard they have or fill in patchy areas. It is similar to a typical hair transplant procedure, and the hair transplanted can be shaved or styled in any way after a particular period of time. It's also possible to have sideburns, a goatee, or moustache hair transplants.

These types of transplants help to hide facial scars, recessed or cleft chins, burn damage, or sparse hair growth due to hereditary factors. It is a permanent solution, and the hair transplanted will grow naturally in a couple of months' time, giving the patient a thicker and fuller natural beard. Some men choose a beard transplant to enhance their attractiveness because it helps them to hide, highlight, or deemphasize different facial features. Others want to restore or increase their beard hair to feel more masculine.

A beard transplant may be used by men to thicken the beard they already have.
A beard transplant may be used by men to thicken the beard they already have.

A specialized procedure, only certain doctors are qualified to undertake a beard transplant, and it can take anywhere from two to four hours. The donor hair is typically taken from the scalp as it very closely resembles the texture of beard hair. After anesthetizing both regions, the doctor takes live hair follicles from the scalp and implants them into very small incisions in the beard area. This is done with care because the doctor has to implant the hair in the direction that it normally grows and also take care of aesthetics, such as grey hairs, in a natural way.

The transplanted hairs fall out after a month, and new hair starts to grow in around three months' time, taking around a year to fully grow in. Normally, it is possible to shave, trim, or style the beard a few weeks after the beard transplant. The surgery can be expensive as it is quite laborious and requires a great deal of skill. If the beard is extremely thin, it may be necessary to go in for multiple procedures to add more thickness.

As it is a delicate procedure, a beard transplant can be just as expensive as having surgery done on the scalp. Some doctors have payment plans spread over a period of time to help patients pay for the cost of the procedure. It's important to find an experienced doctor, and before and after pictures of the surgeon's patients can help in gaining an idea of his or her skill.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

Is there an ideal age for a beard transplant? Is 29 too soon?

ZipLine
@zipline-- I've had a beard hair transplant and I'm happy with the results. It is expensive and it can take up to a year to see proper growth, but it's permanent and the procedure is pain-free.

Have you tried other treatments like hair growth products? I think a beard transplant should be the last option. If nothing else is working and if you've found an experienced doctor, then go for it.

Make sure you see before and after pictures of patients that worked with the doctor you're planning to get the procedure from. Clarify with the doctor how many sessions will be needed and how long it will take to have hair growth. If the procedure does fail, they should be able to rectify it.

I think if sparse hair or bald spots on the beard is affecting someone's self esteem and opinion of themselves, a beard transplant is a small price to pay.

ddljohn

What is the success rate of beard transplants? Is there a chance that it might not work? Is it painful?

I have bald spots on my cheeks due to genetics. I've only been able to support specific beard and mustache styles because of this. I admire people who have thick and even full beards.

I'm willing to have a beard transplant done to fill in the bald spots. I can save money for it. What I'm worried about is that it won't work and I will have wasted my money. I'm also worried about the procedure itself and how much pain I will experience.

Has anyone had hair transplant surgery and can enlighten me about these issues?

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    • A beard transplant may be used by men to thicken the beard they already have.
      By: camrocker
      A beard transplant may be used by men to thicken the beard they already have.