Did you know that almost a quarter of American men can’t grow beards?
That’s 24% of guys who may want to have thick facial hair but don’t. Unfortunately, not having a beard leaves many men feeling inadequate or insecure.
While we logically know that a man can be just as masculine without a beard, perception is everything. These negative feelings can affect an individual daily, as they get ready for work, dates, and more.
We also know many transitioning patients or non-binary patients who want to increase facial hair growth to feel the most like themselves.
Luckily, there’s a procedure that can help: a beard transplant, also known as beard restoration or beard restoration surgery. If you’re one of the quarter of men who can’t grow a beard—or grows a patchy, thin one at best—you have options.
If not being able to grow a beard bothers you, then keep reading to see how you can boost not only your appearance but your confidence, too!
What Is Beard Restoration Surgery?
Beard restoration surgery is a type of hair transplantation.
The procedure uses your own hair—usually from the back and/or sides of the scalp—to create the full, thick beard you desire. Using your own hair allows the result to look natural. The hair color, texture, and type are selected from areas of the scalp that match the beard best to allow for the most cohesive and natural look possible.
It’s a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure with relatively quick recovery. Most men need about a few days to recover and can start trimming/shaping their new beard within a week to ten days. However, it is important to always discuss recovery and post-procedure instructions with your performing surgeon for your individual case.
There are two methods of obtaining the hairs—FUE and FUT. Which is right for you will depend on the size of the area being treated, as well as the hairstyle you plan to wear long-term. We’ll cover those methods of donor harvesting next.
The Two Types of Beard Transplant Procedures
As we mentioned, the hair used in a facial hair transplant usually comes from the patient’s own scalp.
Surgeons gather hair from either the side of the scalp, called the temporal-parietal scalp, or the lower part of the back of the scalp, called the inferior occipital scalp. They can harvest hair follicles from these areas in two different ways.
FUT stands for follicular unit transplant. This method involves removing a strip of hair follicles, which is then divided into individual follicular units under the microscope.
FUE stands for follicular unit excision/extraction. This version involves excising individual follicular units, one by one, using a small circular punch.
Someone might prefer the FUT method if they wear their hair longer on the sides and back, as the hair needing to be shaved in the donor area is minimal. The FUE method might be preferable for those who have or desire shorter hair and want to avoid a linear scar. It all depends on the person’s hair.
Both procedures use a local anesthetic to reduce pain.
Which option is right for you? That depends on your unique situation. The best way to answer this question is by scheduling a consultation with one of our hair loss experts to discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives of each.
What Are the Benefits of a Beard Transplant?
Renewed self-confidence aside, there are several advantages to beard transplantation.
For one, the surgery is minimally invasive, and has a relatively short recovery time compared to other cosmetic procedures.
The results are long lasting. The transplanted hairs into the beard are usually permanent and with modern techniques this procedure usually looks very natural.
You can shave, trim, and shape your beard as if it’s a natural one—because it is! You can begin doing this in just weeks after the procedure. In less than a year, you should have a fuller beard that you can treat like it’s always been there.
How Much Does It Cost?
Several factors affect the cost of a bread transplant surgery.
If you already have a beard—but it’s patchy or thin—you’ll have to pay much less than someone with no beard at all. That’s because you’ll require fewer grafts. If your beard is virtually nonexistent, you can expect a pricier bill as this will require more grafts, work, and time.
It also depends on what you want your new beard to look like. If you’re aiming for something very full and thick, you’ll need more grafts and potentially even a second procedure. If you just want a somewhat filled in look, you may not have to pay as much. It will depend on how much hair you currently have in the beard and how thick you want the beard to be.
The surgeon you go to will also significantly affect the price. Certain surgeons with more experience, more focus on hair transplants and beard transplants, and higher demand will charge more than others. For this reason many hair restoration centers offer financing plans.
Signs You’re a Potential Candidate for a Beard Transplant
The first step of being a good candidate is wanting a thicker, less patchy, or fuller beard. After all, an astounding 75% of men feel more confident with facial hair. If your beard appearance is not a concern to you, then it likely does not make sense to undergo a beard transplant to thicken it.
Additionally, it is important to see a professional to determine if there are any underlying factors. If your beard has just always been thin or patchy or if you had trauma in the area or scar tissue from a prior surgery, you may be a good candidate potentially. If you have shedding or new patches of hair loss due to an inflammatory hair loss condition or internal medical problem, then you may not be a good candidate as the transplanted hair may also be lost if the underlying cause is not addressed. So, it is important to be evaluated by a professional to determine if you are a good candidate.
Another sign that you may be a good candidate is if you have adequate good quality hair on the sides or lower back part of your scalp that matches the beard well in terms of the hair qualities including texture, curl, color, length, etc.
Get a Beard-iful Beard Today
By now, you should have a good idea of whether you want a beard transplant.
If you are potentially interested in this procedure, the only thing left to do is schedule a consultation.
At Root Hair Institute, we specialize in hair restoration of all kinds, including facial hair restoration. We’re passionate about giving you the appearance you want. We also have the expertise required to give our patients the most natural-looking results possible.
Click here to get in touch with us.