A full beard is one of the most attractive features a man can have, but many people want a long and voluminous beard but can’t. This is an unfortunate situation, but with various beard transplant methods, any bald or hairless face can be transformed into a face with natural and full beards. Like hair transplants, beard transplants involve taking hair follicles from one part of the body (donor area) and implanting them in another part of the body (recipient area); in the case of beard transplants, the recipients are the cheek, chin, or upper neck areas.
Every beauty procedure has its pros and cons, depending on various factors such as the doctor’s skill level, the suitability of the candidate’s condition, the clinic’s equipment, the chosen method, and the patient’s preparedness and subsequent care. Beard transplantation is no exception to this rule, and alongside its numerous benefits for individuals, it may also carry certain risks; in the following, we will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of beard transplantation.
What are the benefits of growing a beard?
Over the years, beard transplant methods have proven to be one of the most effective ways to thicken a beard, and they have seen significant advancements. As you know, a beard transplant is essentially a hair transplant on the face, where the necessary follicles for grafting to the beard area are extracted from the back of the head and above the ears because they are the most similar to beard hair. The most important benefits of a natural beard transplant include:
1. Your Own Hair for Your Beard Transplant
Just like natural hair transplant procedures, beard transplants utilize your own hair. Follicles are harvested from your scalp and transplanted to the beard area. This ensures optimal compatibility and a higher success rate. While the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method is the most common for beard transplants, some clinics still use the older Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) method. Regardless of the technique, your natural hair is always the source for the transplant.
2. Completely Natural-Looking Results
Until about 40 years ago, hair transplants involved surgical scalpels, leading to scarring, the need for anesthesia and stitches, and less-than-ideal results. The introduction of Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) revolutionized the field, eliminating these drawbacks. Performed under local anesthesia, FUE results in minimal scarring and a rapid recovery. One of the most significant benefits of modern beard transplantation is the incredibly natural and authentic appearance of the results. The transplanted hair grows just like the rest of your facial hair.
3. Quick, Easy, and Virtually Painless
Although beard transplantation is considered a surgical procedure, it’s relatively painless compared to other cosmetic surgeries and involves a very short recovery period. Depending on the extent of the treatment area, beard transplants typically take 2 to 10 hours. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a day. The healing process and any potential side effects usually take 7 to 10 days, but this can vary depending on the chosen technique, the surgeon’s skill, and the patient’s adherence to post-operative care instructions.
Transplanted beard hairs may shed during the first 4 to 8 weeks as part of the healing process. New hair growth typically begins 3 to 4 months later. You’ll start to see the final results of your beard transplant within 10 to 12 months.
Does beard transplant have any disadvantages?
While it’s not accurate to say that beard transplants have no risks or side effects, modern techniques have significantly reduced them. However, an inexperienced surgeon, a non-accredited clinic, unsuitable conditions for hair transplantation, or underlying health issues can lead to more severe complications and a longer recovery time. Potential drawbacks of beard transplantation include:
1. Possible Complications and Scarring
In hair transplantation procedures, harvesting follicles from the back of the head inevitably leads to scarring. In the FUE method, these are tiny, needle-sized scars that fade over time and can be covered by short hair. Similar scarring can occur in the recipient area but is minimized in reputable clinics with advanced equipment. It can also be concealed by a dense beard. Other potential side effects, such as redness, swelling, and crusting, are temporary and can be managed with proper post-operative care.
2. Risks Associated with Inexperienced Surgeons
Although severe complications like infection or excessive bleeding are rare, they can occur if the procedure is performed by an unskilled surgeon. One such risk is deep or excessive follicle harvesting, which can result in a large, permanent scar in the donor area. Since hair doesn’t grow on scars, this can lead to bald patches. Another complication is necrosis, or tissue death, in the donor or recipient area. This can happen if the wound is closed too tightly after follicle extraction, compromising blood flow.
How to Prevent Risks in Beard Transplantation?
While scarring is almost inevitable after a beard transplant, it can be minimized and many other complications can be avoided by choosing a reputable clinic and a skilled surgeon. To reduce any risks, after selecting a suitable clinic, you should consult with a specialized and experienced surgeon. In a pre-transplant consultation, the doctor can help you understand if you are a suitable candidate for a beard transplant and if there are any obstacles to a successful transplant. Consulting with a doctor and assessing the patient’s condition will help them have realistic expectations about the final result of their beard transplant.
Having conditions such as a sufficient number of donor follicles, good physical health, and an appropriate age for beard transplantation can make you a suitable candidate. Unfortunately, in some cases, such as having diseases that lead to hair loss, it is best to avoid beard transplantation until the disease is completely treated. Also, if you have had previous illnesses or are currently taking specific medications, you should provide your complete medical history to the specialized beard transplant surgeon.
