What is a Beard Transplant, How is it Performed?
Beard is the most important accessory that some men have. Beard loss or beard weakness, which can have various causes, can be remedied with a beard transplant treatment.
The Beard Transplant
The beard transplant process has become very demanding in recent years. It is an application in which the hair follicles taken from the scalp are transplanted into the areas where the beard and mustache are sparse in men. Most men who have a beard transplant do this to cover up their scars. But those who want full beards to improve their style are also in demand.
The beard transplant can be done in the areas that fall due to genetics, trauma, burns, and infection. The beard structure is different from hair. The removed roots must be suitable as the hair is generally thinner. For this reason, preference is given to hair follicles taken from the neck in the beard area. The neck area is suitable for the hair follicles required for beard transplant, but the neck area always has priority.
The beard shows a different density from person to person. Because of this, the beard transplant process is tailored to the person. This procedure can be performed within a few hours under local anesthesia.
After the patient is scheduled for a beard transplant, the hair follicles collected from the neck area are separated and transplanted into the beard area. Approximately 4000-7000 hair follicles can be transplanted in a row. Some surgeons may use two sections of hair per graft to make the beard look more natural.
For a beard transplant, a patient's hormones must reach certain levels. Hence, we can say that it can be used from the age of 20-22 years.
The Beard Graft Type
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is the most commonly used technique in beard transplantation. The surgeon takes the hair follicles one by one from the donor area and grafts them into the areas where there is a gap in the beard. The process takes around 2-5 hours and only leaves small circular scars where the hair follicles are taken. Some clinics do this manually, others use mechanical aids. This type of transplant shows a faster healing process than other options.
How is a Beard Transplant Performed?
As with hair transplant, local anesthesia is used prior to beard transplant. In this way the operation is comfortable for the patient. The doctor will make small incisions in the beard area to determine the direction and growth of the beard. The hair follicles taken from the donor area are then placed in these incisions. Owing to this aesthetic procedure, beard transplant can be performed on people who do not have a beard or a thin beard.
If there are only regional losses, the density of the beard around it is assessed and a plan is made. It is possible to transplant 1000-3000 hair follicles at the patient's request. With a completely missing beard, 100 hair follicles, 400 hair follicles in the chin and mustache area, a total of 1000 hair follicles can make a difference.
How are the Canals Opened in a Beard Transplantation?
In beard transplant, microchannels should be created for transplanting hair follicles. When microchannels are formed, the correct angle is achieved by using a needle instead of a knife and a simpler process takes place. Therefore, it is more convenient to do this with fine-pointed needles 0.6-0.7 mm thick. This allows the hair follicles to be implanted at a 35-40 degree angle suitable for the beard.
Where does the Transplanted Hair Come From?
The hair follicles required for the beard transplant are taken from the back of the head or the neck area, especially if the hair is thick. In this way harmony with beard color, consistency and texture is achieved.
How Long Does the Process Take?
A full beard transplant can take about eight hours and it can take several weeks for the beard to fully grow.
What Happens After the Beard Transplant?
Your transplanted hair will begin to fall 15-30 days after the surgery. However, this is a good indicating that your newly planted beard roots are preparing to grow. In about 90 days, your beard will have finished growing and most of the hair follicles will be in place. About four months after the operation, your beard will begin to close; You will have a full beard that will be completed in about nine months.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of Hair Transplant?
In some cases, the hair follicles can become infected and inflamed. As with most surgeries, there is a risk of infection and some bleeding, but these are rare with hair transplantation. Although follicular roots cover this area over time, there is a possibility of scarring in the source area. The results will vary from person to person and depending on the expertise of the doctor.
Things to Consider While Beard Transplant
Hair follicles should be transplanted before they fall out. Beard transplant is a process that requires knowledge and special experience. With this in mind, those looking to have a beard transplant should get help from an expert. The hair follicles used in beard transplant should be individual. In other words, the hair roots to be removed from the nape of the neck should be severed and then implanted. This is because the natural hair follicles in the beard area are always single. Double, triple hair follicles look very rough on the beard.
Color distribution is an important issue in beard transplants. The implantation of black hair follicles in a person with a gray beard, or the improper distribution of black and gray hair follicles, causes an undesirable result. For this reason, it is very important for the transplant doctor to specialize in this field and apply his experience. The hair follicles are living tissue, they should be transplanted into the recipient area without waiting. If left to wait, they will lose their function due to a lack of oxygen. This is especially important for people with limited hair follicles in the donor area.
Experts recommend the patient not to touch or wash the beard area immediately after the beard transplant. In addition, cosmetic products such as perfume and colognes should be avoided. This area should be kept dry and clean for 10 days. Small crusts that form on the skin spontaneously fall off during the healing phase. Patients should also pay attention to their sleeping positions for 1-2 days. The position should be adjusted so that the beard area is weightless.
Patients should not have their beards cut off during the recovery period. During this time, the person receiving a beard transplant should consider the doctor's recommendations. If he follows the doctor's recommendations, then a smooth recovery will occur. Things to Consider Before a Beard Transplant It may be necessary not to take aspirin-containing medications for 10 days prior to the transplant. In addition, you should not take anti-inflammatory drugs or consume alcohol for 3 days before the procedure.
Taking vitamin C once a day for a full week prior to the beard transplant is a helpful addition to the healing process.
Considerations Before Beard Transplantation
It may be necessary not to take any medication containing aspirin 10 days before the transplant.
Also, you should not take anti-inflammatory drugs or consume alcohol three days before the procedure.
Taking a vitamin C tablet once a day for a full week before the beard transplant operation will be a helpful supplement for the healing process.
You should not consume caffeine in the morning of transplant as it may increase bleeding and sensitivity to medications.
Possible Side Effects After a Beard Transplant
There are some side effects that you may experience after a beard transplant, but they are generally not severe. Some of the side effects that may occur after surgery are:
- Easy bruising
- Swelling
- Sensitivity in the donor and planting area
- ingrown hair
- Rash
Small crusts form around the newly transplanted hair. If the crust lasts more than a week, you can see your doctor. Many doctors recommend washing your face only after the scabs have fallen off. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection in the donor area. Visible symptoms of the procedure usually resolve within a week, and you can usually start shaving again in 1 week to 10 days.
Beard Transplant Prices
Prices vary depending on the amount of hair follicles and the transplant process. Factors that will affect price include the level of expertise and availability of the doctor making the application. If you have a beard loss or if you want to have the beard model of your dreams, you can have a beard transplant in our clinic. For more information you can contact us.