What Is Beard Transplantation?
Beard transplantation involves the extraction of healthy hair follicles from areas such as the body, such as the arms, armpits, or nape of the neck, and transplanting them into the facial area. The success of this popular procedure depends on the doctor’s ability to extract healthy hair follicles from the correct location and transfer them to the patient using the appropriate method. The success of the procedure can be determined within 3-4 months by the settlement and growth of the transplanted hair follicles. Failure of beard transplantation is a rare occurrence, but it can be influenced by factors such as the incorrect selection of the area from which the hair follicles are taken and the improper placement of the follicles.
What Are the Methods of Beard Transplantation?
There are two main methods of beard transplantation: FUT and FUE.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) Method
In the FUT procedure, follicles are extracted from the area containing healthy hair tissue in a strip through surgical means. An incision is made in the facial area equal to the area surgically removed from the body, and the strip of tissue is placed in the incision and sutured. Since the follicles are implanted at the same angle everywhere, the beard may grow in a stiff and grouped manner. The use of incisions in the extraction and placement of hair follicles can prolong the healing process and may leave scars. After the procedure, there may be pain, numbness, and a feeling of tension in the area where the hair follicles are extracted. For all these reasons, the FUT method is not commonly used in beard transplantation operations.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) Method
In the FUE procedure, healthy hair follicles are individually collected using a special device. Small channels are opened in the facial area, and the harvested hairs are individually placed, allowing for a more natural placement of the follicles in the facial area. The incisions made for both the extraction and transplantation of hair follicles are quite small. The healing process is faster, and the procedure is less painful and uncomfortable. Additionally, the beard hairs grow individually. These factors contribute to the preference for the FUE method.
Who Can Get Beard Transplantation?
Beard transplantation is a surgical procedure performed on adult men. Men who feel uncomfortable due to insufficient beard growth in the facial area can undergo beard transplantation after a doctor’s examination. It is important for the patient to have a sufficient number of healthy hair follicles for the surgical procedure, which typically lasts 3-6 hours. Beard transplantation may be recommended in the following cases:
- Complete absence of beard growth from birth,
- Lack of beard growth due to hormone deficiency,
- Asymmetric beard structure,
- Sparse beard growth and gaps,
- Presence of traumas such as wounds or burns in the area where the beard grows.
In addition to these cases, those who desire fuller beards can also opt for beard transplantation.
What Should Be Paid Attention to After Beard Transplantation?
Beard transplantation is performed under local anesthesia, and the patient is discharged on the same day. Redness may occur in the facial area where the hair follicles are placed due to blood clotting. This is a natural occurrence. The transplanted hair follicles are nourished by the body, and blood circulation may be observed in these areas. Clots typically disappear within a few weeks, and acne may develop, which is also normal. Lotions and creams recommended by the doctor should be used regularly after beard transplantation. Washing and drying the face should be done gently and carefully. It is important not to wash the face for the first two days after the procedure. After 3-4 weeks, the first shave can be performed as long as it is not too abrasive.