In recent times, the trend of wearing a well-groomed beard and mustache has grown in popularity. Men all over the world are adopting facial hair as a mark of style and masculinity. However, not everyone develops a full beard or mustache. For those who have patchy or scant facial hair, beard and mustache transplants have emerged as a transforming treatment.
These modern cosmetic procedures enable men to obtain their preferred appearance with natural, long-lasting effects. This article covers all you need to know about beard and mustache hair transplants. Whether you are considering the treatment or just want to know about how it works, we have you covered.
What contributes to hair loss in beards and mustache?
A variety of reasons contribute in the lack of beard and mustache growth, some of them are mentioned below:
- Genetics: It is one of the most common reasons for beard and mustache baldness, which is passed down through generations.
- Hormones: Male hormones, particularly testosterone, could be a key cause of patchy beards and thinning mustache. There is a risk that less hormonal impact will influence beard and mustache growth due to a lack of blood flow in the affected areas.
- Lifestyle Changes: Stress, poor nutrition, and a lack of biotin and niacin in your diet could all contribute to your patchy beard.
- Trauma and scarring: Accidents can cause people to lose hair owing to post-healing scars, which can also lead to hair loss in that location.
- Alopecia areata: It is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss anywhere on the body, including the beard and mustache.
Methods for hair transplantation of the beard and mustache
The primary procedure involves extracting hair follicles from the back of the head or under the chin. The surgeon transplants the extracted hair follicles into bald spots in the beard area. A thicker beard and mustache require up to 2500 hair follicular transplants.
The beard and mustache hair transplant is more difficult and complex because the direction and angle of the hair vary in different places of the beard and mustache. For a more natural look, some proficient surgeons implant single hairs at each spot.
The two primary methods for harvesting implants are:
FUT (Follicular unit transplantations or strip technique): It entails removing a thin section of the scalp in strip form, separating follicular grafts under magnification, and then implanting the grafts at the recipient site. Individual ‘follicular units’ are extracted using a motorized or manual surgical instrument, and the transplant is then implanted at the recipient location.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): This method involves extracting entire follicular units one at a time from the donor location. FUE is less painful, which may explain why it is the most often performed treatment.
FUE is one of several advancements in facial hair transplant techniques that have resulted in higher-quality and cosmetically appealing results during the last two decades. When compared to the traditional strip approach (follicular unit transplantation, or FUT), FUE causes many small, often undetectable scars, whereas FUT leaves a long, single scar on the back of the skull.
What is the procedure for beard and mustache hair transplant?
Here’s a summary of the steps in the procedure:
- Harvesting: Whether you’ve chosen FUE or FUT, your surgeon will first shave the region of your head that will be harvested. This allows them to have a greater overview of the hair follicles. Just before the harvesting starts, you will be given a local anesthetic to ensure that you do not feel the extracting or implantation.
- Implantation: After harvesting the follicles from your head, the surgeon will use a local anesthetic to the region of your face where the implants will be implanted. The surgeon will then insert each follicle into your face skin, sculpting your new beard exactly as you and the doctor planned before surgery.
- Recovery: You’ll need one day to fully recover after your beard implant operation. Tiny crusts can develop surrounding every newly implanted hair follicle, but they should fall off after a few days.After roughly a week to ten days, you might be able to resume shaving and trimming your new beard.
Word of caution: The new beard hairs could start falling out after 2 or 3 weeks. This is natural, and new hair should develop in its place.
Post-surgery care
After the surgery is done, you should follow some long-term precautionary measures to ensure the success of the hair transplantation procedure.
- Protect the Grafts: Do not touch, scrape, or massage the transplanted region. This is important to avoid destroying the newly implanted hair follicles. Your surgeon might use a specialized saline spray to keep the region moist and clean.
- Sleeping Position: Sleep with your head up for the first several nights to help reduce swelling. Propping yourself up with pillows can help relieve strain on the transplanted areas.
- Medications: Your surgeon may recommend antibiotics to prevent infection, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling, and pain killers for easing discomfort. Make sure to take these drugs as prescribed.
- Hygiene and Washing: Stick to your surgeon’s instructions for washing your face. After a few days, rinse gently with a mild, gentle cleanser. Avoid applying direct force of water on the transplanted region.
- Dietary habits: A well-balanced diet high in vitamins and minerals will help you recover faster. Foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and protein are very good for tissue healing and hair development. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. They can dehydrate you and potentially trigger swelling. It is advised to refrain from them for at least a few days following surgery.
Cost of beard and mustache transplant in india
A beard and mustache transplant in India can cost between ₹20,000 to ₹1,50,000. It is largely determined by the amount of grafts, surgery type, and surgeon skill. Additional expenses for medication and extra appointments may be included in the overall cost.
Potential Risks and Complications
Following are the list of some risks and complication:
- Swelling and Redness: It is typical to have mild redness and swelling around the transplanted and donor sites. This normally passes within a few days or a week.
- Itching: As the treated areas heal, itching becomes more common. While it may be tempting, resist scratching to avoid displacing the grafts and developing infection.
- Temporary Shock Loss: Known as “shock loss,” transplanted hairs may come out in the first few weeks after surgery. This is a transitory period before new growth begins.
- Infection: Although infections are uncommon, they might arise if postoperative care recommendations are not followed correctly. Signs include extreme redness, swelling, and pain, as well as possible drainage from the treated sites.
- Cyst Formation: Small cysts may grow in the recipient area if hair follicles become caught beneath the skin. These normally resolve on their own, but they can occasionally necessitate medical attention.
- Numbness: Some patients may feel temporary numbness or tingling in the treated areas as a result of nerve irritation during the operation. This usually resolves after a few weeks or months.
- Poor Growth or Graft Failure: In some circumstances, transplanted hair may not grow properly or fall out permanently. This could be related to low graft quality or incorrect handling during the operation.
Choosing the right medical professional
Selecting the correct surgeon is important for the success of a mustache or beard transplant. A qualified and skilled surgeon achieves the best results, reduces risks, and offers personalized care. To find the proper surgeon, check their credentials and board certification, focusing on those that specialize in facial hair transplants.
During consultations, inquire about the surgeon’s experience, preferred techniques (e.g., Follicular Unit Extraction or Follicular Unit Transplantation), and review their portfolio. Inquire about the estimated recovery time, potential dangers, anesthesia type, and post-operative care.
Conclusion
Beard and mustache transplants are becoming increasingly popular among men seeking fuller, more defined facial hair. Understanding the reasons for facial hair loss, the possible transplant options, and the entire procedure will assist potential candidates in making informed selections. Choosing a competent and qualified surgeon is critical to achieving the greatest results, minimizing risks, and receiving complete care. Individuals can increase the success rate of their beard and mustache transplants by following post-surgery care guidelines and being up-to-date about any complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transplanted hair generally sheds after 2-3 weeks, followed by new growth that begins approximately 3-4 months later. Full benefits are often seen within 8-12 months.
Yes, the effects of a mustache or beard transplant are permanent. The transplanted hair follicles, extracted from the scalp or other locations, retain their original growth properties and continue to produce hair naturally.
