Beard Transplant: Pros, Cons and Cost

Facial hair is the historical symbol of style and masculinity. For men, a well-groomed & full beard is a major aspect of their identity. Yet, not everyone is naturally blessed with an even, well-groomed, clean, and thick beard. Numerous factors, e.g., hormonal imbalances, genetics, scarring, age, nutritional factors, medicines, poor lifestyle, and stress, cause thin or patchy facial hair.   

This issue led to the ever-growing popularity of beard transplants. This article provides a review of the pros, cons, and costs of beard transplants and promises to help you make an informed decision. Stay connected to more information. 

What is a Beard Transplant?

A beard transplant is a surgical/cosmetic procedure in which the hair follicles are transplanted from one part of the body, mostly the scalp, to the face to improve the beard’s appearance and create a fuller beard. The two main techniques used for this purpose are Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).

In FUT, a strip of scalp containing hair follicles is removed and transplanted to the beard region. In FUE, the individual hair follicles are removed/extracted and transplanted at the desired site.  The choice between FUE & FUT depends upon the extent of hair loss, hair type, characteristics of the donor area, and personal preferences of the surgeon. 

Pros of Beard Transplants

A beard transplant improves facial hair density by addressing sparse and patchy hair growth. It allows a person to customise the beard shape and appearance according to personal likeness. Some well-known benefits of beard transplant are;

Natural Beard

The major benefit of a beard transplant is the naturally appearing beard it offers. As the hair follicles are removed from the patient’s own body, the transplanted hair grows naturally and blends easily with existing hairs on the face. It appears far more natural than hair patches. 

A Permanent Solution

Unlike temporary solutions, e.g., topical applications and hairpieces, the beard transplant offers a permanent and lifelong solution. Once the transplanted hair follicles are fully entrenched, they grow naturally like the original facial hair.

Better Confidence

A fuller beard significantly boosts confidence and self-esteem. Many men experience more masculinity and attraction with a well-groomed beard, which positively impacts their professional and social lives.

Better Customisable Choice

Beard transplant offers more customisation than patches. Patients are able to choose the shape, density, and style of their beard, allowing them to have their desired look. Whether aiming for a goatee, mustache, or a full beard, the beard transplant can easily be tailored to personal needs and preferences.

Minimal Downtime

The procedure is less invasive and has relatively less recovery time. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days to weeks. It needs just 7 to 14 days to recover from the procedure. It makes the procedure a convenient option for people with busy lifestyles.

Better Hair Quality

The transplanted beard is often more healthy and resilient compared to pre-existing facial hair. It results in a beard that looks fuller and feels better. As the transplanted hairs are taken from the areas with better hair growth, these hairs have better resilience. 

Cons of Beard Transplants

Despite all the benefits, the procedure is far from risk-free, and many issues need to be addressed. These are; 

High Cost

A significant drawback of beard transplants is the cost of the procedure and after-procedure care. The procedure is quite expensive, often ranging from £3,000 to £5,000, depending on the extent of hair transplant, clinic, and location. The procedure needs somewhat expensive aftercare.

Risk of Complications

As with other surgical procedures, there is a significant risk of complications. These complications include scarring, infection, ingrown hairs, numbness, post-operative pain, and poor hair growth. It's necessary to choose an experienced and reputable surgeon to minimise these risks. 

Time-Consuming Process

The transplant process is often time-consuming. Multiple sessions of several hours are required to achieve the desired coverage and density. Taking grafts from the donor site and transplanting them at the beard takes several hours. Additionally, it takes several months for the transplanted hair to grow back fully for visible final results.

Post-operative Discomfort and Pain

Although the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, some discomfort and pain are expected during and after the process. Patients sometimes experience redness, swelling, and soreness in the donor as well as in the recipient areas.

Limited Availability

Not all cosmetic surgeons specialise in beard transplants. Finding an experienced and qualified professional is sometimes challenging, especially in regions where the procedure is acutely less common.

Donor Hair Quality

The quality of the donor's hair affects the procedure's outcome. Hair from the scalp does not always match the thickness and texture of the natural beard hair, resulting in an inconsistent and poor appearance. Sometimes, it is very hard to find a donor site, particularly for people with male pattern baldness. 

Cost of Beard Transplants

The cost of a beard transplant depends on several factors, including location, the skill of the surgeons, and available facilities. The major factors that regulate the cost are;

Location

The hair transplant clinic's geographic location plays a role in the cost. Clinics in regions with a high cost of living and metropolitan areas, e.g., London and Manchester, generally charge more than those in smaller towns and far regions.

• The Harley Street Transplant Clinics London physicians charge £3,000 – £7,000.
• British Hair Clinic, based in Shenfield and Manchester, charges £3,000 and £6,000 for follicular unit extraction (FUE).
• The Treatment Rooms London offers the procedure for £3,000-£5,000 for small procedures and £5,000-£8,000 for large surgeries.

Surgeon's Experience

The reputation and expertise of the surgeons impact the cost. Highly renowned and experienced surgeons at well-reputed clinics often charge premium rates compared to those with medium experience.

Extent of Transplant

The number of grafts needed for a transplant affects the overall cost. A higher density or larger area transplant for a full beard needs 1000-2000 grafts and naturally costs more than a less dense or smaller transplant, e.g., sideburns, which need just 200-400 grafts.

Technique Used

The choice between FUT and FUE influences the cost. FUE is typically a much more expensive process due to the time-consuming nature of extracting and transplanting individual follicles than FUT. It is, nevertheless, a more refined method.

Additional Services

Many hair transplant clinics in the UK offer additional services, e.g., pre-surgery & consultations, post-operative care, and routine follow-up visits, which add to the overall cost. 

How to Choose the Right Clinic?

Searching for the right clinic is sometimes tricky and needs the patient to focus on some points. Search the following points for a better choice; 

Research

It is necessary to conduct thorough research for reputable clinics with qualified & experienced surgeons in the locality. It is extremely useful to look at the client's testimonials, reviews, and before-and-after photos of the patients to help understand the quality of their work.

Pre-proedure Consultation

Schedule consultation sessions with multiple clinics to ask questions, discuss the goals, and understand their approach to the procedure. It allows you to compare their services and costs.

Credentials

Verify the clinic's and surgeon's certifications and credentials to ensure they are properly licensed and recognized by relevant medical associations and boards.

Transparency

Choose a transplant clinic that offers transparency about the procedure, its costs, and risks. Avoid the clinicians and practitioners who make unrealistic claims and promises and offer vague details.

Post-Transplant Care

Follow the following points for better post-operative care;

Follow the Instructions

Patients must strictly adhere to the post-operative care instructions delivered by the surgeon. These instructions mostly include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping the area clean, and regularly taking prescribed medications. Many surgeons ask the patients to look for vital signs and take care of nutrition.

Avoid Touching

Refrain from unnecessary scratching and touching the transplant site for at least 1-2 weeks to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.

Keep Realistic Expectations

A beard transplant is not a quick process; it takes time for hair to grow back fully. The follow-up sessions with the surgeon are necessary to answer any questions and concerns.

Regular Check-Ups

Attending all scheduled follow-up meetings with the surgeons is necessary to monitor the healing progress and address any concerns and issues. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

Is beard transplantation a worthy option? 

Beard transplantation is an excellent and safe option as soon as one has stable and healthy growth in the donor area. The possibilities are nevertheless limited if one has pattern baldness, allergies, and other skin conditions that influence hair.

Is beard transplantation a risky procedure? 

The unsanitary conditions at the graft site or donor area are risk factors for infections. A small percentage of people experience severe beard infections that destroy the appearance of the beard and need restorative surgery. Overharvesting at the donor site causes hair thinning, patchy hair loss, and damage to the donor area.

How long does the beard transplantation last? 

Beard transplantation is a permanent & lifelong option. The transplanted hairs are shed in approximately two weeks. Within a few months, substantial hair growth appears in the transplanted area that lasts for an indefinite period.

What is the usual success rate of beard transplantation? 

The success rate of facial restoration surgery, e.g., beard transplantation, is 97-100%, according to Dr. Michael May (FRCS). The Doctor Bircan Clinic has given a more moderate figure of 80-90%. Only in a minority of people the hair growth or surgery go wrong. 

What is the optimum age for beard transplantation? 

One can have a beard transplant at any age. However, those in the young years (less than 25) need consultation as the beard growth is not complete by this age, and the doctors rarely recommend it. 

Is it okay to shave the transplanted beard? 

The transplanted hairs in the beard behave as normal. A person can shave and trim the beard as he likes.  There are no issues with this thing. 

How many hair grafts are needed for the full beard? 

The number of grafts needed depends upon the type of beard. According to Treatment Rooms London, the sideburns need just 200-400 grafts, the goatee beard needs around 600-1200 grafts, and the full beard needs 1000-2000 grafts per cheek. It also depends upon the size of the cheek. 

Conclusion

A beard transplant is a life-changing procedure for those men who desire an even, fuller, healthy, and clean beard. It offers numerous benefits, e.g., permanent & lifelong results, a natural appearance, and better confidence. However, it is critical to carefully weigh the pros and cons and also consider the cost before making the final decision. 

The choice of a reputable clinic and following post-operative care instructions will help you achieve the beard of your dreams and enjoy the enormous health and cosmetic benefits it brings.

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