Mustache and Beard Transplant
Beard and mustache transplantation is a procedure that restores hair to areas where the spotty or patchy loss of hair occurs. Apart from transplanting hair on beard and mustache areas, it can also be performed on cheeks and sideburns.
The reasons why men have thin beard and mustache, spotty, and patchy facial hair loss can be hereditary or due to scars, burns, and Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder). That’s why the aims of beard and mustache transplant may vary. While some men only want to have a full beard, some may only want a small area on the face to be covered.
Beard, mustache and sideburn transplants are performed with local anesthesia. No pain is felt and swelling does not occur.
Steps of Beard Transplantation
1. Preparing for Beard Transplantation
The area where the follicles will be planted on is disinfected. In addition, anesthesia is applied. The preparation stage is the stage that determines the level of comfort during the operation.
2. Collection of Hair Follicles
Hair follicles are collected with cylindrical needles rotating at low speeds, called micro motors. The quality of this stage affects the success of beard transplantation.
3. Transplantation of Hair Follicles
Hair follicles harvested with the FUE method are transplanted to the mustache, beard and sideburn areas. This process must be carried out by a professional and experienced team. For transplantations in the face, the angle at which the grafts are planted is of great importance.
How Many Grafts Must Be Planted?
Generally, when 500 to 1,000 grafts are transplanted to someone without a mustache, the existing beardless appearance disappears. It is sufficient to transplant 1,000 to 2,500 grafts in beard transplantation. For sideburn transplants, 750 to 1,500 grafts can be planted.
What Happens After the Procedure?
There are some points to be taken into consideration after beard transplantation. For a healthy and natural-looking result, the postoperative process is as important as the operation itself. If the recommendations of the doctor and patient representatives are followed in the postoperative period, no adverse events will occur.
- In beard, mustache and sideburn transplantations, the transplantation areas can be washed after 3 days. After washing, the transplanted hair follicles become visible and a 2-3-day beard appearance is formed. After 6 to 7 days, the pinkish appearance disappears. The grafts harvested from the arms, legs, chest or neck do not leave any scars.
- During the 1 week period after the transplant, attention should be paid to facial expressions which should be used as little as possible. It is recommended to consume liquids and pureed foods for the first few days. Dressing is applied after 7 days.
- The transplanted hair follicles may grow in the mustache area over time. They can be shaved or trimmed with scissors after 8 to 9 days. Afterwards, one can shave normally, and the hair in the transplanted area can be trimmed.
- After 3 weeks, there may be temporary shedding in parts of the transplanted beard and mustache. 4-6 months after this temporary shedding, all of the fallen out hair follicles grow back. The quality of the hair follicles continues to increase for up to 2 years.
