Growing a beard has always been in fashion. Since time immemorial, the beard has been considered a mark of masculinity and maturity. Growing a beard can mark the transition from a boy to a man.
Men who are unable to grow a beard or have a patchy beard are often the butt of jokes in their social circles. Cosmetic science has come to rescue of such men. If you are embarrassed about your patchy beard, coming in for a beard-hair transplant can change your life for the better.
A Beard-Hair Transplant
This process involves extracting hair from the donor area (typically back and sides of the scalp) and transplanting them onto the beard area. Downtime is minimal and patients can get back to most of their normal routine within a day or two.
Additionally, because Dr. Richardson does not have to handle the grafts manually, this increases the chances of the grafts surviving in their new location (average graft survival rate is greater than 95 percent).
The number of grafts that Dr. Richardson extracts will depend on the patient’s goals. If the patient wants to add fullness to thinning areas, 500 to 1,500 grafts are typically needed. Full transplants might require around 2,000 grafts.
Over the years, FUE (follicular unit extraction) has become the first choice for many men all over the world. Unlike FUT (follicular unit transfer) transplant methods, FUE does not involve removing a strip of skin, which addresses the issue of post-operative linear scars.
The Procedure and What to Expect
Before the beard-hair transplant procedure, Dr. Richardson identifies and marks the areas that need grafts. The first step of the procedure involves administering anesthesia to the patient.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, individual follicles are extracted. After the follicles have been extracted, he uses local anesthesia to numb the beard area. Next, the grafts are carefully inserted directly into the beard area. After the procedure, the donor area is bandaged overnight.
Benefits of Beard Transplants
There is a reason why more men all over the world are opting for FUE. Some benefits of the procedure include:
- No post-surgical linear scars
- Minimal downtime
- Sustainable results
- Regrowth of transplanted hair within four to six months
- Minimal discomfort
Ideal Candidates
An ideal candidate for a beard transplant is someone who:
- Has good donor areas for graft harvest
- Has uneven patches of growth in the beard area
Preparation
- Stop taking blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Stop smoking and drinking at least a couple of weeks before the process.
- Steer clear of multivitamins and herbal supplements.
- On the night before surgery, wash your beard with the antiseptic shampoo prescribed by Dr. Richardson.
- Avoid performing physically demanding activities 24 hours before surgery.
- Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure.
Post-Operative Care Directions
- Avoid strenuous activities for at least ten days after surgery.
- Minimize exposure to UV rays.
- Do not wash the transplanted area until directed by Dr. Richardson with very specific instructions
Get a Fuller Beard Today
To take the first step towards a fuller beard, contact the office of Dr. Matthew Richardson, a skilled medical professional who is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Schedule your consultation today.