Beard Transplant in Miami
Many men like the look of thick facial hair. Unfortunately, not all men can grow a full beard due to genetics, injuries, or previous hair removal treatments. These kinds of issues may make it difficult or even impossible for a man to grow facial hair.
The good news is that there is an effective, permanent solution available for insufficient facial hair growth: a beard transplant.
- FACIAL HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
- What’s a Beard Transplant?
- Benefits of a Beard Transplant
- Facial Hair Restoration Techniques
- Facial Hair Restoration Medications
- Candidates for Beard Transplants
- The Beard Transplant Consultation
- What to Expect Before, During, & After the Beard Transplant Procedure
- Beard Transplant: Healing and Aftercare
- Side Effects after a Beard Transplant
- Beard Transplant Risks
- How Much Does a Beard Transplant Cost?
- Frequently Asked Questions about Beard Transplant
FACIAL HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
Beard transplants are performed just like hair transplant procedures for the scalp and use the same donor areas that are used in hair transplants. Miami Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Bared, MD, FACS offers natural-looking beard transplants to men in South Florida who would like to be able to grow a masculine-looking beard but are unable to do so naturally. Dr. Bared specializes in hair restoration procedures such as beard hair transplants.
Facial hair restoration is a specialty within hair transplantation that is not performed by many plastic surgeons. Dr. Bared is a pioneer in the field and has helped patients from all backgrounds achieve their facial hair goals.
This is why so many patients in Miami and across the United States seek beard transplant expert, Dr. Bared, for restoring their facial hair. The doctor’s background as a facial plastic surgeon affords him the artistic capabilities to produce very natural results in facial hair restoration.
What’s a Beard Transplant?
A beard transplant is an elective cosmetic surgery that involves taking follicular units (the root of each strand) from another part of the patient’s body and transferring them to the desired location. It is performed for aesthetic reasons, usually by men who want a full beard, but are not able to achieve it naturally.
Like other hair transplant treatments, a beard hair transplant process has many steps. The first step is for the surgeon to harvest hair from a donor area of the body. The back and sides of the scalp are common harvest locations.
Since there’s a major risk that the immune system will reject hair from another person, you need to use facial hair implants from your own body during a beard transplant. Plus, hair from your own body will be the best match and look very natural. If you don’t have enough hair on the sides or back of your scalp, your surgeon might recommend harvesting hair follicles from another area of the body.
The second part of a facial hair transplant involves the surgeon implanting the donor hair onto the face. The exact location of the transplant depends on your goals. If you have some facial hair already, you might just want to fill in patches. People with little to no existing facial hair may want to add hair to their cheeks, upper lip, and chin.
During beard implants, the hair specialist will typically use one of two procedures: follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT). Each surgical technique has its benefits and drawbacks. Your surgeon will review each method with you and let you know which one they recommend based on your goals and hair needs.
The results from a facial hair transplant are permanent. Once the hair begins growing in, you’re free to style your new beard however you want. That also means you can shave it off entirely should you decide you want to be clean-shaven and smooth-faced from time to time.
Benefits of a Beard Transplant
A beard transplant can enhance a man’s facial hair, thicken his existing beard, or fill in bald patches. It will leave patients with a natural and permanent look that fits in well with the texture and pattern of their natural hair in other areas of their face. Men with no facial hair at all (including FTM transgender patients) will be able to get a beard that suits their unique preferences.
After undergoing a beard transplant, men often feel more masculine and confident. Since every man has different aesthetic goals, Dr. Bared creates customized beard transplant procedures for each patient. He can transplant hair to create a full beard, mustache, goatee, or sideburns, or fill in patchy beard areas using a patient’s donor hair.
Facial Hair Restoration Techniques
Hair restoration surgeons will use one of two beard transplant techniques during beard implants. The major difference between the two hair transplantation techniques is how the surgeon harvests the donor’s hair. Another notable difference between the two methods is the types of scars that remain after the surgery.
Follicular unit transplantation, or FUT, involves the removal of a long, narrow strip of hair and skin from the donor location. The location can be the sides or back of the scalp or another area of the body where hair grows.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) involves harvesting donor hair groups one by one. The surgeon uses a small punch tool to harvest the follicles, leaving the patient with a series of small dots in the donor area.
So if you’re tired of shaving and waxing, or if you’d prefer to avoid the risks associated with surgery, facial hair restoration techniques may be right for you.
Facial Hair Restoration Medications
Some beard growth medications and non-surgical treatments are available to help restore lost hair on the scalp. A popular example is Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine.
Minoxidil started as a medicine to treat high blood pressure but a curious side effect of the drug was that it promotes hair growth. Now, it’s available over the counter in several concentrations for people with a long history of hair loss.
Minoxidil is a topical beard growth medication that you apply directly to areas where your hair might be thinning. As long as you continue to use it, it can help promote fuller and thicker hair growth.
How effective Minoxidil is for facial hair isn’t clear, as it hasn’t been FDA-approved for use on the face. You’re better off seeking out a hair transplant if you’d like to enhance your facial features with a beard or mustache.
Ultimately, though, the decision is yours to make. So, if you want to know which is the best medicine for beard growth for you, speak with your doctor and ask him or her to recommend the best option for your situation.
Candidates for Beard Transplants
Good candidates for a beard transplant are people who want thicker or fuller beards and who have an adequate amount of donor’s hair for the procedure. The hair for the surgery needs to come from your own body.
Beard Transplant Candidates should also be in relatively good health. If you have a chronic medical condition, your surgeon will most likely ask you to get the condition under control before going forward with a facial hair transplant. Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure could increase your risk for complications during and after surgery.
It’s also important to assess your reasons for wanting a beard transplant. Are you doing it because you’ve wanted a full beard for a long time? Or do you feel pressure from someone else, such as a romantic partner, to grow a beard?
You also want to have realistic expectations about the surgery. That includes understanding that you won’t walk out of the surgical center with a full beard. Usually, the hair falls out after about a week or two and new growth won’t begin for several months.
If you’re considering this procedure and you want to make sure you are a candidate for beard transplant, make sure you weigh up your options carefully.
Ethnic Patients
Several factors can determine how much facial hair a person ends up with. One of those factors is a person’s ethnicity. People from some ethnic backgrounds, like men from the area around the Mediterranean, often have thicker hair growth on their faces than people from other parts of the world.
People from other ethnic backgrounds tend to have less facial hair growth than others. For example, Chinese men typically have less facial hair growth than men of other ethnicities.
The pattern of hair growth can also vary due to a person’s ethnicity. Chinese men often have facial hair around their mouths while European men typically have more concentrations of hair on the chin and cheeks.
Beard transplants for ethnic patients might be affected by your ethnicity, it can also influence the texture and thickness of your hair. For example, African-American hair tends to be thick and curly, which can mean that a person needs to have fewer follicles transplanted to create a thick, full beard. However, African-American patients may need to wait longer for full results as this hair type tends to grow more slowly.
So whether you want to improve your looks or boost your career prospects, contact us today for a beard transplant for ethnic patients consultation and let our doctors show you exactly how we can help.
FTM Patients
A beard transplant can be part of gender affirmation surgery for FTM transgender patients. Whether you’re a good FTM beard growth candidate for the surgery depends on a few factors.
One factor is how your body is responding to any hormones you’re taking. Some people notice thick and full beard growth as a result of the hormones and don’t need to consider surgery. Your family history can give you a clue as to whether or not you’re likely to experience a lot of natural beard growth after starting hormones.
Whether you’re a candidate for beard transplant surgery also depends on how far along you are in your transition. If you’ve just started transitioning, you might want to wait and see how your facial hair grows. If you’ve been taking hormones for a while and aren’t seeing the growth you want, surgery can be a good option for hair restoration treatment.
The main drawback of the procedure is that it requires a high level of commitment on the part of the patient. Patients have to keep regular appointments with their surgeon throughout the entire length of the FTM beard transplant treatment.
The Beard Transplant Consultation
All patients will need to attend a consultation with Dr. Bared before scheduling a beard transplant in Miami, FL, to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure and to learn more about the surgery.
On the day of your beard transplant consultation, Dr. Bared will listen to your goals, assess your donor’s hair, and take a look at your existing facial hair pattern. If he believes a beard hair transplantation is the right treatment option for your needs, a customized procedure plan will be created and he will discuss the transplant techniques he will use, as well as answer any questions you may have.
Your consultation is an opportunity to learn more about the procedure and to determine if your expectations are realistic. If you can, it’s a good idea to bring in photos of beards you like so you and your surgeon can get on the same page before beginning to plan your surgery.
Be honest with your surgeon and ask lots of questions during your consultation. It’s important to get to know your surgeon and to be very clear about what you want. Although the surgery is minimally invasive for most patients, it’s still a big commitment.
The amount of existing facial hair and the desired design will determine the number of grafts needed for the procedure. In some cases, secondary facial hair procedures are needed to achieve the degree of density some patients seek.
Given that a lot of Dr. Bared’s facial hair restoration patients travel from all over the country to see him, Dr. Bared offers consultations over video chat for his out-of-town patients.
What to Expect Before, During, & After the Beard Transplant Procedure
A beard transplant procedure is very similar to a hair transplant procedure. It is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home on the same day as the surgery. Here you can see the beard transplant process and what to expect when you go in for your procedure.
Before Beard Restoration Surgery
It’s helpful to wear comfortable clothing on the day of your beard growth treatment, as the surgery will take several hours and you will be awake while the surgeon works. If you wish, an oral sedative can be taken before the procedure to calm your nerves and make you more comfortable for the duration of the surgery. Local anesthesia will be used to ensure that you do not feel any pain.
On the day of your procedure, Dr. Bared marks out the beard design along with you in front of a mirror. The hair restoration doctor then evaluates the color and texture of the facial hair to determine the ideal donor site. This is your chance to ask any final questions before the procedure begins.
The Beard Restoration Procedure
The beard transplant procedure takes place in two parts. Before the surgery begins, Dr. Bared will give you a local anesthetic. The anesthetic numbs the donor area and the area where the hair will be transplanted.
A sedative is not as extreme as general anesthesia and won’t put you fully under. If you’re a little nervous about the procedure or don’t want to think about what’s going on, an oral sedative can be the way to go.
Once you’re properly anesthetized and sedated, Dr. Bared will start the first part of the surgery. He’ll harvest the donor’s hair follicles from the appropriate location. He may need to shave the area to provide a clearer view of the individual hair follicles for harvesting.
In most cases, hair transplants are completed in 2 to 5 hours. Some can take as long as 8 hours, however.
Beard Restoration Post-Surgery
After your beard transplant surgery, you’ll be able to go home the same day. Because you might feel a bit groggy and sleepy after the sedatives, you’ll probably have to ask a family member to take you home from the hospital. You might also have to ask for someone to stay with you at home overnight if you’re not feeling well.
Dr. Bared will give you a detailed list of instructions on how to take care of the area and when to come back to see him for follow-up visits. Generally, you can expect to avoid washing your face for at least five days to protect the grafts.
Because your face might be a little sore after your beard transplant, you might want to skip eating any foods that are very chewy or crunchy, at least right away. Stick with soft foods or easy-to-chew foods until the soreness and swelling have gone away.
Beard Transplant: Healing and Aftercare
Following hair transplant surgery, patients must rest for one week. They should avoid strenuous activity until they recover completely. Even though some patients may experience swelling and other minor side effects, most can go back to their normal routine within a week.
Soon after the beard transplant recovery period, the transplanted follicle units will begin to fall out. This is completely normal—the follicles go into “shock” and do not produce new hair growth immediately.
Hair regrowth usually starts around four to six months. The transplanted hair can be treated as any other facial hair and allowed to grow out or be trimmed/shaved as desired.
Most patients are satisfied with the initial density from one procedure but a secondary, touch-up procedure can be performed after 1 year to create further density.
Facial pinkness can be present after the procedure and usually resolves after a few weeks. This is most commonly seen in patients with very fair complexion.
After completing the beard transplant recovery time, you’ll notice that your hair grows back thicker and fuller than ever before. So whether you’re interested in restoring your natural appearance or simply seeking a more youthful appearance, facial hair transplantation is a viable solution.
Side Effects after a Beard Transplant
Beard Transplant Side effects are possible after a beard transplant. Scarring and infection are the two biggest risks of beard transplants.
Patients may experience swelling during the recovery period but this will typically subside within several days. You might also feel some tightness in the donor and transplant areas.
If you have swelling, try applying a cold compress to the area to help reduce any discomfort. Since it’s important not to get the area wet, make sure to use a dry compress. Be gentle with the area to avoid dislodging the grafted hairs.
A pain reliever can help ease any discomfort or tightness you feel after surgery. Ask your surgeon which medication he recommends or if he can write you a prescription. Some over-the-counter and prescription medications should be avoided until you have fully healed.
More severe adverse reactions may follow a beard transplant, but these are extremely rare. Following your doctor’s instructions carefully can minimize the risks of more serious problems. Working with a skilled hair transplant specialist like Dr. Barred significantly lowers the risk of complications and side effects of beard transplant.
Beard Transplant Risks
Surgeries always come with some degree of risk, and hair transplants for beards are no different. Choosing your surgeon wisely and adhering to all preoperative and postoperative instructions can help to minimize your risk.
One potential issue with a beard transplant is that the donor hair might not “take.” It can be difficult to predict when a graft will fail or why it will fail. If your grafts don’t take, you might need to repeat the surgery.
Another beard transplant risk is that you won’t like the results. There are a few ways to cope with that situation.
If you realize after the fact that you don’t want a beard, you can simply shave it or wax it regularly. If you aren’t happy with the volume of your new beard, a touch-up procedure, scheduled about a year after the first transplant, can be beneficial.
Some patients have a higher risk for troublesome scarring than others following a beard transplant. If you’ve had trouble with scars that grow out of control in the past (such as keloid scars), let the surgeon know during your consultation. He might recommend a technique that minimizes scarring and avoid beard transplant risks
How Much Does a Beard Transplant Cost?
The cost of this beard treatment depends on several variables. One variable is the number of grafting sessions needed. Usually, the more grafts that must be performed, the higher the cost of the operation. This is a time-consuming process requiring meticulous attention to detail. This affects the overall cost.
The type of technique the surgeon uses also influences the price of the surgery. When meeting with your surgeon, ask if one method is more expensive than the other. However, it’s always best to choose the technique that is right for you, not just the cheapest option.
Generally speaking, a beard transplant costs a few thousand dollars. Although it can be tempting to cut corners to save money, it’s really in your best interests to work with a trained, high-quality surgeon rather than choosing the provider offering the lowest beard implant price.
Insurance usually doesn’t cover the cost of a beard transplant, since it’s a cosmetic procedure. You’ll most likely need to pay for the procedure out of your pocket.
While paying in full is always an option, financing is usually available if you qualify. Be sure to ask during your consultation about financing options that can put a beard transplant within your grasp.
Frequently Asked Questions about Beard Transplant
Genetics plays a vital role in facial hair growth. While some men are blessed with thick, full facial hair, others are unable to grow a beard or struggle with patchiness, hair loss, or thin hair. Fortunately, a beard hair transplant yields a permanent solution for men who struggle with growing a full beard.
A beard transplant takes hair from one part of your body, such as the back of the scalp, and implants it into your cheeks, chin, or another part of the face. The goal of the surgery is to give the patient a full, thick beard that they can’t grow on their own.
Yes, you need to use your body hair during a beard hair transplant procedure or any other type of hair restoration surgery. Your body will reject hair from another individual, meaning you’d need to take immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of your life.
Yes. Once the hair transplant has been completed and growth has begun, the hair is permanent. Patients can expect about 90% of their transplanted hair grafts to survive and grow when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon. Regrowth begins about 3 months after surgery.
The density and thickness of a man’s hair will determine how many grafts they need. However, the average number of individual beard hair transplant grafts required to fill in a full beard is 3,000. Your surgeon will be able to tell you if you have enough follicles available to reach your cosmetic goals.
If you live near Miami, FL, Dr. Anthony Bared offers beard transplants among its services and is conveniently located at 6280 Sunset Dr #506, Miami, FL 33143.
How long does a beard hair transplant take?
A typical beard hair transplant takes 2 to 5 hours. The thickness desired and the amount of coverage necessary will dictate how long the procedure will take.
Most patients report minimal pain and discomfort after plastic surgery, including hair transplants. Since most beard transplants use the FUE technique, which means that individual follicular units are removed one at a time, there are no painful incisions and minimal scarring. Patients who are concerned about feeling any pain are encouraged to let Dr. Bared know in advance of the procedure so he can recommend a solution.
When performed by a trained, experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, a beard transplant is a very safe procedure. You can verify the safety of the facility by asking about accreditation and emergency plans during your consultation. Asking the surgeon about their experience and reviewing before-and-after photos is also a must. It’s important to see examples to set your own expectations and ensure that you like the surgeon’s past work.
While FUT leaves a long, linear scar, the scars from FUE tend to be much smaller. Since the surgeon uses a tool to “punch” out the grafts during FUE, only tiny dots remain after the procedure. Usually, the scars are barely noticeable, especially underneath the hair.
It’s best to postpone a beard transplant until your facial hair has reached its full density and thickness. Depending on your family history and genes, that can be as late as age 30. If you’re a teenager who wants a beard transplant, it’s better to wait as you might not need one in the long run.
We recommend that patients avoid shaving for at least a month after a beard transplant. By doing so, they can ensure their grafts grow properly and do not become dislodged. If they wish, they may trim their facial hair 2 weeks after the procedure.
It’s a good idea to hold off on exercise for a bit following a beard transplant. You might be able to resume light activity, such as taking a walk, a few days after your surgery. More vigorous workouts should be put off for a few weeks.
Your surgeon will explain each technique to you and the benefit of choosing one over the other. He’ll also likely recommend the one he thinks is best for you based on your goals. Remember, your surgeon is the expert, so take their recommendation seriously.
Dr. Bared will give you a list of things to do, things to avoid, and what to expect in the days and weeks leading up to your surgery. Most likely, you will be advised to avoid taking certain medications and supplements before your beard transplant. Some common over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin, can increase surgical bleeding risks. Supplements such as vitamin E can also make bleeding more likely, as can certain prescription medications. If you regularly take any medicines, your surgeon can give you advice on what to do or take instead. If you’re a smoker, you’ll need to give up the habit for at least a couple of weeks before and after your beard transplant. Smoking and using tobacco products can interfere with healing and can make scarring worse. If you drink, you’ll also want to cut back on alcohol before your surgery. Prep for your recovery by taking some time off from work and arranging for child or pet care. It’s important for you to rest and recover for at least a day or two. Get ready in advance for some relaxation time and self-care!
There are many treatments available at drugstores and online that claim to improve the way facial hair grows. The unfortunate reality is that these treatments often produce minimal to no results. If they do produce results, the results often look unnatural or are temporary. At Facial Plastic Surgery Miami, we do offer non-surgical hair restoration options for those who want to try something minimally invasive. However, patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation to learn about beard transplants, the natural, permanent solution that can restore their confidence and help them look and feel more attractive.
Everyone’s situation is different. If you have a patchy beard or you’re unable to grow facial hair, you might be a great candidate. FTM transgender patients and men who want to cover up facial scars can also be great candidates for the procedure.
Why Choose Dr. Bared for your Facial Hair Restoration?
Choosing the right surgeon to perform the beard transplant procedure is extremely important. This is a highly specialized surgery and even many hair transplant experts don’t have much experience in performing it. While the surgery is highly effective, it is also still a newer procedure.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Bared, MD, FACS, has performed facial hair transplants on men of all ages and ethnic backgrounds and will design a customized procedure that helps you achieve your dream of a robust beard and natural facial hair growth. He is experienced, detail-oriented, and knows exactly what it takes to perform a hair transplant procedure that leads to a natural appearance.
Dr. Bared is one of the world’s most experienced surgeons in the artistry of hair restoration. While many surgeons offer hair restoration, Dr. Bared is one of the few experts with in-depth knowledge of facial hair transplants. He works with a diverse patient base and uses cutting-edge techniques to help patients reach their goals.
Don’t simply type “hair transplant near me” and then choose the closest plastic surgery clinic to where you live. Rather, make an effort to find a doctor who understands your needs, who is open and frank about your beard transplant expectations, and who genuinely listens to what you say.
At his Miami office, patients travel from all over the country to work with Dr. Bared. The staff is experienced in helping out-of-town and local patients alike experience a comfortable and safe procedure. They can also recommend hotels and points of interest for visiting patients.
Book your Miami Beard Transplant Consult Today
If you have struggled to grow a thick beard and are interested in learning more about how a beard transplant may help you look and feel more masculine, it is in your best interest to schedule a private consultation with expert hair transplant surgeon Dr. Anthony Bared. You can call us at 305-359-7299 or fill out our handy online contact form to schedule your appointment. We look forward to helping you in your beard transplant journey at our Miami location!
Last modified by Dr. Anthony Bared
