When hair loss affects the scalp, topical medication can be used to support hair growth. Unfortunately for the beard area, these same topical medications do not work. The most effective way to increase facial hair or improve patchy beard spots is through a beard transplant.

Facial hair is often associated with strength, maturity, and masculinity. A lack of facial hair or the inability to grow a thick, manly beard can be embarrassing for some men.

Their hair might grow very slowly, become wispy rather than full, and have a sparse, patchy appearance instead of growing in a full, uniform way.

Men dealing with this should know that hair transplants aren’t only for the scalp. They can also boost facial hair growth via a beard transplant.

Coupled with the recent trend of sporting a full beard, stylish mustache, or goatee, it’s easy to see why beard transplant treatments have increased in popularity over the past several years. 

With this in mind, Dr. Amir Yazdan offers beard transplant treatments for men who want to grow a more robust beard.  A beard transplant is a type of hair transplant performed to increase facial hair in the beard area. A similar procedure can be performed to increase sideburn and cheek hair if desired. In some cases, a beard transplant is used to conceal scars caused by acne, injury, burn, or surgery, or to hide discoloration.

What Affects Facial Hair Growth in Men?  

Most men begin to develop facial hair during late adolescence, typically somewhere around 16 years of age. They typically begin to notice a little fuzz above the upper lip and on the chin during puberty, due to the effects of increasing testosterone levels, but it can take a lot longer for their beard to reach its full potential. 

During the years of growth, it is normal for a beard to appear patchy as it grows in. By the time a man has a pretty good idea of what his beard looks like—for better or for worse—the pattern of how his hair grows is mostly set.  

By their early to mid-20s, their full, adult beard has grown in, though the coverage may continue to thicken and increase during their 30s. In other words: If you haven’t been able to achieve a thick beard by your late 20s, it might just be taking a longer time to grow in, so it’s important to visit with us to discuss a beard transplant and allow him to assess your face.

Also, keep in mind that the areas where facial hair grows and how dark or light that facial hair is vary depending on the individual.  

Some men always have difficulty growing thick facial hair. Despite the common misconception, testosterone levels aren’t the only factor that affects how the hair grows in. Genetics are primarily responsible for dictating facial hair growth. 

Some men enjoy thick, full facial hair, while other men seem to grow very little at all, or experience pronounced patchiness in their beard growth patterns. In some cases, men experience facial hair loss, which can be caused by genetics, surgery, injury, or intentional laser removal of hair.

A beard transplant will enhance facial hair symmetry. The objectives of a beard transplant will vary based upon the individual, but will typically involve thickening the beard area or filling in bald areas with hair taken from a donor area. 

As with other hair transplant procedures, a beard transplant is performed in two parts, all on the same day. The first phase of this surgical solution involves harvesting the hair follicles from the back or side of the head. During the second phase, the harvested hair grafts are transplanted in the beard area.  

Who is a Good Candidate for a Beard Transplant?  

Your skin and facial hairline will be assessed to determine whether a beard transplant is the right option for you. Most men with spotty or thinning patches in their beard area are suitable candidates for a beard transplant. 

The hairs on your scalp are commonly used for this surgery because they are very similar to your facial hair in texture and thickness. Patients will therefore need to have enough healthy hair follicles in the donor area at the back or top of the head to use for the beard transplant.

Beard transplant patients won’t need to worry about their hair being overly thin, as very few hairs are extracted and the reduction in the area is barely noticeable.

If they already have male pattern baldness, the harvesting may cause them to have slightly less hair to cover their head when their loss reaches its more advanced stages.

WATCH — Beard Transplant at Modena Hair Institute