In recent years, hair transplants have gone beyond just treating thinning hair on the scalp. Many individuals are now turning to facial hair transplants for fuller beards, defined eyebrows, or more prominent sideburns.
While the fundamental process is similar to that of a head hair transplant, the two procedures differ in various ways, from techniques to healing processes and final results.
In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of facial hair transplants, focusing on how they compare to the more traditional head hair transplants and what you should consider before undergoing either procedure.
Understanding Hair Transplants: The Basics
At their core, both facial and head hair transplants involve taking healthy hair follicles from a donor area, typically the back or sides of the scalp, and implanting them into areas where hair is thinning or absent.
The most popular method for both procedures is known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). This technique is favoured for being minimally invasive and yielding natural-looking results.
While the basics are the same, there are important differences when it comes to facial hair transplants, particularly in the intricacies of where and how the hair is implanted.
The Process of Facial Hair Transplants
Facial hair transplants focus on enhancing or restoring hair in specific areas of the face, such as beards, moustaches, eyebrows, and sideburns.
Whether you’re filling in patchy spots in your beard or adding definition to your eyebrows, the process involves taking hair follicles from the scalp and implanting them into the desired area.
One key difference between facial and head hair transplants is the direction and angle of the hair growth. Facial hair grows at various angles, depending on the area, and this must be carefully considered during the transplant to ensure a natural look.
For example, beard hair typically grows downwards, while eyebrow hair grows outwards and slightly upwards. Surgeons must take this into account to replicate the natural flow of the hair.
This makes facial hair transplants more intricate and requires an experienced surgeon to get the details right, something which our team prides ourselves in at IK Clinics.
Another factor that sets facial hair transplants apart is the texture of the hair. Facial hair is often coarser than scalp hair, and in some cases, other body hair, such as chest hair, can be used for the transplant to better match the texture.
However, this is less common, and most procedures rely on scalp hair.
How Long Does a Facial Hair Transplant Take?
The time required for a facial hair transplant varies depending on the size of the area being treated. A full beard transplant can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, while smaller areas, such as the moustache or eyebrows, may only take a couple of hours.
The number of hair grafts needed also influences the procedure’s length. A beard transplant might require 2,000 to 3,000 grafts, while an eyebrow transplant typically needs fewer than 500 grafts.
In comparison, head hair transplants, especially for individuals experiencing significant hair loss, can take an entire day or require multiple sessions spread out over time. This is due to the larger surface area being treated.
Healing Process: Face vs. Scalp
The healing process for facial hair transplants differs slightly from that of head hair transplants, mainly because of the facial skin’s sensitivity and visibility.
After a facial hair transplant, you can expect some redness and swelling in the treated area for a few days. Tiny scabs will form at the graft sites, which usually fall off within a week.
Unlike head hair transplants, where it’s easier to cover up the healing scalp, facial hair transplants are more visible. For the first few days post-procedure, it’s important to avoid washing your face and to sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
Most patients can return to work or social activities within five to seven days, but the full healing process can take a few weeks. The transplanted hairs will begin to grow after three months, and full results can take up to a year.
When comparing this to head hair transplants, the healing process is somewhat similar, but scalp swelling tends to subside faster, and the scalp’s ability to be covered by hats or other accessories often makes the healing less noticeable.
The Number of Treatments Required
For most patients, one facial hair transplant session is enough to achieve their desired look. However, in some cases, a second session may be needed to fill in any gaps or increase density.
This is particularly common for eyebrow transplants, where precision is key, and small adjustments might be necessary to perfect the shape or symmetry.
Similarly, head hair transplants often require more than one session, particularly for patients with extensive hair loss. Multiple sessions allow for more grafts to be transplanted, providing fuller coverage over time.
What to Consider Before a Facial Hair Transplant
Before undergoing a facial hair transplant, there are several important factors to keep in mind. First, the texture and growth pattern of your donor hair might differ from your natural facial hair, especially if the donor hair comes from the scalp.
While transplanted hair can adapt to the new area over time, you may need to groom and trim it more frequently to maintain consistency with your existing facial hair.
Another consideration is scarring. Although the FUE technique leaves minimal scarring, facial skin is more sensitive and visible than the scalp. Tiny white scars might be noticeable upon close inspection, though they are usually well-hidden once the transplanted hair starts to grow.
Additionally, transplanted facial hair requires regular maintenance. The new hair will follow the growth patterns of the donor area, meaning that it may grow longer or faster than your natural facial hair, requiring more frequent grooming.
It’s also worth noting that the transplanted hair will go through a shedding phase in the first few weeks after the procedure, followed by new growth that can take several months to fully develop.
Healing and Maintenance Differences
Because facial hair is so visible, the post-procedure phase might require more patience than with a head hair transplant.
You’ll need to be especially careful in the first two weeks to ensure the grafts heal properly, and avoid shaving or trimming the new hair until your surgeon gives the go-ahead, usually after two to three weeks.
On the other hand, head hair transplants allow for more discretion in the healing process. Many patients can wear hats to cover up redness or scabbing, and it’s easier to manage the aftercare without worrying about daily visibility.
Conclusion
Facial hair transplants, while sharing similarities with head hair transplants, come with their own set of unique considerations. The procedure requires greater precision due to the direction and texture of facial hair, and the healing process is slightly more visible and delicate.
Whether you’re looking for fuller eyebrows, a thicker beard, or more defined sideburns, facial hair transplants offer a reliable solution for restoring or enhancing facial hair.
It’s important to choose an experienced surgeon, like our team at IK Clinics for example, set realistic expectations, and be prepared for a slightly longer healing period than with a head hair transplant.
With the right care personalised to you, the results can be transformative, providing a confidence boost and giving you the facial hair you’ve always desired.
About IK Clinics
We don’t just specialise in FUE, we also offer other hair restoration treatments, such as Stem Cell Therapy and Plasma Therapy (PRP). Additionally, we also provide a range of anti-aging treatments to help you achieve that ‘I feel good’ feeling.
Get in touch to find out more and book your consultation.
