With the experience and advances in the field of hair transplantation, it is also possible to successfully perform the transplantation of follicular units (FU) in the facial area. Beard and mustache transplantation has been increasing in recent years with the demand to improve the appearance and enhance male features with natural results.
Based on statistics, worldwide interest in facial implants (chin and mustache) has increased tremendously. All components of the beard and mustache on a man’s face are essential. However, the prominent goatee and cheekbones were among the highest-rated parts.
Typically, around puberty, male hormones stimulate beard growth. Along with a strong genetic basis, beard hair follicles produce terminal hair (thick hair) under the action of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
According to some studies, men who grow unshaven beards are perceived as older, more masculine, more dominant, and aggressive and attract more positive female attitudes than men whose faces are clean-shaven.
Patients who are usual candidates for a facial hair transplant are:
- Those with a complete absence of hair from birth or a low density with gaps in the whiskers.
- For scarred hair loss due to: burns, traffic accidents, acne, cleft lip correction, or any other surgical procedure, etc.
- In the masculinization of transgender patients.
The main reason for transplantation is in patients with a lack of hair and gaps in the chin area.
During the evaluation, a design is drawn that includes the areas to be filled, and the surface area and the number of follicles required are determined. Anatomically, the facial area of the chin can be divided into different zones to determine where they will be located:
- Upper lip: mustache
- Chin area
- Area of the cheekbones: chin on the cheek
- Descending part of the jaw: sideburns
We can distinguish the outer areas and the inner central pillar in the chin area. When the mustache is attached to the chin through the side posts, it is commonly called a “beard.”
The density of follicles to be implanted is highly variable; the higher the density, the denser the result, and the lower the density, the more prominent the chin should be to cover the gaps. The amount is determined according to the patient’s expectations, the size of the face, the implant design, the square centimeters to be implanted, the number of follicles to be planted per centimeter, the thickness of the hair to be transplanted, the amount of pre-existing hair in the recipient area, and most importantly, the number of follicles, which can be obtained from the donor area.
Sometimes a second or third procedure may be necessary to meet the patient’s expectations.
The receiving area must be in good condition. In case of any skin change such as infection, inflammation, active acne Etc., pre-operative treatment is given to correct the problem. Topical preparations should be discontinued in the recipient area, and the patient should be healthy. The overall result of graft growth is visible after 10 to 14 months. In the postoperative period, grafts fall out with regrowth after 3 to 4 months.
The doctor should warn the patient about the risks of implanting in the facial area and removing a non-renewable resource from the donor area that could otherwise be used on the scalp to treat genetic baldness. It is essential when a large number of follicles are used.
Donor area
The main donor area is a safe area of the scalp (occipital and lateral, which are not subject to balding), as it usually has enough follicles for transplantation. The hair on the top of the head is generally quite thick compared to the chin and hair, which is finer on other body areas.
Some characteristics of follicular units and hair indicate a better prognosis – such as hair color and thickness; the darker and thicker the hair, the better the look.
The second donor area that can be used is the chin, usually from the site under the jaw. It is ideal regarding the physical characteristics of the follicle but limited in the number of strands to be extracted; it is chosen when fewer follicles are needed or when the occipital zone is insufficient.
The course of the procedure
On the day of surgery, a final design of the area to be transplanted will be made.
After a week, the natural appearance will be restored. After a beard and mustache transplant, you can follow the exact instructions as after a hair transplant. After six months, the seeded beard or mustache begins to achieve the expected result. The final result can be seen in 12 to 18 months.
