Have Questions About Our Beard Transplants in McLean, VA?
Virginia Surgical Center Offers Beard Hair Transplant Surgery
Do you have trouble growing a beard, mustache, or sideburns? You’re not alone. Many men have issues developing facial hair due to genetics and hormonal imbalances. However, you have options available that produce natural-looking results. Virginia Surgical Hair Center specializes in beard hair transplant surgery in McLean, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. Please read on for the answers to the questions we’re asked most often by new patients. If you’d like to learn more about the beard transplant procedure, please reach out to us and schedule a free consultation with our friendly hair restoration specialists.
What Is Meant by a Facial or Beard Hair Transplant Surgery?
A facial hair transplant (or beard transplant) allows us to transfer hairs from the back of your head (where it usually grows thicker) to areas on your face where your facial hair growth is thin or missing. We can apply this procedure to the goatee and mustache area, beards, or even sideburns. We utilize automated follicular unit extraction, or automated FUE, as well as FUT hair transplant procedures. Both procedures produce individual follicular units for more precise results. The number of grafts involved and the procedure’s length will vary depending on the size of the facial area being covered and the patient’s desired results. Most beard hair transplants take anywhere from two to eight hours. Occasionally, a second procedure to transplant additional hairs may be necessary.
Who’s an Ideal Candidate for Getting a Beard Transplant?
Anyone who has had trouble growing facial hair or who has dealt with facial hair loss makes an ideal candidate for a beard transplant. Many patients also come to us seeking a facial hair transplant to cover up acne or facial scarring caused by a traumatic injury. Even if your scalp hair differs slightly in color from your facial hair, we can help you achieve natural-looking results. Candidates must have sufficient hair growth on their scalp for the transplant procedure to be the most successful.
Is a Beard Hair Transplant Surgery Procedure Painful?
Most of our beard hair transplant surgeries are completed as outpatient procedures using local anesthesia, so you won’t experience anything other than minor discomfort. You may experience slight swelling or redness for a few days, but beard transplants are relatively painless procedures.
How Can I Reduce My Risks of Scarring After Surgery?
Individual results may vary, but some scarring may occur after your beard hair transplant surgery. We typically see more scalp scarring than facial scarring, especially as the scalp begins to sag with age. Both the FUE and FUT (follicular unit transplant) methods keep scarring around the donor area to a minimum.
When Will I Be Able to Shave After My Surgery?
We don’t recommend shaving until at least 10 days after your beard transplant surgery. Because your face may be red, tender, or swollen at first, you’ll need to be extremely gentle the first few times. We generally advise you to refrain from touching or grooming the area within the first few weeks, so as not to disturb the transplanted follicles.
How Long Is the Expected Recovery Time After Surgery?
Most patients use a vacation or sick day on the day of their outpatient procedure, but downtime and recovery are very minimal compared to other types of surgery. You may notice minor swelling, redness, or tiny crust formation around the transplanted hairs during the first week after the procedure. It is vital that you follow our post-surgery instructions to prevent infection and other risks from surgery. If you do develop an infection, we may prescribe antibiotics. Some patients may also need prescriptions to manage pain or swelling. Our doctors will discuss your recovery options with you in greater detail.
Does Insurance Cover Beard Transplant Surgery Costs?
Most beard hair transplant costs are not covered by health insurance. Hair transplant surgeries are usually considered cosmetic unless they’re reconstructive surgery to minimize the appearance of burns or facial scarring caused by trauma. Be sure to discuss the procedure’s costs upfront during your consultation and check with your specific insurance provider to see if you have any coverage.
Will the Beard Transplant Yield Permanent Results?
Every incision made during beard hair transplant surgery is made with attention to your beard’s hair growth direction, angle, and density for the best results. You should start to lose the transplanted hairs in your beard within two to three weeks after your procedure. However, these hairs will begin to grow permanently within the first three to four months after your body has had time to regenerate your hair follicles. Results are usually permanent, meaning your increased self-esteem is here to stay. View our before-and-after photo gallery to see real results from Virginia Surgical Hair Center patients.
Is the Growth Rate for Transplanted Hair Good?
Individual results may vary, but most patients are pleased with their facial hair or beard transplant results. While you may not achieve full beard coverage, you should at least see fewer bald, inconsistent patches of facial hair. Virginia Surgical Hair Center offers various customized hair restoration solutions for men and women utilizing state-of-the-art technology. To learn more about our beard transplants in McLean, Richmond, and Virginia Beach, VA, please contact us and schedule a free consultation today. For your convenience, we also offer online and in person consultations!