Hair transplantation aside, the new trend in hair restoration is a full beard transplant. This new trend, which is a permanent solution for a patchy or non-existent beard is fast catching the attention of most men, especially those of Arab origin.
According to Dr Cagatay Sezgin, Celebrity Hair Transplant Surgeon at Dubai Cosmetic Surgery clinic, having a full beard is viewed more as a sign of masculinity. Unfortunately, not every male is lucky enough to have one, regardless how much they want it. “But with the introduction and progress of beard hair transplantation, most men now have the option of growing a full beard,” explains Dr Sezgin.
He also says that this growing trend of beard transplantation has seen the numbers of men trickling into the clinic for this hairy pro-cedure has more than tripled in the last couple of years, with more cosmetic clinics in the UAE also introducing it. “This is because men in and outside the UAE have realized that they have the option of having a full and permanent beard.”
How Beard Transplantation is Done
Beard hair transplant procedure, explains Dr Sezgin, uses the latest method of hair restoration known as micro-grafting stem-cell FUE which is classified as a non-surgical or minimally invasive form of hair transplant.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, whereby hair follicles are moved from the donor area which is usually the back portion of the head where most people tend to have about 10% to 50% surplus hair follicles; to the beard area. “Because the hair in the donor area is genetically superior and stronger, its chances of re-growing in another area of the body are guaranteed.”
The number of follicles to be transplanted, he continues, depends on the reason for the transplant. “There are people who simply have a patchy/thin beard; others want to hide scars, while there are those who simply don’t have a beard at all.” The number of grafts range from 500 grafts to 2000 grafts, depending on the beard density needed by the patient.
The procedure, says Dr Sezgin, can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, after which the patient goes home. Downtime is about 2 days, after which he can go back to work. The final and full results are seen after 9 to 12 months, and the new beard can be colored, cut and treated in any way you treat your natural hair.
"In the Arab world, explains Dr Sezgin, full facial hair is mostly associated with masculinity and it is mostly a part of their heritage. “This particular reason explains why a large number of our beard transplant patients are from the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other surrounding countries in the region."
Why Beard Transplant is Growing in popularity
In the Arab world, explains Dr Sezgin, full facial hair is mostly associated
with masculinity and it is mostly a part of their heritage. “This particular reason explains why a large number
of our beard transplant patients are from the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other surrounding countries in the region.”
Apart from cultural reasons, the Doctor states that having a thick and prominent beard also gives one a higher status symbol. “Traditionally it is a sign of virility and strength, which was very important if you were going to marry someone, in addition to people taking you more seriously if you have facial hair.”
Facial hair, he says, also gives one a mature look; not too old and not very young. “While most people are going for anti-aging skin treatments, there are men who are doing the opposite - wanting to look more mature, because lacking a full beard can make one feel like age is not catching up with them. This category of men tends to go for beard transplant,” he explains adding that according to those who have been through the procedure, the outcome is more mature and better-looking.
In the month of November, Dubai Cosmetic Surgery Clinic and all its branches is giving 50% discount on all beard transplant procedures. The usual price is AED 15 per graft.