Facial hair restoration is a procedure that transplants hair follicles from the back and sides of the scalp to the face, creating a fuller and denser beard appearance.
For many men, facial hair represents masculinity. (1) A beard can also enhance facial definition and improve proportions. Unfortunately, many men struggle with beard patchiness or uneven growth.
Dr. Colin O’Dea of Premier Hair Restoration is one of Texas’s leading hair restoration experts. He has helped many men across Texas and beyond enhance the appearance of their beards through facial hair restoration and is committed to providing only the highest level of care.
To learn more about how a procedure can help you improve your patchy beard and start working with Dr. O’Dea, please schedule a consultation online or call our San Antonio office at (210) 642-2291.
Dr. O’Dea performs all surgical procedures with assistance from trained technicians.
Contents
About Facial Hair Restoration and Patchy Beards
Facial hair restoration is a minimally invasive procedure that transplants healthy hair follicles from the sides and back of the scalp into the lower face to improve the thickness and density of your mustache, beard, eyebrows, and more. Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, can perform this procedure to enhance the appearance of a patchy or sparse beard by taking hair follicles that are more resistant to hair loss and transplanting them into areas around the chin or jawline where natural growth is sparse.
Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, performs this procedure with a technique called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). This uses a circular punch tool to extract individual hair grafts from the scalp before placing them in your targeted treatment areas. (2) The transplanted follicles will then start to grow in their new placements, improving the coverage, thickness, and density of your beard.
Benefits
Facial hair restoration is highly advantageous when improving the appearance of a patchy beard. Patients receiving this procedure might experience potential benefits such as:
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Restoring the thickness and density of your beard can create a more desirable and attractive appearance overall.
- Elevated Confidence: Having a fuller, more even beard can improve how you feel about your appearance.
- Lasting Results: The results of facial hair restoration are generally long-lasting, making this procedure a more worthwhile investment than other hair restoration treatments.
- Natural-Looking Appearance: Dr. O’Dea places each hair graft to match the natural growth patterns of your pre-existing hair.
- Short Recovery Time: Many patients are able to return to work within one week after treatment.
Benefits are not guaranteed.
Candidates
Anyone interested in facial hair restoration should be in good general health and hold realistic expectations regarding their results. Patients should also ideally be nonsmokers or willing to quit using cigarettes. Dr. O’Dea will finalize each patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, Dr. O’Dea will meet with you individually to converse about your medical history, aesthetic concerns, and desired appearance. He will also perform a physical examination to evaluate the condition of your lower face and jawline.
Once Dr. O’Dea gathers the necessary information, he will confirm your candidacy and create your customized treatment plan. He will help you choose the most effective techniques for your case, and he may even recommend pairing your treatment with another for more comprehensive results. Throughout the consultation, he will also answer any questions you may have about facial hair restoration or beard restoration. By the end of this meeting, you will not only have a full understanding of what facial hair restoration is and how it can help you, but also a full treatment plan that addresses your goals.
To schedule this consultation, please contact us online or call our San Antonio office directly at (210) 642-2291.
Preparation
Once you decide to proceed with your procedure, Dr. O’Dea will provide you with a set of detailed preparation instructions. These instructions may vary depending on the details of your surgical plan, but following them closely will facilitate a safe and successful procedure. Dr. O’Dea may direct you to:
- Discontinue taking blood-thinning medications and supplements.
- Avoid using irritating or harsh hair and scalp products.
- Pre-arrange transportation home from your procedure.
- Prepare to take time away from your responsibilities.
- Cease any nicotine or alcohol consumption in the weeks leading up to your procedure.
- Fill any prescriptions ahead of time.
Dr. O’Dea will also ask that you arrive at your procedure with clean hair that is free from residual products or oils.
Procedure
At the beginning of your procedure, you will receive a local anesthetic along with a small dose of oral valium to ensure you remain awake yet comfortable throughout the procedure.
Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, will use a small punch tool to carefully extract individual grafts from the back and sides of the scalp. The number of grafts he harvests will depend on the size of the overall treatment area, but he carefully selects each graft for its resistance to thinning and shedding.
Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, will then separate the hair grafts and prepare them for transplantation. He will create several small incisions around the treatment area before individually placing the hair grafts, angling the grafts to closely replicate your beard’s natural growth patterns. Once each hair follicle is in place, you will rest in our recovery suite until you are ready to return home.
Recovery
After a beard hair restoration procedure, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the treated sites. These effects are temporary and will gradually dissipate on their own, but plenty of rest and prescribed medication will also help them fade.
During this time, you will need to avoid picking or scratching at the treated areas, as your grafts may become irritated if you do. Dr. O’Dea also recommends sleeping with your head elevated, avoiding swimming or shaving, and refraining from using specific hair or styling products.
You may be able to return to your normal routine after resting for three to four days, but Dr. O’Dea may direct you to continue avoiding any physical or strenuous activities for another one to two weeks. Dr. O’Dea will give you further instructions during your consultation.
Results
You will be able to enjoy initial growth after approximately 3-4 months, with the full results of your treatment becoming more apparent after 12 months. (2) You will be able to enjoy improvements in the density and thickness of your beard, with your new hair blending naturally with your pre-existing facial hair.
The results of your facial hair restoration procedures may be long-lasting, and you will be able to trim and style your beard as you please.
Results may vary and are not guaranteed.
Corresponding Procedures
Eyebrow Transplant
If you are also experiencing thinning or shedding above your eyes, Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, may tailor your treatment to combine your beard restoration with an eyebrow transplantation. Your eyebrows are one of the most noticeable features of your face, and patchy or thin eyebrows can significantly alter the aesthetics of your eyes.
When performing your procedure, Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, may transplant additional follicles above the eyes to create a fuller and thicker appearance in your brows. By addressing shedding across the upper and lower portions of your face, you can create a more balanced and masculine appearance that you can enjoy for years.
Cost of Facial Hair Restoration in San Antonio, Texas
The cost of your facial hair restoration procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the treatment area and the number of hair grafts your transplant requires. Once you and Dr. O’Dea discuss each of these details, he will give you a comprehensive cost estimate for your procedure. Premier Hair Restoration additionally offers financing for those interested.
To learn more about the cost of your patchy beard restoration, please schedule a consultation online or call (210) 642-2291.
FAQ
What causes a patchy beard?
A patchy beard can stem from several factors, including genetics, hormonal fluctuations, or lifestyle habits. While having a patchy beard can be discouraging, Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, can perform a facial hair restoration procedure to help you restore a fuller, denser look.
Will I need more than one treatment session?
While most patients can achieve satisfactory results after one treatment, you may need to undergo two treatment sessions to achieve your desired results. Dr. O’Dea will work with you to determine the most effective treatment plan for your needs.
Will my transplanted hair look natural?
Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, tries to make sure that each hair placement matches the natural growth patterns of your pre-existing hair. By doing so, the hair will be more likely to seamlessly blend in with your natural beard as it grows.
How many hair grafts will I need?
The number of hair grafts will vary depending on the size of the treatment area, as well as your desired results. During your personal consultation, Dr. O’Dea will physically examine your lower face and jawline to help you determine this.
How long will the results of my patchy beard restoration last?
Your facial hair restoration is designed to last for several years, with many patients experiencing stable results.
References
- Sharma R, Ranjan A. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant: Curves Ahead. Journal of Maxillofacial & Oral Surgery. 2019;18(4):509-517. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-019-01245-6
- Dua K, Verma V, Dua A. Beard and Moustache Reconstruction. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2021;54(04):483-488. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1739248
