Beauty & Fashion
Beard transplant a growing option for men in GCC
There’s a new trend in town which seems to be catching the attention of most men, especially those of Arab origin – beard transplant.
Having a full beard is viewed as having a valuable asset and a sign of masculinity. Unfortunately, not every man has been blessed with one. Most men who find it hard to grow full facial hair are now opting for a beard transplant, which is becoming as popular as scalp hair transplant.
According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery 2015 Practice Census Results, in 2014 89.1 percent of hair transplant procedures targeted the scalp area and 10.9 percent of procedures targeted non-scalp areas of the body – including eyebrow (5.5%), face/moustache/beard (3.7%) and eyelash (0.6%) areas. The face/moustache/beard transplant showed a dramatic increase from 1.5% in 2012.
Anisa Vrabac, the Head of Hair Transplant Department at Dubai Cosmetic Surgery clinic agrees that the numbers of men trickling into the clinic for this hairy procedure has more than doubled in the last couple of years. “This is because men in and outside the UAE have realized that they can have a full beard that is natural and permanent.”
Also, facial hair transplant is not only for those with a non-existent beard. “There are men who tend to have a patchy beard, which according to them is more embarrassing and frustrating than having none at all,” she adds. “This makes one choose between going without a beard completely and having a full one once and for all through the beard transplant.”
Facial hair loss, says Ms Vrabac, is normally caused by a number of issues, with hormonal imbalance being at the top. “Others include genetics, nutritional imbalance, trauma and underlying health issues.”
Growing popularity
In the Arab world, explains Ms Vrabac, full facial hair is mostly associated with masculinity and it is more a part of their heritage. “This particular reason explains why a bigger portion of our clients at Dubai Cosmetic Surgery clinic seeking beard transplant are of Arab origin from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and other surrounding countries in the region.”
Having a thick and prominent beard also gives one a higher status symbol. “Traditionally it is a sign of virility and strength, and very important if you were going to marry someone,” she notes, adding that people take you more seriously if you have facial hair.
Facial hair 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,” she explains adding that according to those who have been through the procedure, the outcome is a more mature look.
About the procedure
The procedure is very similar to that of scalp hair transplant, only this time the hairs are being transplanted to your face. “We start by extracting hair follicles from a donor area, which is usually at the back of your head because this is where the hair is at its thickest. A method known as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is used, whereby grafts are harvested one by one. FUE is more preferable because it’s less invasive with a shorter downtime.”
Depending on the size of the area whether it’s the mustache or goatee or any other area, the number can range anywhere from 500 grafts for the mustache to 1500 grafts for the goatee and up to 3000 grafts for a full beard. “Beard hair transplant can take anywhere from two hours to 8 hours depending on the number of grafts to be transplanted,” says Ms Vrabac.
The transplanted hair, according to her, grows just like normal beard hair. “It is permanent and natural-looking, and after the final results which take 6 to 12 months to show, the person can shave, style and even color without any worry.”
Why go for a beard transplant?
One can have a beard transplant for a number of reasons including covering up trauma or acne scars, the need to look more mature or younger, customs as well as just to look like their favorite celebrities.
The cost of a beard transplant at Dubai Cosmetic Surgery clinic starts from AED 15000 onwards. “It all depends on the number of grafts needed.”
For more information please contact:
Esther Mumbua
Public Relations Coordinator
Telephone: 00971 4 348 5575
GSM: 00971508495183