Whether it’s some subtle stubble — or a full-on goatee — facial hair is desired by many in Aotearoa and across the globe.
However, just like a receding hairline or bald patches, genetics often stand in the way of people achieving the look they want.
This is where transplants come into play; the transplantation of body hair onto one’s jawline.
While there are only a handful of clinics offering the cosmetic surgery in New Zealand, just like hair transplants, the procedure is reportedly growing in popularity across the globe.
While hard to pinpoint the exact number of people getting transplants, the global beard transplant market size was valued at US$189.00 million in 2021, and was projected to reach US$1.2 billion by 2031 according to Allied Market research.
Dr Garsing Wong from New Zealand Hair Transplantation Institute runs a clinic in Auckland and completed his first beard transplant just three years ago.
Should you get a beard transplant?
While one may think the procedure was just for men with stunted hair growth, it can be used in various scenarios.
Wong has seen patients wanting a transplant to hide scars on the chin, patchy beards and also in gender confirming surgeries
“I had a recent procedure where the patient had lost his moustache from radiotherapy.”
He said most patients range from ages 20 to 40.
How does it work?
Your own beard hair works best when getting a new moustache, however scalp hair was a good second alternative despite growing back significantly faster.
“We can use body hair, but that often can grow back curly,” Wong said.
He uses insertive pens to extract hair from under the chin or the back of the head, and once the tissue was prepared, he placed follicles individually.
A consultation was required to ensure you had good donor hair, the correct follicle mapping, and the right density for optimal results.
The surgery could be done in one session, and required a two-week recovery period.
What are the risks?
While it may seem tempting to go abroad to Turkey, one of the top cosmetic surgery tourist destinations, Wong recommended people do some research before choosing a clinic.
“You do need the appropriate equipment, and the skills to be able to do a good job.”
Beard transplants do differ from hair surgeries, and many doctors aren’t as familiar with the procedure due to how new it is.
Unwanted results can see patients end up with cobblestoned skin from scarring, patchy hair growth as well as mis-matched hair follicles.
Incorrect aftercare from patients can also lead to a messy moustache.
How much does it cost?
The New Zealand Hair Transplantation Institute starts at $5700 for a moustache-sized facial hair transplant, but this all depends on density.
However, the procedure was still thousands cheaper than if you were wanting some extra hair on top of your head.
