Scruff Not Enough? ISHRS Finds Facial Hair Transplants Helping Men Achieve Fuller Beards, Moustaches

GENEVA, Ill., Aug. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One thing today's male style icons seem to have in common besides good looks is serious scruff (think round-the-clock five o'clock shadows). While this popular look comes easily for some men, others struggle to achieve it. In the past, men with sparse facial hair had little choice but to sport the clean-shaven look. All that has changed, as facial hair transplants can now safely and effectively enhance facial hair with natural-looking beards, moustaches and goatees. 

Craig C., 45, of Minnesota had always wanted a beard, but due to genetics -- like many with some degree of Asian heritage -- he just didn't have any facial hair. After researching hair restoration options online, Craig learned that facial hair restoration surgery could be an option for him.

With facial hair transplants, an experienced hair restoration physician trained in this delicate procedure gathers donor hair from the back of the scalp and then transplants these tiny hair follicles in the treatment area based on the density the patient prefers.

"The reasons men undergo facial hair transplantation vary -- for some it's because they could never grow a full beard due to patchy areas; for others it's a cultural issue where a full beard or moustache means more virility," said Ron Shapiro, MD, FISHRS (Bloomington, MN). "Some men want more facial hair to cover a burn scar or trauma that they are insecure about. The one common denominator is that all facial hair transplant patients feel they would look better and have more confidence with fuller facial hair."

Dr. Shapiro explained that the amount of hair transplanted on the face greatly depends on the patient's preference for either a full beard or moustache or if he wants to simply fill in patchy areas. A thorough evaluation to ensure a patient has enough donor hair to perform the procedure and that his expectations will be met is a crucial first step.

Doing his research to find the best surgeons for this specialized surgery was important for Craig, which is how he found Dr. Shapiro who has performed over 100 facial hair transplants over the years. Craig described the surgery as fairly simple with a quick recovery, and he appreciated that the permanent implanted hair started growing in a few weeks post surgery.

"It was really important to me to keep this procedure private, and the fact that my beard started growing in gradually made that possible since it looked so natural," said Craig. " I normally wear a short beard now and get lots of compliments on it, which makes me feel more confident. I am very pleased with my results, and my beard has gotten a lot thicker over time." 

A recent member survey conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) shows that facial hair transplants have surged in popularity over the past few years. Specifically, from 2012 to 2014, facial (moustache/beard) procedures increased 196 percent worldwide.

About the ISHRS
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is a global non-profit medical association and a leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration with more than 1,200 members throughout 70 countries worldwide. Above all, the ISHRS is dedicated to achieving excellence in patient outcomes by promoting the highest standards of medical practice, medical ethics, and research in the medical hair restoration industry. The ISHRS also provides continuing medical education to physicians specializing in hair transplant surgery and is committed to delivering the latest information on medical and surgical treatments to consumers suffering from hair loss, and most commonly from androgenetic alopecia – male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss. It was founded in 1993 as the first international society to promote continuing quality improvement and education for professionals in the field of hair restoration surgery. For more information and to locate a physician, visit www.ishrs.org.

SOURCE International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery

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