How to avoid ingrown hairs and scarring after beard transplant?

Question

drs. i want to go and get a revision beard transplant on both cheeks as i have a patch of hair missing from a past laser removal. my concern is that my last beard transplant caused permanent ingrown hairs and redness and scarring. i only trim the hairs 1mm or longer with trimmer and never clean shave. i am forced to pluck the hairs as i contsantly get ingrown hairs and pimples. nowhere else. what technique should i request for my next beard transplant? and what can be done to prevent this happen

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

When considering a revision beard transplant, especially if you've experienced issues with ingrown hairs, redness, and scarring in the past, it's important to choose the right technique and follow appropriate post-care measures. Here are some recommendations to help prevent these complications:

Technique Selection:

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): This technique involves extracting individual hair follicles and is often preferred for beard transplants due to its minimally invasive nature and reduced scarring compared to older methods like Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). FUE may help decrease the risk of ingrown hairs and scarring.
Consultation with an Experienced Surgeon: Choose a surgeon with extensive experience in beard transplants and discuss your previous complications. They can tailor the procedure to minimize risks, possibly by adjusting the angle and depth of follicle implantation to mimic natural hair growth.
Pre-Transplant Preparation:

Skin Assessment: Have your skin evaluated to identify any underlying conditions that might contribute to ingrown hairs, such as folliculitis or skin sensitivity.
Post-Transplant Care:

Gentle Exfoliation: Regular, gentle exfoliation can help prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin cells and allowing hair to grow out properly. Use a mild exfoliant recommended by your surgeon.
Moisturization: Keep the skin well-hydrated to promote healing and reduce irritation. Non-comedogenic moisturizers can help maintain skin health without clogging pores.
Avoid Plucking: Avoid plucking hairs after the transplant, as this can increase the risk of ingrown hairs and scarring. Instead, speak with your surgeon about safe grooming techniques.
Follow-up and Monitoring:

Regular Check-Ups: Schedule follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns promptly. They can provide guidance on managing any ingrown hairs that do occur.
Professional Treatments: In some cases, professional treatments such as laser therapy or chemical peels might be recommended to reduce redness and improve skin texture post-transplant.
Lifestyle and Grooming Adjustments:

Proper Trimming Techniques: Continue trimming your beard carefully, avoiding shaving too closely to the skin to lessen irritation and the potential for ingrown hairs.
Hygiene Practices: Maintain good facial hygiene to prevent infection and pimples, using products that are suitable for sensitive skin.
Discuss these options with your surgeon before proceeding with the revision transplant. They can offer personalized advice based on your specific skin type and previous experiences to help ensure a successful outcome.

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