Are Thin Hair Shafts a Problem For Facial Hair Transplants?

This is in regards to facial hair restoration.  My father could grow a good goatee and moustache, but he had no sideburns. I’ve got that same stupid gene, only a much much worse version of it. I have, for all intents and purposes no hair on the sides of my face. I only have a little on the bottom of my chin and a very thin moustache. I have practically a full head of hair. I am not Asian. It has bothered me for most of my life off and on, and I often wished that I could at least grow a moustache/goatee.

My questions are, at my age, 52, can facial hair transplants be done? Also, even though I have a full head of hair, is it a problem if the hair follicle itself is very thin? Thirdly, do you have a clinic near Cleveland Ohio, or do you know of other clinics in that area that perform these procedures? Thank You. – Frank
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Dear Frank:

The good news is that facial hair transplantation can be performed very successfully. You are at a very good age for transplantation, as men your age generally have mature expectations and a well established degree of hair loss. You describe yourself as having a good head of hair, although with what sounds like thin hair shafts. Thin hair does not create the same cosmetic density as thicker hairs, but this is not a major problem. As with all areas of transplantation, achieving a satisfactory result depends on moving a sufficient number of hairs into the area of loss.

What areas are of greatest concern to you? The mustache? The sideburns? The cheeks? Each area has a unique surgical approach, and this is reviewed in detail during your consultation. A face to face consultation is crucial for a patient such as yourself, as a detailed examination as well as a thorough discussion of the benefits and limitations of the procedure are needed. My office is in South Euclid, Ohio in the Cleveland area.

I would be delighted to meet with you.

Sincerely,
Robert Haber
Member, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons
Member, American Hair Loss Association

Robert Haber, MD Robert Haber, MD is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in the practice of Hair Restoration Surgery. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and faculty member of University Hospitals of Cleveland. These academic affiliations require Dr. Haber to maintain the highest level of surgical skills and ethics. Dr. Haber has been active in the ISHRS since its founding, and served as President for 2002-2003 as well as Treasurer, on the Executive Committee, Board of Governors, and as Chair or member of over 15 committees. He currently serves as Co-Editor of the Hair Transplant Forum International, a publication read in over 40 nations around the world. Dr. Haber has co-authored two textbooks in the field of hair restoration surgery as well as eight textbook chapters and 16 original reports, and has presented over 90 papers at meetings throughout the world. Dr. Robert Haber is a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons and recommended by the American Hair Loss Association. Visit Dr. Haber's Website: www.haberderm.com/

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