Hair grafting or hair transplant for trans-men is a challenging procedure among the top surgeries which gives a satisfactory result in the appearance. It is usually done to add masculinity by changing the hairline or allowing facial hair.
This procedure is done through follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit grafting (FUG). It involves transplant of each microscopic graft into small recipient areas measuring not more than 0.8 mm.
Female-to-male hair restoration may include creating masculine sideburn, eyebrow, goatee, and beard. Getting a hair transplant will not only change your appearance, but it will also develop a male pattern of natural hair growth and balding.
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Difference between Male and Female Hair
While women are known to have a higher hairline, men tend to have an M shaped hairline.
The hairline in male and female are different in so many ways like the balding pattern, flow of hair and even the texture. There are intricacies when it comes to hair grafting or hair restoration in a sex reassignment therapy.
Male hair loss is noticeable with a receding hairline which may or may not result in complete baldness. On the other hand, women lose their hair diffusely, which happens more on the crown rather than the hairline. Thinning of hair is more progressive in women exposing the scalp when the hair is tied.
Types of Hair Grafting in FTM Masculinization Procedures
Facial hair: Most of the time, the virility of a man is assumed by the facial hair he has. While undergoing an FTM sex change, you may want the hairy facial feature of men in the form of a beard, mustache or sideburns.
While a testosterone therapy may initiate on facial hair growth, the result is usually sparse and appears underdeveloped. A facial hair transplant will give you thicker facial hair. Your surgeon will devise a natural pattern to provide you with a natural looking mustache, goatee, beard, and sideburns.
The transplant designs are typically individualized. Depending on your choice, the hair transplant will vary from thick to a diffused beard. There are some risks involved in hair transplant especially in the center of the lower lip, also known as soul patch.
Usually, the procedures require 400 – 500 grafts for the beard on one cheek, 250 grafts for one sideburn, and 500 – 700 grafts for a goatee.
Hairline: Masculinization of your hairline will involve changing your high hairline to an M-shaped hairline which has upper corners and a downward bend in the middle.
Your surgeon will use methods like follicular unit extraction (FUE) where hair follicles will be harvested from the back of your head, and it will be grafted to the front to form a masculine hairline. Other methods include the Artas Robotic system and linear methods.
Chest hair: If having a hairy chest is masculine for you, a hair transplant can work on your body hair. While some go for chest hair for virility, there are other reasons like covering scar areas on the chest region after chest surgery.
Chest hair transplant requires a several grafts ranging from 1200 to 1500 grafts; it may even go up to 3200 grafts for more coverage.
Eyebrows: For the eyebrows, each side will require 225 to 325 grafts. The direction and angle of the eyebrows will matter for a natural aesthetic result. The outcome would be fuller eyebrows that are more arched than a typical feminine pair of eyebrows.
Preparation for Surgery
- Maintaining a healthy physical regime before going for top surgery is essential. Keep a balanced diet and keep your weight at the right
- Get emotional support. Going through a sex change is a significant step, and it will affect your life.
- Quit smoking and alcohol at least three weeks before the surgery.
Recovery and Post-Op Care
Hair grafting surgery is done under local anesthesia. After the surgery, you will need antibiotic and painkillers as per your doctor’s prescription.
Do not wet the treated area for a week following the graft to set it properly. You will notice hair growth within four months, and after a year you will see the final results. Maintenance after hair grafting will be regular trimming.
References
https://www.dryateshairscience.com/transgender-hair-restoration-sugery
https://www.atlantahairsurgeon.com/hairline-revisions/masculized/
