Yudhvir at 21 learnt the truth of the adage “Falling from the frying pan into the Fire!” the hard way.
Another young man in a hurry scornful of a doctor’s advice in a patient’s best interest- thinking it to be patronising, wee bit stifling, inhibitive – and perhaps outdated- when everyone around him it seemed to him was getting their hair fixed!
I have been crying hoarse from my rooftop cautioning people for last 18 years on this Channel – and I will do this again today- that a hair transplant is not just about shifting hairs from one location to the other at 10 rupees a hair?
But Yudhvir was in a tearing hurry like some young men are and went and presented himself to a hair transplant shop that was extremely inviting and promised to fulfil each of his need and even go a step beyond!
And watch the mess he has landed himself. Six months later, he returns to me, devastated but much wiser—his dream of a full beard has turned into an aesthetic nightmare.
Indians are not Caucasians. The wonderful results you see in white-skinned individuals will not necessarily translate in your case.
Yudhvir did just that. He saw some random cases on the internet and suddenly decided he wanted a beard just like that!
He came to me, convinced that his beard transplant would turn out just like the perfect before-and-after pictures he had seen online. Thinking a hair transplant surgeon will do his bidding- the way he wanted, whatever he wanted! But I warned him that Indian skin heals much differently and that the risk of cobblestoning was high, was real.
But he chose to ignore my advice.
First let’s talk about Cobblestoning!
What is Cobblestoning?
Cobblestoning refers to the uneven, bumpy texture of the skin that occurs when grafted hairs fail to integrate smoothly. This is especially problematic in beard transplants where the skin is thinner and more vascular, making any irregularity much more apparent.
Cobblestoning results from:
Poor graft placement
Excessive trauma during extraction or implantation
Inadequate depth control during graft insertion
Thick grafts placed into fine-textured skin
In Yudhvir’s case all these 4 forces combined together and and an unfortunate disasterous outcome unfolded itself!
While some minor textural change is inevitable after a transplant, true cobblestoning is a severe complication that can make the beard area permanently unsightly.
Why Are Indians More Prone to Cobblestoning? (But how we can address this I will tell you next!)
Higher Propensity for Hypertrophic Scarring Indians, particularly those with darker skin tones, are more likely to develop hypertrophic or keloid scars. Even minor trauma from a hair transplant can lead to exaggerated healing responses. On the chin more than the cheeks, hypertrophic scarring is known to be particularly prominent, leading to an uneven, raised texture.
Thicker Hair Follicles and Thinner Skin The contrast between thick, coarse beard hair and relatively delicate facial skin is greater in Indians than in many Caucasians. This mismatch increases the likelihood of visible bumps when the follicles are inserted into thinner skin areas.
Difficulty in Achieving a Natural Distribution Indian beard patterns vary widely, and achieving a natural-looking result requires an intricate understanding of beard growth patterns. When performed without this knowledge, the result can be patchy, unnatural, and prone to complications like cobblestoning.
The Caveats to follow before an Indian gets a Beard Transplant done
Given the risks of beard hair transplants in Indian skin types, here are the golden rules / caveats that every Indian considering a beard transplant must follow:
1. Know Your Skin: If you scar easily, it’s best to avoid a beard transplant altogether. But still if you must, avoid the chin area.
2. Commit to Your Beard: A transplanted beard won’t look natural when shaved, howsoever the procedure might have been done. If you prefer a clean-shaven look, think twice before you knock on your neighbourhood clinic’s door.
3. Age Matters: Wait until you’re at least 25-30 years old. Beard growth continues to develop in your late twenties.
4. See Real Results: Don’t settle for edited pictures. Demand to see real-life cases that resemble your skin type.
But all said, The Only Way to Avoid Cobblestoning: Test Grafting
If, after careful consideration, you still wish to proceed, there is only one method that can ensure you do not fall victim to cobblestoning: test grafting.
What is test grafting?
A small number of grafts (typically 10-15) are implanted into key areas of the beard.
You then wait six months to assess how your skin responds.
If the skin heals smoothly, you can proceed with a full transplant.
If there is any sign of cobblestoning, hypertrophic scarring, or other complications, you will have saved yourself from irreversible damage. Thank your stars for it!
I personally feel this step is non-negotiable for Indian patients. Because a beard transplant is a surgical procedure, not a salon treatment where you can try different beard styles with each visit. Once the procedure is done, any mistake is permanent- it will haunt you for a lifetime and more!
Why I Discourage More Patients Than I Accept
Unlike many transplant surgeons, I make it a point to discourage most patients who seek a beard transplant. The reason? Too many come in with unrealistic expectations and inadequate knowledge of the risks.
Applying a “speed breaker” to their aspirations, makes them to take one step back- allows them to truly reflect on the decision. This approach has saved countless individuals from making life-altering mistakes. If, after thorough consideration and test grafting, a patient still chooses to proceed, they do so with full awareness of the consequences.
Call to Action: Get a Personal Consultation Before It’s Too Late
A beard transplant is not a decision to take lightly, especially for Indian patients. The risk of cobblestoning, scarring, and unnatural results is significantly higher compared to those who are white skinned.
Before making a choice that could alter your face permanently, schedule a consultation with an experienced hair transplant specialist. At Darling Buds Clinic, we will assess your skin type, healing response, and suitability for a beard transplant.
Don’t gamble with your face. Call us today for an expert assessment.
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