Facelift Surgery and Beard Growth

A facelift moves skin. In a man that skin often grows hair, which means the operation has to account for where the beard is before deciding where the incisions go and how far the skin is advanced.

The procedure

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, repositions descended tissue and addresses skin laxity in the lower face and neck.

The typical facelift involves:

1. Incisions — usually around the hairline, the ears and sometimes under the chin.
2. Repositioning — the underlying muscle and tissue are lifted and excess skin is removed.
3. Closure — the skin is redraped and the incisions closed.

In men these steps require additional planning to avoid disrupting facial hair distribution.

How a facelift affects beard growth

Incision placement and hair follicles

Facelift incisions are typically placed around the hairline, the ears or behind the ears. In men, facial hair extends into these areas, and placement that does not account for this can disrupt the beard pattern.

Movement of hair-bearing skin A facelift advances the skin. In men this can move hair-bearing skin — parts of the beard — into positions where hair does not normally grow, such as behind the ear. Planning has to prevent this, because it produces an obvious and difficult-to-correct result.

Minimising follicle damage Incisions are placed to avoid damaging hair follicles in the beard area. Some follicles near the incisions may be affected. Hair follicles are relatively resilient, and minor trauma around the incision does not usually result in significant permanent hair loss.

Permanent changes

For most men the effect on beard growth is temporary. After healing there is typically little or no long-term change in the ability to grow a full beard.

In some cases there is slight thinning of the beard close to the incision, particularly around the ears or jawline. This is usually minor and not noticeable once healed.

Where a small area of beard hair is lost, hair transplant procedures can restore follicles in the affected area.

Shaving after surgery

The skin around the incisions is sensitive during healing and shaving too early can irritate it or affect healing.

• When to shave. Avoid shaving for at least two weeks after surgery to allow the incisions to heal. After this, shaving can resume carefully. Electric razors are often preferred initially as they are gentler on the skin.
• Avoiding irritation. Avoid pressure on or irritation of the incision areas while shaving. A mild shaving preparation and a light touch protect the skin as it continues to heal.

How the operation accommodates beard growth

Incision placement in men

Incision placement differs from that used in women. Planning ensures that:

• The beard line is not altered. Incisions are placed in areas that do not disrupt the beard growth pattern. Incisions around the ears are placed to blend with the natural creases of the skin and the direction of hair growth, so that beard hair is not drawn into positions where it does not belong.
• Sideburns are preserved. Maintaining sideburn position is a specific objective in a male facelift. Incisions are planned so that the sideburn stays where it was — a displaced sideburn is one of the most recognisable signs of a poorly planned male facelift.

Recovery

Facial hair affects how the skin heals to some extent. Men may notice differences in skin sensitivity around the beard line, which is usually temporary.

• Hair regrowth. Where beard hair is lost temporarily because of the incisions, it typically regrows, though this may take a few months.
• Shaving pattern. If any permanent change to beard distribution occurs, the shaving routine may need slight adjustment around the ears or chin.

Suitability

Candidates for a male facelift are:

• Men with skin laxity, jowling or neck laxity who retain reasonable skin elasticity.
• Men in good general health without conditions that would interfere with healing.
• Non-smokers, or those willing to stop, as smoking significantly affects recovery.
• Men who want the changes addressed without an obviously operated result.

Conclusion

A facelift can be performed in men without significant effect on beard growth, provided incision placement accounts for facial hair distribution. Discussing beard and sideburn position specifically at consultation is worthwhile — it is part of the surgical plan, not an afterthought.