Men Are Paying Up to $15,000 to Get Facial Hair Like Ryan Gosling's
It's true: designer stubble is a thing.
By Rachel Jones
Some dudes just shave their faces clean if they were not gifted with a full, thick, and even beard. Now there is another option for those less "beard-fortunate:" a beard transplant. Medically, it's the same procedure as a traditional hair transplant for baldness—but this procedure is aimed at more modern aesthetics. And by "modern aesthetics," we mean: Looking like Ryan Gosling.
UK Doctor Bessam Farjo invented the cosmetic surgery for burn victims in 1996, and says that it is now the most popular form of cosmetic surgery English for men. According to Farjo, "The majority of men are looking to create a designer stubble look which seems incredibly popular nowadays. Brad Pitt’s beard is often cited by men in their 40s [as something they'd like to emulate], and David Beckham’s [beard is cited] by men in their 20s and 30s."
The trend has caught on like wildfire in the past three years. This video from CNN highlights how big the trend is in America. Some fun facts: A beard transplant can cost between five and fifteen thousand dollars and the procedure takes up to 12 hours to complete. These guys must really want that new stubble!
DNA Info spoke with famed New York plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, who said he used to do just a handful of beard transplants each year, but now does an average of three per week. "Whether you are talking about the Brooklyn hipster or the advertising executive, the look is definitely to have a bit of facial hair," the doctor said.
Epstein agrees that many people want Brad Pitt's facial hair, but also says he gets a lot of requests for—wait for it—Tom Selleck's mustache. Another popular plastic surgeon, the Miami-based Dr. Glenn Charles, told DNA Info that his clients ask to look like George Clooney and Ryan Gosling. And, who can blame 'em?
So, what do you think? Is this a fun trend, or is this taking it too far? Since girls are getting 'Venus' punctures in their lower backs and putting on fake freckles, we think it's harmless in comparison. Guys just want to fill in their beards a bit—so no judgments here!
