About the procedure
For genetic sparseness, scars or gaps, single follicles harvested from the back of the head are implanted to match the angle of beard growth. The cheek, chin and mustache lines are designed separately.
The implanted follicles are permanent and can be shaved like a normal beard.
For a beard transplant, single- and double-follicle grafts from the nape are selected as donors; in thickness and color, these are the closest match to beard hair. Because the recipient area is the face, channels are opened at a very flat angle to the skin, following the direction of the existing hair; the direction differs between the cheeks, under the chin, and the mustache line. On a completely beardless face, the entire outline is designed; in a patchy beard, only the gaps are filled to match the existing density.
- ✓Natural growth angle
- ✓Scar coverage
- ✓Permanent and shaveable
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓Men whose beard does not grow for genetic reasons or who have noticeable gaps along the cheeks and jawline.
- ✓Those who want to cover areas where beard does not grow because of burns, cuts, or cleft lip surgery scars.
- ✓Patients who want a continuous look because the transition between beard and mustache is interrupted.
- ✓Patients with an adequate donor area at the nape, no active inflammatory skin problems on the face, and realistic expectations.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —The transplant is not performed until skin problems such as active acne, folliculitis, or facial eczema have been treated.
- —In patients prone to keloids (excessive scar tissue), the procedure is evaluated carefully or postponed because of the risk of scarring on the face.
- —In very young men whose beard growth is not yet complete, waiting for natural beard development is recommended.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Facial analysis
Existing beard density, hair direction, and the borders of the gaps are photographed; the number of grafts needed and donor suitability are determined.
- 02
Outline design
The upper cheek border, the area under the chin, and the mustache line are drawn according to your facial proportions; symmetry is checked together in front of a mirror.
- 03
Graft harvesting
Single- and double-follicle grafts are selected and extracted from the nape under local anesthesia; the donor area is spread out so it will not be noticeable afterward.
- 04
Flat-angle implantation
After local anesthesia on the face, channels are opened at an angle very close to the skin in the direction of beard growth, and the follicles are placed.
- 05
Check and washing
A check is done the next day, and the first facial wash is demonstrated at the clinic on day 2–3; the nape dressing is removed the same day.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
Pinpoint redness and mild swelling appear in the recipient area; the face is not washed and you should not sleep face down.
Days 3–5
Small scabs form and the redness begins to fade; hot, spicy foods and sweating are limited during the first week.
Days 7–10
The scabs fall off; redness may last a little longer in fair-skinned patients, and the donor area at the nape looks healed.
Weeks 3–4
The transplanted hairs fall out in shock loss; temporary gaps on the face during this period are an expected phase.
Months 3–4
New hairs begin to grow; they look fine and sparse in the first months.
Months 8–12
The beard thickens and density approaches its final form; the result is evaluated during this period.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Beard Transplant are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Because facial skin is thinner than the scalp, temporary redness and, rarely, small permanent dot-like marks can form at the implantation points.
- Since the transplanted hairs are scalp follicles, their texture and curl may differ somewhat from the native beard.
- Ingrown hairs and folliculitis can occur in the first months; they are treated with warm compresses and your physician's recommendations.
- If the channel angle is not flat enough, hairs may grow upright; experienced technique and direction planning are therefore important.
- When density expectations are high or the area is large, a second thickening session may be needed.