Beard hair transplantation can be performed similarly to other hair transplant procedures. This cosmetic operation is ideal for men who want a fuller and thicker beard. Causes of patchy or sparse beard growth may include genetic predisposition, scarring, or hair loss. Most men can be candidates for a beard transplant, but does it really work? In this article, we will answer that question and provide useful information about the procedure, potential side effects, and recovery process.

What Is Beard Transplant Surgery?

Though harmless, a patchy or thin beard can negatively affect a man’s self-esteem and self-image. Beard thinning can result from various factors such as burns, genetics, poor nutrition, stress, scarring, certain medications, and hormonal changes. The fastest and most effective way to restore a thin beard is through beard transplant surgery. With a success rate of over 90%, this cosmetic method aims to recreate a full and natural-looking beard and mustache.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Beard Transplantation?

Ideal candidates for beard transplants are men who have never grown facial hair, have sparse beard growth, or have lost part of their beard due to an injury. Beard implants also help conceal scars and burn marks. It is recommended that men wait until around the age of 22 to undergo a beard transplant.
Candidates must have around 2,000 to 2,500 healthy hair follicles in the donor area, usually taken from the back of the scalp.

Is Beard Transplant Permanent?

The follicular units implanted in the beard are harvested from areas of the scalp that are less likely to experience hair thinning or loss. As a result, the transplanted hairs can grow naturally like a regular beard for a lifetime.

What Is the Success Rate of Beard Transplantation?

The average success rate of beard transplants is around 80–90%. This high rate is due to the use of hair follicles taken from the patient’s own scalp. As a result, the chance of rejection is nearly nonexistent.

How to Prepare for a Beard Transplant Surgery

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful beard transplant. Below are pre-operative instructions to help ensure a better facial hair transplant experience:

• Avoid taking vitamin E supplements and aspirin at least 10 days before the surgery.
• Do not apply any creams, lotions, or cosmetic products to your face on the day of the procedure.
• Refrain from alcohol consumption and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen at least one week before surgery.
• Avoid direct sun exposure starting three days before the transplant.
• To speed up the healing process, do not smoke for at least one week before and after the procedure.

Step-by-Step Beard Transplant Procedure

There are two main methods used in beard transplant surgery to restore facial hair density: the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method and the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) method. Below is a detailed explanation of each technique:

FUE Beard Transplant

The FUE beard transplant takes about 5 to 8 hours, depending on the number of grafts, and involves three main steps:

• Anesthesia: This surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia.
• Harvesting Hair Grafts: Hair follicles are collected from areas of dense growth, such as the back of the head or under the chin (jawline and neck). The extracted grafts are then stored in a cool, moist environment until ready for implantation.
• Implantation: Using a specialized implanter device, the surgeon places the follicles into the beard area. This step is delicate, as the follicles must be inserted at the correct angle and depth to ensure a natural and dense look.
  It is worth noting that FUE is a minimally invasive method with a short recovery time. It’s especially suitable for men who prefer shorter and less full beard styles.

FUT Beard Transplant

The FUT beard transplant takes around 6 to 12 hours and includes four steps:

• Anesthesia: FUT is generally performed under local anesthesia, though in rare cases, general anesthesia may be used.
• Graft Extraction: In this step, the surgeon removes a strip of scalp from the donor area (usually the back of the head) and extracts individual follicles from it.
• Donor Area Closure: The incision in the donor site is stitched and bandaged. These stitches are typically removed within 10 to 14 days.
• Implantation: The extracted follicles are then implanted into the beardless areas using micro punches. While this method allows for the transplantation of more grafts with more noticeable results, it is more invasive than FUE.

What to Expect After Beard Transplant Surgery

After the procedure, patients can return to their normal routines but should avoid strenuous activities. They should also keep their heads elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling.
Cold compresses can help relieve swelling, bleeding, pain, and other post-operative side effects.
Those who undergo beard transplants should avoid shaving for at least 10 days. It’s also important to avoid direct sun exposure, swimming, smoking, and taking blood-thinning medications for at least one week after surgery.
It’s normal for the transplanted beard hairs to shed a few weeks after the procedure—this happens to all patients. Final results are generally visible within about six months.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Beard Transplant?

Beard transplant surgery is a simple and permanent aesthetic procedure with a fast recovery period. Healing from the transplant typically takes about one day. Most patients can start shaving normally around 10 days after the operation. During the healing process, it is advised to protect both the donor and transplanted areas from harmful external factors.
About one week post-surgery, the implanted area will begin to look more natural, and the donor area will also start to heal quickly. Patients usually begin to see results after six months, and the transplanted beard hairs will appear thicker and more natural between 12 and 18 months.
To achieve the best outcome, patients are advised to follow these tips during the healing process:

• Keep both the donor and recipient areas clean;
• Do not use face scrubs or facial masks unless approved by your doctor;
• Avoid rubbing or scratching your face;
• Stay away from direct sunlight;
• Use two pillows while sleeping to minimize swelling;
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids daily;
• Avoid activities that cause sweating or oil buildup on the face.

How to Sleep After a Beard Transplant

After a beard transplant, patients should sleep on their backs. Sleeping face-down should be avoided, as contact with pillows can dislodge the newly implanted hair follicles. This could result in transplant failure and permanent scarring.
If you'd like more information about sleeping after a hair transplant, be sure to check out our dedicated guide.

Shaving After Beard Transplant Surgery
Patients can generally resume shaving around 10 days after the surgery. However, it is important to protect both the donor and implanted areas during the healing period to avoid complications.

What Are the Advantages of Beard Transplantation?

A beard transplant is a painless and permanent cosmetic hair restoration procedure. The main benefits include:

• A fuller, natural-looking beard;
• Short recovery time;
• High success rate;
• Increased self-confidence.

Possible Side Effects of Beard Transplant Surgery

After the procedure, patients may experience the following side effects in the scalp or the treated facial area:

• Redness and swelling;
• Mild bruising;
• Temporary scabbing or crusting;
• Slight numbness or tightness in the skin;
• Stiffness;
• Infection (rare);
• Scarring (common, but usually hidden by hair over time).

Scarring from Beard Transplantation

Both FUE and FUT techniques leave scars, but FUT has a higher risk due to the use of incisions and stitches. Even though the donor site is immediately closed and dressed, FUT may result in longer-term scarring. On the other hand, FUE causes minimal and scattered scarring in the donor area.

What Are the Alternatives to Beard Transplantation?

While beard transplant surgery is the #1 solution for facial hair restoration, patients experiencing hair loss or thinning facial hair may consider the following alternatives:

• Beard Microblading: A semi-permanent technique using pigment to draw hair-like strokes in the beard area. Results are natural-looking but temporary.
• Minoxidil (Rogaine): A popular treatment for scalp hair loss that can also promote facial hair growth. Available in liquid or foam form.
• Hair Growth Supplements: Nutritional supplements containing ingredients such as biotin (a B vitamin) or L-carnitine-L-tartrate may support hair growth.
• Lifestyle Changes: Though genetics play the biggest role, certain lifestyle habits can promote facial hair growth—such as exercising regularly, maintaining a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, zinc, iron, and whole grains, and getting adequate sleep.

Beard Transplant FAQ

1) How many grafts are needed for a beard transplant?

The number of grafts required depends on the desired beard style, preferred density, and size of the patchy areas. In general, 2,500 to 3,000 grafts are needed for a full beard, 200 to 700 for a goatee, 350 to 500 for a mustache, 250 for each sideburn, and nearly 700 for the cheeks.

2) How long does redness last after a beard transplant?

Most patients experience mild redness in both the donor and transplanted areas. It is usually more noticeable in individuals with fair skin but generally subsides within a week.

3) Is beard transplantation safe?

Beard transplant surgery is completely safe when performed by a qualified specialist. However, it is normal to experience mild swelling, redness, scabbing, and minor scarring after the procedure.