How is Beard Transplantation Applied?

Before Operation

Beard transplantation operations are not started directly. First, the factors underlying the patient’s beard problem are sought. Before the operation, the patient should grow his beard about two centimeters. This length is sufficient to see the angles and density, and accordingly to determine the amount and angles to be planted.

Beard Transplantation Details

During beard transplantation, hair follicles taken from the nape or hair area are used. The taken roots are transferred to the problem area in the beard area. The beard of the person is formed. Thanks to this application, beard transplantation can be done in people who have no or sparse beard.

With the effect of local anesthesia applied during beard transplantation, the procedure is performed without any pain. Since the FUE technique is used here, as in hair transplantation, beard transplantation is performed in an extremely comfortable way. With this technique, the hair follicles taken from the non-shedding areas are transplanted into the beard area.

If there are regional losses in the person to be transplanted, the beard density in the surrounding area is evaluated and a transplant planning is made to adapt to this. If the beard is completely absent, 1000-3000 hair follicles can be planted by adjusting the limit and frequency according to the person’s request.

100 + 100 roots in the sideburn area, 400 + 400 roots in the chin and mustache area, a total of 1000 hair follicles are planted in a person who has no beard. It will be a good planting.

Things To Consider During Beard Transplantation

First of all, the hair follicles to be transplanted must be suitable for the beard. Because the hair follicles in the beard area are not like the hair. Since they are thinner, the roots to be planted should be suitable for this. For this reason, hair follicles to be taken from the neck and nape of the beard area are more preferred.

Another issue to be considered during beard transplantation is to plant hair follicles at an appropriate angle to the person’s beard. The planting angle of the hair follicles is important to obtain a natural appearance. Since cutting tools are not used in the Fue technique during planting, pitting does not occur at the bottom. This helps to achieve a natural appearance after planting.

The hair roots to be used in beard transplantation should be single. In other words, the hair follicles to be taken from the neck or nape should be separated individually and used in planting. This is because the natural hair follicles in the beard area are always single.

The color distribution of the hair follicles taken in beard transplantation in the area to be transplanted is an important issue, as is the same angle and direction. Transplanting black hair follicles to a person with a white beard or not making the distribution of black and white hair roots properly can lead to an undesirable appearance.

When the hair roots are taken from the neck or nape, they should be transferred to the planting place without waiting. Because the hair follicles taken are alive. If these are kept waiting, they will lose their function, that is, they will die because they will be without oxygen. This is especially important for people with limited hair follicles in the donor area. Hair follicles must be transplanted without loss.

How Should Channels be Opened in Beard Transplantation?

In beard planting, an area should be created for the planting of hair follicles. It is easier to open it by piercing with a needle, not by opening channels as in hair transplantation, to give the right angle. Hair roots can be planted at 35-40 degree angles.

After Beard Transplantation

Care should be taken to shorten the recovery period after beard transplant operations, to reduce risks and complications, and to ensure that the transplanted beards grow as desired. In addition, care should be applied to the face area. This maintenance can be done as follows.

It should not come into contact with water for up to 72 hours after the procedure.
After 72 hours, special washing should be done by the clinic performing the procedure. The scabs formed are cleaned after this washing.
It is important to use recommended lotions and oils.
Beards should be cut only from the top and with a machine for 45 days.
For the first 6 months, natural soap or baby shampoo should be used.
Avoid shampoos containing mint and garlic.
After the 4th month, the beard can be combed in the desired direction with a wide-toothed comb.

Healing Process After Beard Transplantation

The patient can return to his social life from the third day.
Shock shedding occurs between the second week and the fourth week.
From the second month, the transplanted beards begin to grow again.
From the fourth month, the beard grows as healthy and bushy as possible.

In other words, it is possible to say that new beards grow in the fourth – sixth month after the operation, although it varies according to the amount of beard planted and the patient. It may take up to a year for the results to fully settle.

Beard Transplantation: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a beard transplant and how does it work?

A beard transplant is a surgical procedure that restores hair to areas of the face where hair growth is thin or missing. Most commonly, surgeons use the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) technique.

Hair follicles are harvested from a “donor site”—usually the back of the scalp where hair is densest—and then meticulously implanted into the beard, mustache, or sideburn areas to create a natural, fuller look.

Who is an ideal candidate for a beard transplant?

Ideal candidates for beard restoration include men who experience:

Patchy or thin facial hair due to genetics.
Scars from trauma, burns, or prior surgeries that prevent hair growth.
A total lack of facial hair growth.

Candidates must have a healthy supply of donor hair on the back or sides of their scalp to facilitate the transplant.

How long does it take to recover from a beard transplant?

Recovery is relatively quick. Most patients can return to their daily routine within 2 to 4 days. Here is a typical timeline:

Days 1-3: Tiny crusts or scabs form around the transplanted hairs.
Days 5-7: Scabs typically fall off, and the skin begins to look normal again.
Weeks 2-3: “Shock loss” occurs, where the transplanted hairs fall out. This is a normal part of the process; the roots remain healthy and will grow new hair.

Are beard transplant results permanent?

Yes, the results of a beard transplant are permanent. Because the hair follicles are harvested from the back of the scalp (an area genetically resistant to hair loss), they retain their growth characteristics once moved to the face.

Once the new hair begins to grow (around 3 to 4 months post-op), it can be shaved, trimmed, and styled just like a natural beard.

Does the procedure leave visible scars on the face?

When performed by an experienced surgeon using FUE or DHI techniques, there is virtually no visible scarring on the face. The incisions made for the implants are microscopic and heal without leaving noticeable marks.

On the donor site (back of the head), FUE leaves tiny, circular white dots that are easily hidden even by short haircuts.

When will I see the final results of my beard transplant?

Patience is key in beard restoration. While the timeline varies, most patients follow this schedule:

3 Months: New hair begins to sprout from the follicles.
6 Months: Significant coverage is visible, and the beard starts to look dense.
12 to 18 Months: The final, full result is achieved with mature, thick hair growth.

Can I shave my beard after the transplant?

You should avoid shaving the transplanted area for the first 10 to 14 days to ensure the follicles are fully anchored. After this initial healing period, you can usually trim with scissors. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least one month before using a traditional razor for a close shave.