Beard Transplant: All You Need To Know

Many men consider a beard to be a symbol of attractiveness that adds a more handsome appearance to the face. Beard transplant is often sought to increase density, fill gaps, or even conceal facial scars. How is the procedure performed, and how much does it cost? You will find the answers in the following article.

Beard Transplant Procedure

A beard transplant is a type of hair transplant. The procedure is not limited to treating baldness; healthy, permanent hair follicles can be taken from the scalp, under the chin, or other areas of the body and implanted into beard gaps to create a fuller, more even appearance. When selecting donor hair, the physician ensures that the follicles match beard hair in color, thickness, and texture.

Candidates for Beard Transplantation

Anyone wishing to increase beard density, create a more even beard line, or fill empty areas may undergo the procedure. Candidates should be in good health with no medical or immune-related conditions causing body hair loss. Sufficient, stable donor follicles must also be present on the scalp or body.

Pre-Transplant Guidelines

Before the procedure, certain preparations are required:

• The doctor discusses your cosmetic goals, examines your skin, and assesses your pattern of hair loss.
• Your medical history is reviewed, and blood tests may be requested.
• The doctor explains the transplant techniques, benefits, expected results, and essential post-operative care instructions.
• You may be advised to stop certain medications—such as blood thinners and some herbal supplements—for at least two weeks before and after surgery.
• You must stop smoking and avoid alcohol for two weeks before and after the transplant to reduce the risk of complications.

How Beard Transplantation Is Performed

Beard and scalp transplants use similar techniques. The procedure begins with shaving the donor area, whether on the scalp or body. After local anesthesia, the skin is disinfected and the follicles are harvested. The doctor then designs the beard line, determines the implantation direction, and creates very fine incisions using special needles. The extracted follicles are implanted into these tiny openings and covered with bandages.

Follicle extraction differs by technique:

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

A small surgical incision is made in the donor area to remove a strip of skin. The strip is dissected into hundreds of tiny grafts, which are then implanted into the beard area.

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)

Follicles are individually extracted using fine micro-forceps and then implanted. Alternatively, robotic or “smart pen” tools may be used to extract and implant follicles simultaneously.

Recovery After Beard Transplant

Proper care during recovery is crucial to allow the transplanted follicles to stabilize. Activity restrictions help protect the new grafts:

• Avoid sleeping on your face; sleep on your back with your head elevated using pillows to reduce swelling.
• Do not wash the transplanted area for 2–3 days. When washing, use lukewarm water and avoid directing tap water pressure directly onto the face.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in protein, vitamin C, vegetables, and fruits to support healing.
• Do not trim or shave the beard using scissors or electric razors for 2–3 weeks, depending on your doctor’s instructions.
• Avoid strenuous activities, intense exercise, swimming, and exposure to contaminants. Take prescribed pain relievers, antibiotics, anti-itch medications, and follow all scheduled follow-ups.

Possible Complications of Beard Transplantation

Expected, mild side effects indicate normal healing. Serious complications are rare when instructions are followed:

• Facial and scalp swelling for up to two weeks.
• Itching due to crust formation and follicle healing.
• Crusting around grafts, which falls off naturally—do not pick at it.
• Rare risks include bleeding, infection, and local anesthetic reactions.
• Mild to moderate pain that resolves with analgesics; temporary numbness may occur.

Beard Transplant Results

Results follow typical hair transplant growth stages. The transplanted hairs may shed within the first three weeks, followed by the growth stage, where new hairs begin to appear around the third month. Growth continues until the area is fully covered. Final results appear between 12–18 months, and in some individuals may take up to two years.

Cost of Beard Transplant

The average cost of a beard transplant at Dr. Sherif Hegazy clinic ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD, which is considered low compared to other countries where the cost may reach $8,000 USD. Pricing varies by technique, number of transplanted grafts, and surgeon expertise.

Dear reader, these were the most important details regarding beard transplantation. To ensure the best results, choose your surgeon and cosmetic center carefully.