What is a beard hair transplant?
A beard hair transplant is a procedure that takes hair from a part of the body, usually at the back of the scalp, and is transplanted to the beard area. A beard transplant can be suitable for people who have a lack of facial hair growth that could be caused by genetics or scarring.
How do beard transplants work?
There are two main types of beard transplants:
An FUE beard transplant is a popular technique. It harvests individual hair follicles one by one from the donor area (usually the back of the scalp, level with the ears). The surgeon will then make tiny incisions in the recipient beard area (where you want your new hair to grow). This is a delicate process that is aligned to the density and direction of the new beard hair.
Once the recipient area is ready, the hair follicles can be implanted. The FUE procedure leaves small circular scars in the donor area as opposed to the FUT procedure which can leave a noticeable “line” scar. There is also a shorter recovery time than when the FUT technique is used.
An FUE beard transplant is usually completed in one session and can take from 6 up to 10 hours to complete. Sometimes two sessions are needed when there is significant facial hair loss, or when additional density is required. Local anaesthetic is administered with injections for the procedure, and you should not feel any pain after these have been given.
An FUT beard transplant, sometimes referred to as the strip procedure, involves the removal of a small tissue strip from the donor area (usually the back of the scalp). After the donor area is closed, leaving a single scar, the strip is placed under microscopes and divided into several small grafts containing one to four hair follicles. Then, as with the FUE transplant, grafts are then placed into incisions at the recipient site.
As the FUT technique can transplant more hairs, it can be easier to transplant larger beards with this method. The FUT technique typically takes longer than FUE, with the procedure lasting from 6 up to 12 hours – this will vary according to the area being covered and the number of grafts being relocated. Local anaesthetic is administered for FUT beard transplants to ensure patients don't feel pain during their procedure.
Beard transplants before and after
A beard transplant is a safe surgical procedure that offers permanent results. There is a range of beard styles for you to choose from, according to the areas of your jawline and face you want to treat. You can expect your transplanted hair to function as normal, and you’ll be able to trim and shave your new beard as you usually would.
Beard transplant recovery and aftercare
You need 7 to 14 days to recover from the beard transplant procedure. After 14 days, you can resume your normal activities.
After 3 weeks, you can start to shave or trim your new beard. After two to three weeks, the new beard hairs may start to shed and fall out. Hair shedding after a transplant is an entirely normal part of the process. When this happens, new hair will grow to take its place.
There are several aftercare measures that you will be guided on by your surgeon, such as:
- Avoid touching your beard at all during the first 4 days after the treatment
- You can wash your face but not the transplanted beard area after the first day, but don’t rub yourself dry – gently pat, instead
- Avoid swimming in a pool for 4 weeks after the procedure
- To avoid the increased risk of swelling, sleep flat on your back, with your head elevated for the first week
For more information about the aftercare and recovery process, we recommend using our hair transplant aftercare and recovery guide
Beard transplant side effects
While side effects of a beard transplant are uncommon, it’s important to remember that this procedure is still a surgery and it involves a local anaesthetic, so it’s important to watch out for and manage any potential side effects.
Among the side effects, you may experience are:
- Mild swelling and bruising
- Redness of the skin
- Sensitivity at the donor or recipient beard area
Beard transplant scar
You can expect a degree of scarring in the donor area for both an FUE and FUT beard transplant. An FUE beard transplant leaves small scars where the hair follicles have been taken from – these are often unnoticeable and are adequately covered by normal hair grown to a length 1 or 2.
Whereas, an FUT procedure leaves a long, fine scar at the back of the head. After the scar has been covered by surrounding hair it will be unnoticeable. Generally, hair will need to be grown long to conceal this linear scar.
A beard transplant does not leave scarring at the recipient site on the face. This means that you will be able to shave without revealing any noticeable scars after you have recovered from the procedure.
For more information about scars from FUE transplants and how to conceal them, please read our guide on What You Need To Know About FUE Hair Transplant Scars.
Beard transplant cost
Beard transplants can cost anything in the region of £3,000 to £8,000 and over. The price can vary according to factors such as:
- The clinic’s reputation and the quality of the treatment that they provide
- The location of the clinic
- How many hair follicles are being relocated
When you are researching the cost of a beard procedure, note how the pricing is structured. Beard procedure prices could be quoted per graft or session.
A moustache usually requires around 500 to 800 grafts, a goatee beard requires 600 to 1,200 grafts, sideburns require 200 to 400 grafts, and a full beard can require 1,000 to 2,000 grafts per cheek.
However, the price will be disclosed by your surgeon at your consultation once they have determined how many grafts you will need. To find out how many grafts you may need, please visit our FUE hair graft calculator page.
BEARD TRANSPLANT FAQs
The cost of a beard transplant depends on various factors, such as the clinic, the expertise of the surgeons, the number of grafts needed, and the clinic's location.
The average beard hair transplant cost in the UK ranges between £3,000 to £8,000.
Are you looking to have a beard transplant?
You can be confident in the knowledge that your beard transplant at The Treatment Rooms London is in the best possible hands. We provide a complete beard transplant package, with an aftercare package tailored to your individual requirements.
For more information, or to book a consultation with one of our lead surgeons, please contact us today.
Authored by
Dr Roshan Vara
Full Medical Member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) Associate Member of International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)
Reviewed by
Dr Dilan Fernando
Royal College of Surgeons
Full Medical Member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) Associate Member of International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)
FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT REVIEWS
★★★★★
"After extensive research and many consultations around London, I am so glad I chose The Treatment Rooms for my surgery. Dr Fernando and the whole team were excellent from the very beginning and really understood the natural result I was hoping to achieve. The actual day of the surgery was a breeze and I was made comfortable throughout. The recovery couldn't have gone any smoother and I am so happy with the final result. I cannot recommend The Treatment Rooms enough.”
★★★★★
"Two procedures and couldn’t be happier with the results. True professionals with great pre and after care. Initial transplant supposed to fall out before then regrowing which I’d expected and seen with friends but very little almost none after treatment room procedure. From zero hair on crown and little on top to full age appropriate head of hair 1 year later.”
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