Beard Transplant

About Beard Transplant

A beard transplant moves hair follicles, usually from the back of the scalp, to areas of the face where beard growth is sparse or absent, such as the cheeks, jawline or around the mustache and chin.

Facial hair grows at sharp angles and in changing directions, so placement is detailed work. Single-hair grafts are often used at the edges for a soft, natural transition, with slightly larger grafts for density where the beard is fuller.

Who it may be suitable for

• Patchy or uneven beard growth
• Wanting a more defined cheek line, jawline or goatee
• Covering scars in the beard area, depending on the scar tissue
• A scalp donor area that can spare the required grafts

These are general points only. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided by the treating clinician after reviewing your photos, medical history and, where needed, an in-person examination.

How it works

1. 01

   Photo review

   You share photos of your face and current beard from several angles, along with your donor area.

2. 02

   Beard design

   The surgeon marks the planned shape with you, considering your face proportions and how you like to wear your beard.

3. 03

   Extraction

   Under local anaesthesia, grafts are taken individually from the donor area.

4. 04

   Placement

   Grafts are placed following the natural direction of facial hair, with single hairs at the borders.

5. 05

   Aftercare

   You are shown how to clean the area and told when you can shave or trim again, usually not before about ten days.

What recovery usually looks like

1. Days 1–3

   Some tightness, mild swelling around the forehead or eyes and small scabs around the grafts are common. You sleep with your head slightly raised and follow the clinic’s instructions for the first gentle wash, usually the day after the procedure.

2. Days 7–10

   The small crusts soften and come away with careful washing. Redness fades gradually. Many people return to desk-based work in this window, though more physical jobs may need longer.

3. Weeks 2–8

   Most transplanted hairs shed. This is an expected phase: the follicles stay in place beneath the skin and enter a resting period before regrowing.

4. Months 3–6

   New growth usually starts to appear, often fine and uneven at first, then gradually thickening.

5. Months 12–18

   The result is usually assessed at around a year. Density at the crown can take longer to mature than at the hairline.

Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.

Risks and considerations

• Small red spots and mild swelling on the face are common for the first week, which can be more visible than after a scalp procedure.
• Grafts from the scalp may differ slightly in texture from your existing beard hair.
• Common, usually temporary effects include swelling, tenderness, numbness in the donor or recipient area and small pimple-like spots (folliculitis). Infection and noticeable scarring are uncommon but possible.
• Growth can be uneven, and some people choose a second, smaller session to refine density. Results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.
• Smoking, some medicines and certain medical conditions can affect healing. Tell the clinic about your full medical history and current medication before any plan is confirmed.

Common questions