Beard Transplants

October 25, 2019 | By HSW Clinic

Natural Looking Beard

Why is Beard Hair Curlier?

We divide the face into a side view and frontal view for the purpose of beard transplantation. The side view includes the side-burns, the cheek beard, the jaw line beard and the beard below the jaw line. Of these four areas, the cheek beard is cosmetically the most important. In the frontal view, the fore beard, comprised of the moustache and goatee is the most prominent feature and higher densities of hair are present in these areas. The hair below the chin and jaw line that extends onto the neck is also considered to be part of the beard. The density of beard hair is less compared to the scalp. The maximum density is over the chin and mid portion of the moustache. The calibre (thickness of the hair shaft) of beard hair is larger compared to the scalp. Beard hair shafts are also more elliptical (flatter) in cross section compared to scalp hair which is more oval or circular in cross section views. This is why beard hair tends to be curlier than scalp hair.

“Dr Nel's systematic and pragmatic approach instilled confidence and belief in the process. Restoring my hair has given me a quiet sense of confidence and great satisfaction. It has been one of the best decisions of my life!“ - Mark

Using FUE / FUT for Beards

For beard transplants, grafts are removed from the donor area in the same way as in a routine FUE (follicle unit excision). The main difference is in the distribution of the grafts and the recipient site creation. We can use both FUT and/or FUE techniques for harvesting grafts to transplant into the beard area. One advantage of FUT strip harvesting is that the harvested hair shafts can be left longer in length which allows us to pre-determine the curvature of the hair and ensures that placement in the recipient sites allows for the hair shaft to curve towards the skin, giving a more natural appearance. This is even more important when transplanting eyebrows compared to beard transplants, but the basic principle for both recipient areas are very shallow recipient sites and implanting grafts with hair shafts curving towards the skin. With beard transplants the frontal view is cosmetically more important than the side views and requires more density compared to the sides views. During implantation, 1-hair grafts are placed over the superior outline (margin), similar to transplanting a scalp hairline. Then combinations of 1-hair and 2-hair grafts are used in the other areas. Implantation compared to scalp hair takes longer because the beard area provides less stability (loose tissue relative to the scalp). We make use of nerve blocks to provide complete anaesthesia of the recipient area. After the nerve blocks, field anaesthesia is given.

Post-Surgery for Beard FUE/FUT

The post-operative phase for a Beard Transplant is much the same as the post-op phase for a normal scalp hair transplant. Firstly, the FUE harvested areas will heal within 7 days and for the FUT strip wound we remove the sutures on Day 10 postop. Similar to a scalp hair transplant, the transplanted grafts in the “recipient areas” of the beard require regular spraying (half hourly) with Normal Saline solution for the first 7 to 10 days post-op. The first day after the procedure there might be slight drooling in some cases from the mouth angles (a consequence of the local anaesthesia), but this is usually minimal, if present at all. There could also be some superficial blotches of small blood stains in the skin of the beard area, here-and-there but this is also minimal, and it usually resolves within 3 to 5 days. Other than that the post-operative phase is uneventful and similar to a scalp hair transplant surgery.

Reviewed by Dr. Andre Nel
One of the world’s leading hair transplant surgeons based in Dublin.

Frequently Asked Questions

2. Where is the donor hair for a beard transplant taken from?

The donor hair is most commonly taken from the back and sides of the scalp, where the hair is plentiful and genetically resistant to hair loss. However, beard follicles can also be harvested from areas with good density and re-distributed to other areas with less density to create more even overall beard density. This hair adapts well to the beard area and, once established, can be shaved, trimmed, and styled just like your natural beard hair. Dr. Nel will assess your donor area and beard goals to plan the most natural result.

3. Will a beard transplant look and feel natural?

Yes. The follicles are placed individually and at the correct angle and direction to match your natural beard growth, creating a result that looks and feels like your own beard. Once healed and fully grown, the transplanted hair blends seamlessly and can be groomed exactly as you would normally.

4. How much does a beard transplant cost?

The cost of a beard transplant depends on the number of grafts needed to achieve your desired result, which varies depending on the areas being filled and the density you’re aiming for. We provide a personalised, no-obligation quote at your consultation once Dr. Nel has assessed your beard and discussed your goals, and we’re happy to talk through payment options.

5. Can I shave and style my beard normally after the transplant?

Once the transplanted hair has fully healed and established, you can shave, trim, and style your beard completely normally — the transplanted hairs behave just like your natural beard hair. In the initial healing period we’ll ask you to avoid shaving and follow specific aftercare to protect the new grafts, and we’ll let you know exactly when it’s safe to return to your usual grooming routine.

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