Beard Hair Transplant

Beard hair transplants — sometimes known as beard implants — are reliable procedures that create fuller, denser facial hair that restores partial or entire beards.

Here at FUE, the UK’s leading beard hair transplant clinic, our specialists have a wealth of knowledge and experience in providing long-lasting results.

What is a beard transplant?

Many men will have the desire to grow a thick, full beard. Sadly, not everyone can make it happen naturally. 

That’s where beard transplants come in. A beard transplant is a surgical procedure that can provide a solution to improve bald patches or thinning hair, restoring hair growth. The results have been shown to positively impact mental health, boosting self-esteem and increasing confidence. 

How does a beard transplant work?

A beard transplant involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from another part of the body where hair is plentiful — usually the scalp — and transplanting them into your face, wherever your beard or moustache may grow. 

Two key methods can be used for this surgery: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transfer (FUT), and we offer both at FUE Clinics. 

FUE beard transplant 

During an FUE transplant, follicular units are removed individually from the back of the shaved head with an instrument called a micro punch. These are then placed into tiny incisions in the facial skin.

You may be left with minor pin-point scars on your scalp, but these are so small that they're usually unnoticeable, especially when your hair grows back. 

FUT beard transplant 

A FUT beard transplant works a bit differently. This process involves removing a thin strip of skin from the back of the head and taking follicular units directly from it. Similar to an FUE transplant, the folliculars are then placed into tiny incisions in the facial skin. 

Hair transplant scars may be more noticeable than with the FUE method; there will be a thin linear scar on the back of your head. However, this won't be visible unless your hair is very short. 

The method of transplantation that's best for you will depend on the extent of your hair loss and your expectations. Booking a consultation with an expert surgeon to evaluate your hair loss is the best way to ensure you receive the right treatment.

Beard hair transplant: Step by step

Beard hair transplants are delicate procedures, so they usually take a full day to complete. You can expect a day in surgery to be as follows. 

1.Hair transplant prep

The first step in beard hair transplantation is preparation. If you are undergoing the FUE method, the whole head will need to be shaven so your surgeon has a clearer view of the hairs they’re going to remove. It’s best to get your surgeon to do this on the day of your procedure; shaving yourself may cut your scalp, causing complications during surgery. 

Shaving the whole head is not necessary for an FUT transplant, as the hair will be extracted from the thin strip of skin that is removed from the scalp.

2.The injections

Once you’re prepped and ready for surgery, the donor area will be injected with a local anaesthetic to numb your scalp. While this may initially cause mild discomfort, your surgeon can carry out the extraction stage without causing you any pain. 

3.Removing the donor area  

If you’ve opted for FUT, the surgeon will cut out the thin strip of skin once the donor area is no longer receptive to pain or discomfort. Then, the hair follicles can be extracted. This part of the procedure requires a great deal of diligence and precision from our expert surgeons to ensure that no follicles are damaged.

4.Extracting the grafts 

If your transplantation is being carried out with the FUE method, hair follicles will be extracted directly from the head using a micro punch. These specialised devices can vary in diameter, ranging from 0.7mm to 1.25mm, and are used to puncture the skin around a hair follicle before extracting it.

Once removed, hair follicles are placed in a solution to keep them hydrated and at the right temperature. 

If you're undergoing an FUT transplant, your surgeon will cut out a thin strip of skin from the back of the head. This will only be done once the donor area is not receptive to pain.

After the strip is removed, it will be divided into sections containing one-to-four hair grafts, depending on the extent of beard thinning. 

Your surgeon will need to close the extraction site with sutures (stitches) using a specialist trichophytic tool. An internal stitch will initially reduce tension in the donor area, followed by an external stitch. 

5.Incisions

Your surgeon will once again inject a local anaesthetic, but this time where the hair will be transplanted. Then, micro-incisions will be made in the recipient area on the face.

6.Placing the grafts

Hair follicles are inserted individually into balding or thinning areas of your beard in a pattern that is natural and in keeping with your hair growth. 

Once complete, your surgeon will apply bandages to your head for protection and give you aftercare instructions. Following this guidance is essential to achieve the best results and a speedy recovery.

Beard transplant side effects 

Recovery time after a beard transplant is fairly quick if you follow your surgeon's guidance, and visible side effects usually subside within a week. However, it’s important to be aware of these side effects so you know what to expect. 

You may experience:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Tightness
• Sensitivity at the donor and recipient sites
• Ingrown hair
• Redness
• Crustiness

You may also notice your newly transplanted beard hairs falling out within the first two-to-three weeks. But don’t worry — this is completely normal and is part of the hair growth cycle. New hairs will begin to emerge eventually and by three months, you should see significant growth.

Beard transplant aftercare

After surgery, you’ll be given clear instructions on how to care for your beard, as well as your scalp. The first few weeks after your transplant are crucial for achieving your desired results, so following your surgeon’s advice during this time is especially important. 

Things to avoid after surgery include: 

• Washing your face — Scrubbing or washing your face can cause irritation or even infection, so it’s best to avoid this during the first few days. If you have crust forming around your newly transplanted hairs, you should wait until they have fully healed and fallen off before washing your face (this shouldn’t last for more than a week). 

• Exposure to sunlight — Your beard (and scalp) will be sensitive to sunlight after surgery — especially if you still have swelling. Therefore, keeping out of the sun and staying indoors when possible is advised during the first four weeks after your transplant.  

• Shaving — Your face will be sensitive after your transplant, and shaving could irritate the skin. Therefore, you should wait at least ten days after surgery before shaving again. 

• Exercise — Exercise raises blood pressure, causing bleeding or — in the worst case — your transplanted hair to fall out. Steer clear of strenuous exercise until at least 14 days after the procedure to protect your newly-planted hairs.
• Smoking — You should avoid smoking for at least 30 days after surgery, as it can reduce the blood flow to your hair follicles, interrupting new hair growth. It may also make healing longer and more challenging!

To learn more about what you can and can’t do after surgery, read our guide on life after a hair transplant.

Am I suitable for a beard hair transplant?

Although beard transplants can work excellently, they aren’t suitable for everyone. To understand whether you are the right candidate for a hair transplant, your surgeon will consider factors like the extent of your hair loss or thinning, your desirable results, and the amount of donor hair you have available. 

The most accurate way to determine your suitability is to book a free hair transplant assessment with our team. A trained surgeon will evaluate your situation and give you expert, honest advice.