Everything you need to know about a beard transplant

By Prof. Dr. Soner Tatlidede 2019-06-25

A beard transplant can be the solution that a man needs to improve his physical appearance. In most of the cultures, beard is associated with masculinity and it is also considered to be complementary for the aesthetic appearance of a man’s face. All these reasons lead men who have some problems with non-growth of beard and moustache hair, or those who want to get higher density, to search for a solution to this problem.

A beard transplant, step by step

Nowadays, a beard and the moustache transplant can provide the final solution for those people, thanks to modern technology and the availability of specialists and experts in this field. Let´s see all the details about this procedure.

How many grafts should be transplanted?

In fact, there are not a fixed number of grafts required, since the number varies depending on each case:

• If the area of beard is free of hair, it’s necessary to plant 4,500-5,000 grafts.
• If hair intensification is required in the area, it’s necessary to plant 3,000-3,500 grafts.
• If the transplant is aimed to fill the empty spaces on beard, it’s necessary to plant 1,000-2,000 grafts.

How long does the transplant take?

Due to the nature of the facial skin, which is more flexible than the skin of the scalp, the grafts are generally planted slowly to allow a maximum control of the follicles. It takes about 3-4 hours to complete the transplant, depending on the area to cover and the density of beard that you are looking for.

What are the steps and stages for a beard and moustache transplant?

The procedure is much similar to the way hair is implanted in the scalp. At the beginning, we will draw the lines of the beard that are determined to suit the shape of the face, taking into account the personal desire of the patient to achieve natural results.

After the anaesthesia, the medical team starts extracting the follicles from the donor area located behind or at the sides of the head. At this step, the experience in choosing the hair that matches the facial hair closely is very important. Doctors then will start opening the channels in the receiving area, just as in a hair transplant in the scalp. 

After that, hair follicles are re-implanted in the receiving area, taking into consideration the hair growth angle so that the resulting hair appears normal and natural.

What results can you expect from the transplant?

A professional team like the one we have at Clinicana always will seek to give you the most realistic and natural results; results that will stay with you until the end of your life. To restore your natural appearance, is vital to follow the natural direction of hair growth. If the beard transplant has been performed correctly, you will not be able to distinguish between the natural hair and the transplanted one.

Will the hair growth of the beard be the same as in the scalp?

If you are worried about whether the new hair transplanted in the beard will grow exactly like the hair of the scalp (that is different in nature), there is no need to worry. Transplanted hair in the beard will grow like any other hair growing in the face, with the same quality and characteristics. 

How is the hair growth after the transplant? 

• After the first week: You will notice that the hair is falling, which is something normal.
• After 2 to 3 months: Beginning of hair growth on implantation area.
• After 4 to 5 months: You will see noticeable results.
• After 7-8 months: You will achieve the final results for your beard transplant.

When can I shave my beard after the operation?

Hair implants should not be shaved for the first 10 days following the procedure. As we said before, it should be noted that hair loss will occur until two weeks after the operation: it is something absolutely normal in the cycle of hair, and it will grow again in the third or fourth month after the surgery. 

From two weeks after the operation you can use scissors to cut the beard. And after the fifth month, you can shave your beard with machine. 

Tips for the patient after the beard transplant

We recommend that during the following two days after the operation you eat comfortable food for the jaw area, thing are not needed to chew, such as juices, liquids and soups, to get more stability for the grafts in transplanted area.

What are the side effects of the beard transplant?

Side effects after the beard transplant may be non-existent, if the patient properly follows the instructions given by the doctors. However, as patient undergoes surgical procedure, he can expect some redness and swelling in the facial area after the beard transplant (usually about 5 days). Patient can get over these symptoms with well care and patience.

Another side effect seen as a normal part of the process is the hair falling. However, this side effect is expected in many of the patients as this is part of the hair cycle itself. Don´t worry: hair will soon grow again within 2-3 months.

How much does the transplant cost?

The cost of a beard transplant in Turkey starts from 2,000 €, just for beard implant. In case of additional services required, such as accommodation and transportation, an additional amount needs to be added to the total cost.

How long should you stay in Istanbul for the operation?

Normally, you should stay in Istanbul for two days. For example, if you arrive in Istanbul on Wednesday morning, you will be welcomed at the airport at landing time and transferred to your hotel. After that, you will be driven to our clinic for a blood test and your first consultation.

Then and during the rest of the day, you can make a tour around the city and have a good time in Istanbul. On the second day, the operation is performed and after it you are advised to have a rest in the hotel. The following day, you will come for a check-up and removal of bandage. And on Friday afternoon, you can take your flight back home. It´s so easy!

Why choose Clinicana for your transplant?

At Clinicana we meet your desire to get the shape of the beard that you always wanted -in terms of density, natural look and form of the hair- thanks to our professional medical team and the use of the latest technology in the field of hair transplantation.

You can contact us for medical advice before deciding your procedure. In fact, there are some cases that can be treated without the need for a beard transplant. In any case, we offer you our free consultation service, as our goal is always to help you to get your dreamed results away from the material gain, which for many others may be a priority.