Purpose

• Explain beard transplant from A to Z.

• Cover mustache, goatee, and sideburns.

• Define candidacy and graft needs.

• List risks and recovery steps.

• Compare FUE and DHI for facial hair.

• Break down prices by region.

• Share care plans and timelines.

What is a beard transplant

• Facial hair restoration using scalp donor follicles.

• Common donor zone: back of scalp. Occipital area.

• Targets: cheeks, jawline, mustache, goatee, sideburns, patch repair, scar cover.

• Names used: beard FUE, beard hair transplant, facial hair transplant, mustache transplant.

• Goal: natural density and pattern that fits the face.

Who is a candidate

• Patchy beard areas that never filled.

• Trauma or burn scars.

• Post-surgery hair loss in face area.

• Gender-affirming care cases seeking facial hair.

• Stable health. Realistic goals.

• Enough donor hair at the scalp or beard-to-beard transfer in select zones.

• Non-smoker or willing to stop per protocol.

Beard design basics

• Jawline frame and cheek line shape.

• Chin density for goatee focus.

• Mustache width and philtrum gap preference.

• Sideburn length and width to match hairstyle.

• Neckline position above larynx for a clean edge.

• Ethnic and personal style differences respected.

Techniques: FUE vs DHI

• FUE beard transplant: extract grafts with a micro punch. Create slits. Place grafts with fine forceps.

• DHI beard transplant: extract grafts. Load into implanter pen. Place without pre-cut slits in many cases.

• Angles and direction set per site to mimic natural growth.

• Single-hair grafts preferred in mustache edge and cheek lines.

• Two-hair grafts used in deeper cheek and underjaw for density when suitable.

Graft planning

• Light moustache fill: 200–400 grafts.

• Goatee only: 400–800 grafts.

• Cheeks and jawline light fill: 800–1,200 grafts.

• Full beard build: 1,500–3,000 grafts depending on face size and goals.

• Scar repair: variable. Often 50–300 grafts per scar field.

• Reserve donor for future needs if scalp is thinning.

Consultation flow

• History. Medications. Allergies. Hair loss pattern.

• Photos from multiple angles.

• Draw proposed beard lines.

• Estimate graft numbers per zone.

• Explain risks and alternatives. No pressure to decide same day.

• Quote with itemized fees. Deposit policies.

Procedure day

• Hair trim in donor area when needed.

• Local anesthesia for donor and recipient sites.

• FUE extraction. Graft sorting by hair counts.

• Recipient site creation with micro blades or pens.

• Placement following natural swirl, angle, and direction.

• PRP optional per clinic protocol.

• Dressings and post-op instructions.

Angles and direction

• Mustache: low acute angles. Hairs lay flat to skin.

• Cheek: downward and slightly forward.

• Jawline: downward with gradual curve to chin.

• Sideburns: blend with scalp hair direction.

• Chin and goatee: fan pattern to match existing whorls.

Expected timeline

• Day 0–2: pinpoint crusts. Redness at sites.

• Day 3–7: gentle cleaning. Most crusts release.

• Week 2–4: many transplanted hairs shed. This is normal.

• Month 3: early regrowth starts. Fine caliber at first.

• Month 4–6: thicker coverage. Style options begin.

• Month 9–12: final density. Texture matches surrounding hair.

Pain and downtime

• Local anesthesia during procedure.

• Mild soreness at donor and face for a few days.

• Desk work: often next day or after 48 hours.

• Public downtime depends on redness tolerance. Many use masks or plan a weekend.

Aftercare

• Saline sprays or gentle cleanser per instructions.

• No rubbing or scratching.

• Sleep with head elevated for 2–3 nights.

• No tight masks or helmet pressure on grafts for two weeks.

• No pools, steam rooms, or high-heat saunas until cleared.

• Avoid smoking and vaping per protocol.

Shaving and grooming

• No shaving at recipient for about 10–14 days unless told otherwise.

• Trim tips carefully after two weeks with scissors if needed.

• First razor shave when crusts are gone and skin is calm.

• Beard oil or balm ok after healing if skin tolerates.

• Line-ups should follow new hair direction to avoid tugging.

Results and density

• Coverage and shape matter more than maximal density.

• Density plan depends on donor supply and style.

• Singles at borders prevent pluggy look.

• Staggered placement avoids rows.

• Second pass can refine density after 9–12 months if desired.

Risks

• Bleeding and infection.

• Folliculitis or ingrown hairs during regrowth.

• Shock loss in nearby native hairs. Often temporary.

• Donor overharvest leading to visible thinning if not planned.

• Asymmetry or direction mismatch.

• Scar visibility in donor if shaved very short.

Scar and skin issues

• Keloid risk evaluated in those with history.

• Acne-prone skin may need pre-op plan.

• Pigment change after inflammation possible in some skin types.

• Sun block helps reduce pigment shifts.

Beard transplant vs alternatives

• Minoxidil topical: can improve vellus-to-terminal in some users. Mixed response. Off-label for face in many regions.

• Microneedling: texture and circulation support. Variable effect.

• Beard microblading or SMP: visual density only. No hair.

• Hair systems: maintenance heavy. Adhesives. Not common for beard.

• Acceptance and style workarounds: shorter styles, shadow look.

Nutrition and lifestyle

• Protein target set with clinician.

• Hydration supports healing.

• Manage stress and sleep for better recovery.

• Stop nicotine per schedule to protect graft survival.

Cost overview

• Per graft pricing or zone pricing used by clinics.

• Small areas: 500–1,500 USD range in many markets.

• Full beard: 2,000–7,000 USD depending on graft count and region.

• High-cost cities may exceed 8,000 USD for large sessions.

• Packages may include meds, PRP, and follow-ups.

Ask for itemized quote: surgeon fee, facility, meds, add-ons, revisions.

Beard transplant in Turkey

• Istanbul is a major hub.

• Packages can include airport pickup, hotel, transfers.

• Confirm surgeon involvement and team experience.

• Check clinic accreditation and emergency protocols.

• Plan stay for first wash and early follow-up.

Travel steps

• Video consult before booking.

• Share medical history and photos.

• Confirm number of grafts planned.

• Arrive at least a day early.

• Fly home after first post-op visit when cleared.

Frequently asked questions

• Will hair keep growing like a normal beard? Yes. It is scalp hair placed on face. It grows and needs trimming.

• Does the texture match? Most men find a close match. Curl and thickness vary person to person.

• Can I shape the beard later? Yes. Line-ups and fades are fine after healing.

• What is the success rate? High with proper technique and care. Graft survival often reported above 85% in experienced hands.

• Can I combine with hairline FUE? Yes if donor allows. Plan totals to protect donor.

• When can I gym? Light walks from day one. Cardio after one to two weeks. Heavy lifts after clearance.

• When can I swim? Often after two to four weeks. Confirm with clinic.

Choosing a clinic

• Board-certified surgeon oversight.

• Transparent photos and cases similar to yours.

• Clear consent and instructions.

• Realistic claims. No guarantees.

• Sterile technique. Traceable instruments.

• Post-op support with direct contact.

Red flags

• Cash only with no invoice.

• No surgeon meeting.

• Overharvest promises for “maximum” in one day.

• Refusal to show donor management plan.

• Stock photos instead of real cases.

Donor management

• Map safe zone. Avoid crown if unstable.

• Spread punches to prevent moth-eaten look.

• Keep punch size as small as safely possible.

• Target extraction count that preserves future options.

Session size and time

• Small scar case: 1–2 hours.

• Mustache and goatee: 3–5 hours.

• Full beard build: 6–9 hours split in one or two days.

• Breaks for food and rest included.

Medications

• Local anesthetic during the procedure.

• Antibiotic per protocol in select cases.

• Anti-inflammatory and pain plan.

• Topicals for skin calm if needed.

Skin and hair care kit

• Gentle cleanser and saline.

• Cotton pads. Gauze. Microfiber towel dab only.

• Moisturizer that suits your skin type.

• Sunscreen for outdoor time after healing.

Photo schedule

• Pre-op multi-angle photos with good light.

• Day 1 for baseline of placement.

• Week 2 to confirm shedding and skin health.

• Month 3, 6, 9, 12 to track growth and density.

Work and social planning

• Remote workers can resume quickly.

• Mask or beard cover optional early on in public.

• Schedule major events after month three if possible.

Lifestyle factors that impact results

• Smoking increases complications.

• Uncontrolled conditions slow healing.

• Picking or scratching increases risk of folliculitis.

• Sun exposure increases redness and pigment shifts.

Beard styles you can build

• Light stubble frame for cheeks and jaw.

• Defined goatee with connected mustache.

• Van Dyke variations.

• Short boxed beard with crisp cheek line.

• Full coverage with graduated density to sideburns.

Ethnic hair considerations

• Curly grafts need careful angle control to avoid pitting.

• Coarse hair can give strong coverage with fewer grafts.

• Skin tone and pigment care addressed in aftercare plan.

Beard transplant for scars

• Old acne or trauma scars can be camouflaged.

• Scar tissue may need lower density per pass.

• Staged approach improves survival.

• Adjuncts: microneedling or laser before or after per plan.

PRP and adjuncts

• PRP may support healing in some protocols.

• Not a substitute for good technique.

• Discuss evidence and cost before adding.

Financial planning

• Deposit to book date.

• Balance due before or on the day.

• Package vs per-graft comparison.

• Travel and hotel costs added if abroad.

How to compare clinics

• Number of facial hair cases per month.

• Who designs and places grafts.

• Donor management examples.

• Clear before-after sets shot under similar light.

• Direct contact for post-op issues.

Checklists

Pre-op

• Stop nicotine per schedule.

• Confirm meds. Avoid blood thinners unless cleared.

• Arrange transport.

• Set up home kit.

• Take clear pre-op photos.

Post-op

• Follow wash protocol.

• Use sprays on time.

• Elevate head at night for two to three nights.

• Walk daily.

• Contact clinic for unusual swelling or fever.

Long-term care

• Trim as desired once growth is stable.

• Use gentle products that match skin type.

• Maintain scalp donor with good hair care.

• Monitor for any ingrown hairs and treat early.

Beard transplant terms

• FUE. DHI. Punch size. Implanter.

• Single-hair graft. Double-hair graft.

• Recipient slit. Angle. Direction.

• Donor density. Safe zone.

• Shock loss. Folliculitis.

• PRP. Aftercare.

Realistic expectations

• Shedding phase is part of the process.

• Final density takes up to a year.

• Perfection is rare. Natural is the goal.

• Second pass is an option if donor allows.

Next steps

• Write your style goals and priorities.

• Take front, oblique, and side photos.

• Share medical history and any skin issues.

• Ask for a graft map and itemized quote.

• Choose a date that fits your calendar.