Beard Transplant

A beard transplant moves hair follicles, usually from the back of the scalp, into the cheeks, jawline, moustache or chin to fill patchy areas, thicken a sparse beard or cover scars. Each graft is placed individually, following the angle and direction of natural facial hair. With Plastic Surgery Turkey Group (PSTG), your beard transplant in Turkey is planned in advance from photos and carried out at a contracted healthcare institution in Istanbul or Antalya.

It is a small-area procedure compared with a scalp transplant, but it still needs careful design. Facial hair is highly visible, grows at very low angles and changes direction across the face, so placement matters as much as the number of grafts. Beard transplant is one of several hair transplant procedures that PSTG coordinates.

Who is a good candidate#

A beard transplant is usually considered for men who:

• have patchy growth on the cheeks, jawline, chin or moustache;
• have a thin or sparse beard and want more density;
• want to cover scars from injury, surgery or acne where hair no longer grows;
• would like a sharper, more defined cheek line or neckline;
• have a good donor area at the back of the scalp;
• are in good general health and have realistic expectations.

Who may not be suitable#

• Men whose donor area is thin, or who are likely to need that donor supply for scalp hair loss later. Because the same donor area is shared, both should be planned together.
• Men whose facial hair is still developing. Beard growth often fills in through the early to mid twenties, so it is usually sensible to wait.
• Men with active skin conditions on the face, or conditions such as alopecia areata affecting the beard that are not yet stable.
• Anyone with health problems or medications that make a procedure under local anaesthesia unsafe; this is assessed individually.

Some men see useful improvement with medical treatment first, and the doctor may discuss this if it is relevant.

Techniques and options#

Most beard transplants use FUE extraction. Individual follicular units, ideally single-hair and two-hair grafts, are taken from the back and sides of the scalp. In some cases, hair from under the chin can also be used, as it is closer in texture to beard hair. The FUE hair transplant page describes the extraction method.

Grafts are then placed either into small openings made with a fine blade or needle, or directly with an implanter pen (DHI). The choice depends on the area, the density needed and the doctor's preference. The number of grafts is set by the size of the area and the density you want. How many grafts do I need explains how graft numbers are estimated.

How the procedure is carried out#

A beard transplant is done under local anaesthesia. You are awake, and the donor and recipient areas are numbed.

1. The doctor agrees the design with you and marks it on your face, including the cheek line, neckline and any areas to fill.
2. The donor area is trimmed and numbed, and grafts are extracted.
3. The beard area is numbed, and grafts are placed one by one at a very low angle, following the natural direction of growth.
4. The donor area is dressed, and you are given aftercare instructions.

The procedure typically takes several hours, depending on the number of grafts. You return to your hotel the same day, and the first check and wash are usually done within a day or two.

Recovery and results#

• First days: redness, small crusts around each graft and mild swelling are common. The face should not be rubbed, and you are told how to sleep and wash.
• First one to two weeks: crusts come away and redness fades. You are told when you can wash normally and when you can shave the area, which is usually not for some time.
• Weeks 2 to 8: transplanted hairs often shed. This is expected; the follicles stay in place.
• Months 3 to 6: new hairs start to grow and gradually thicken.
• Around 9 to 12 months: the result is typically assessed.

For more on the stages, see the hair transplant recovery timeline.

Scalp hair can blend well with beard hair once it grows, but its texture, curl and growth rate can differ slightly, and it may grow longer. Keeping the beard trimmed helps. An exact match with your native beard hair cannot be promised.

Risks and limitations#

• Redness, swelling and small crusts, which usually settle within about two weeks.
• Infection or ingrown hairs, which need prompt attention.
• Small pinpoint marks on the face or in the donor area, which usually fade.
• Some grafts may not survive, and density may be lower than hoped.
• Hair direction or texture may not match your natural beard perfectly.
• A second session may be needed for extra density.
• Using the scalp donor area reduces the supply available for a future scalp transplant.

The treating doctor explains which risks apply to you and how aftercare reduces them.

Planning your treatment in Turkey#

Planning usually starts with photos of your beard from the front and both sides, and of the back of your scalp, along with your medical history. After a medical review, you receive a written treatment plan and quote, including the proposed design and approximate number of grafts.

A typical stay is around three days. PSTG coordinates the practical parts of the trip, which can include:

• pre- and post-procedure consultations;
• a 4–5-star hotel and airport and clinic transfers;
• a personal interpreter or assistant;
• post-procedure medication and aftercare products;
• 24/7 support during your stay;
• virtual follow-up after you fly home.

Most men can fly home a day or two after the procedure. It helps to plan the trip around a few quiet days at home while redness settles. Follow the aftercare guidance on washing, sun and exercise; hair transplant aftercare covers the general rules. If you are comparing options, questions to ask a hair transplant provider may help.

Where treatment takes place#

Treatment takes place at contracted healthcare institutions in Istanbul and Antalya that are authorised for international health tourism. The treating doctor decides whether a beard transplant is suitable, how the design should look and how many grafts to use. PSTG, a health-tourism intermediary affiliated with TÜRSAB, coordinates the plan, travel and follow-up.

If you would like to know what a beard transplant could realistically achieve for you, send a few photos for a free, no-obligation assessment. You will get a clear view of what is possible, what it involves and whether it is the right step.