Beard Transplant: Cost, Graft Numbers, Success Rate in 2025

Beard transplants have revolutionized facial hair restoration, offering a permanent solution for those struggling with patchy or absent beard growth. This sophisticated procedure has evolved significantly since the first documented case – a mustache transplant by CP Vallis – and now employs cutting-edge microsurgical techniques to create natural-looking results.

Modern beard transplant surgery achieves remarkable success rates exceeding 90% on healthy skin, making it one of the most reliable cosmetic procedures available. The treatment’s versatility allows it to address various facial hair patterns and concerns, from filling in sparse areas to complete beard restoration.

In this article, we will be talking about “beard transplant” as in transplanting hairs into the beard area and not transplanting beard hairs to other areas in the body.

Here are some key points about beard transplant:

• Beard transplants make up 5% of all hair transplant procedures according to ISHRS
• Average cost of beard transplant is between $2,000 to $15,000 depending on location
• The total complication rate is exceptionally low at 1.2%
• Results are permanent with a 90-95% success rate on healthy skin
• On average, 1500 to 2500 grafts are used for beard transplants

What is a beard transplant?

A beard transplant is a cosmetic procedure that permanently restores facial hair by transplanting individual hair follicles from the back of the head to areas of patchy, thin, or absent beard growth on the face. 

Using microsurgical techniques like FUE or DHI, surgeons carefully extract and implant each follicular unit to match natural beard growth patterns, considering the patient’s facial features and desired outcome. 

The procedure is suitable for men experiencing patchy beard growth, scarring, or genetic inability to grow a full beard.

Beard transplant has been in practice for over 50 years, with the first published case being CP Vallis’s mustache transplant. 

Beard transplants make up 5% of hair transplant procedures, according to the 2020 International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS) practice consensus.

What is the success rate of beard transplant?

The success rate of beard transplant on undamaged skin with good blood flow is between 90% to 95%, and on scarred skin, it’s up to 88.6,% according to research by Osman Akdağ from the Department of Plastic Surgery, Selcuk University School of Medicine. 

Why do people get beard transplants?

People get beard transplants for both reconstructive and cosmetic reasons. Some people seek to restore facial hair lost due to injuries such as burns, surgical or acne scarring, medical treatments, or conditions like trichotillomania. Others pursue the procedure to fill in naturally patchy areas or address limited beard growth due to genetic factors.

Beyond physical restoration, beard transplants can serve important psychological and social purposes. Many people choose this procedure to improve self-confidence, achieve a more masculine appearance, appear more mature in professional settings, or better align their facial appearance with their gender identity. 

In society, fuller beards can be associated with perceptions of masculinity and maturity, making beard transplants an appealing option for those looking to enhance these qualities.

Can a beard be transplanted?

Yes, a beard can be transplanted, just like any other hair follicle in the body. Beard hair is very similar to the hair on the scalp, and the beard transplant procedure is the same as a hair transplant, only in a different location. 

What are the characteristics of beard hairs?

Beard hairs are 70% to 100% thicker than scalp hair, have double the number of cuticle layers, are more brittle, and are irregular and elliptical in shape. They also have larger roots and blunter tips compared to scalp hair. As a result, beard hairs appear thicker, coarser, and more unruly. 

How are beard types classified?

There is no official classification scale for beard types; however, Dr. Solon Eduardo Gouveia Souza and Dr. Mauro Speranzini have presented a possible classification scale on the Hair Transplant Forum International. 

The pair classified 6 beard types, each with their own characteristics.

• Beard Type 1: Beard Type 1 is characterized by very few hairs on the mustache and chin, resulting in an almost hairless appearance. This beard type does not feature a fully formed goatee; some areas may be completely devoid of hair. Only 1.2% of the research population exhibited this beard type.
• Beard Type 2: Beard Type 2 features hair on both the mustache and chin. While other areas of the beard are visible, they are not connected. The goatee and mustache do not connect to the sideburns or cheeks. The mustache is thin and split into two sections in the middle, just above the cupid’s bow. This beard type does not have a full goatee. In the research population, 4% of men displayed this beard type.
• Beard Type 3: Beard Type 3 features hair growth across all areas of the beard, with a low to medium density. The mustache is thin and divided into two sections in the middle. This beard type does not have a full goatee. Approximately 11.6% of the research population displayed this beard type.
• Beard Type 4: Beard Type 4 grows hair across all areas of the beard; however, at least one area may have less density compared to others, such as the cheeks or chin. This beard type can develop a full goatee, but the mustache and chin hairs remain separate. Approximately 28% of men have this beard type.
• Beard Type 5: Beard Type 5 can develop hair with medium to high density in all areas of the beard. However, the mustache may not connect to the chin hairs, and there is typically a low-density patch on either side of the lower lip and chin, located on the sides of the soul patch. Beard Type 5 is the most common type, found in 42.4% of the research population. 
• Beard Type 6: Beard Type 6 features hair growth in all areas of the beard, extending to the upper cheekbones. The mustache is fully connected to the cheek hair. There may be a low-density patch between the lower lip and the chin on each side of the soul patch. Approximately 12.8% of the men in the study group exhibited this beard type.,

Which beard types can beard transplant work for?

Beard transplant works for all beard types. For beard types 1-2 full bead transplant can be used. For beard types 3-4, beard transplant can be used to increase density in sparse areas. For beard types 5-6, beard transplant can be used to fill in patchy or scarred areas. 

Which areas of the beard can be transplanted?

The areas of the beard that can be transplanted include:

• The full beard
• Sideburns
• Cheeks
• Moustache
• Goatee

The neck beard can’t be transplanted on because using anesthesia in the neck is extremely risky, as it can obstruct the airways. 

How does a beard transplant work?

A beard transplant involves harvesting individual hair follicles from a donor area, typically the back of the head, using the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique. Under local anesthesia, these follicles are carefully extracted one by one using specialized micro-motor extractors. 

Each extracted graft contains 1-3 hair follicles along with their surrounding tissue.

These harvested follicles are then transplanted into carefully designed recipient sites on your face, following your natural beard growth pattern and facial contours. The surgeon creates these sites at specific angles and depths to match your existing facial hair growth direction. 

Once transplanted, these follicles establish blood supply in their new location and begin producing hair permanently. The entire procedure typically takes 5-6 hours, depending on the number of grafts needed for your desired beard density.

Which techniques are used for beard transplant?

Two advanced hair transplant techniques are used for beard transplant: Sapphire FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation). 

In Sapphire FUE, hair follicles are extracted individually from the back of the head using motorized extractors, which leave invisible scars. After extraction, tiny recipient sites are created in the beard area with a Sapphire blade, and the follicles are carefully placed into these sites.

DHI offers an alternative approach where specialized tools called Choi pens are used to perform extraction and implantation in a single step. Choi pens allow surgeons to implant hairs into the beard area without creating recipient sites beforehand. 

Both techniques provide natural-looking results with minimal scarring and quick recovery times, making traditional methods like FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) obsolete.

How long does a beard transplant take?

A beard transplant procedure takes about 5-6 hours. 

How deep are beard transplant incisions?

Beard transplant incisions are 3 to 4 mm deep in the skin. Shallower or deeper incisions can cause complications, unwanted scarring, or cobblestoning.

At what angle are beard hairs transplanted? 

Beard hairs are transplanted at what’s called an “acute angle” (5° to 10°), the direction of the hair is determined by looking at the natural beard shape of the patient.

How are beard transplants designed?

How many grafts are needed for beard transplant?

For a full beard transplant, between 1,500 to 2,500 grafts, with an average of 2,000 grafts, are needed to achieve a density of 20% to 25% grafts per cm². Beard hair naturally has a density of 25% to 30% follicular units per cm², and going over 25% in density can cause necrosis. 

For partial beard transplants, each area needs different amounts: sideburns require 100-300 grafts per side, cheeks need 350-900 grafts per side, a mustache takes 200-450 grafts, and a goatee needs 400-700 grafts. 

For those wanting just a mustache and goatee combination, the requirement ranges from 600 to 1,200 grafts.

What is the maximum number of grafts that can be implanted for a beard transplant?

The maximum number of grafts that can be implanted in a single session of beard transplant is around 5000 grafts; however, most procedures will require 1500-2000 grafts for a satisfactory result. 

How are beard transplant grafts counted?

Beard transplant grafts are counted as single follicle grafts and 2 follicle grafts. Single follicle grafts give the best results, as beard hairs are naturally made of single follicles. Single follicles are mainly used to create natural edges.

 2 follicle grafts are used where the beard is naturally thicker, such as around the goatee and sideburns. 3 follicle grafts are not used on the beard as they can give a too dense, unnatural result. 

Where do beard transplant donor hairs come from?

Donor hairs for beard transplant come from the back of the scalp where the hairs are resistant to shedding. This area of the scalp has the most similar life cycle to beard hairs and provides the best results.

How is donor area capacity calculated for beard transplant?

The capacity of the donor area for a beard transplant is determined during a hair and scalp analysis conducted before the procedure. During this analysis, the scalp is examined microscopically to assess the condition of the donor hair and to calculate the exact amount of viable donor hair available.

Can you get a beard transplant with thin donor hair?

Yes, you can get a beard transplant with thin donor hair if the donor area is viable. If you’re considering a beard transplant, it’s best not to wait until your hair starts thinning.

Can you transplant body hair to beard?

Yes, you can transplant body hair to beard technically, but it’s not preferred as body hair and beard hair have completely different qualities and life cycles. Body hair transplant to the beard is avoided unless it’s the only option.

Can you use existing beard hair for beard transplant?

Yes, you can use existing beard hair for beard transplant, but only for select cases where the patient already has a thick beard but wants to cover a small hairless patch. 

Will the transplanted hair match your existing beard?

We try our best to match transplanted donor hair to your existing beard, but color or thickness variances may exist. 

Who is a good candidate for a beard transplant?

You are a good candidate for a beard transplant if you:

• Are between the ages of 18-60
• Have enough donor hair supply
• Have no chronic health conditions
• Don’t have active skin conditions (acne, dermatitis, infections)
• Can’t grow a beard due to genetic reasons
• Have a patchy beard due to alopecia or scarring

What is the best age for a beard transplant?

The best age for a beard transplant is between 18 and 60, but patients can wait until they’re around 23-25 to see if their beard has any improvements. 

Does beard transplant work for African people?

Yes, beard transplants work for African people if the surgeon is experienced. Hair and beard transplants on African hair types can be complicated, especially when extracting hair follicles. Curly and kinky hair grows at specific angles, which must be considered during the harvesting process. If done correctly, the follicles can be safely implanted into the beard.

Does beard transplant work for Asian people?

Yes, beard transplants work for Asian people if the surgeon is qualified. Asian patients are more likely to develop bumpy scars if the hairs are transplanted at the wrong angle, as 

Asian hair follicles tend to be thicker. To prevent this, doctors must implant single hair follicles at the correct angles.

Does beard transplant work for FTM transgender men?

Yes, beard transplants can work for FTM transgender men to create a full beard or improve facial hair density. 

Can diabetics get beard transplant?

Diabetics can get a beard transplant if their blood sugar levels are managed and they are not on insulin.

Can you get a beard transplant over scars?

Yes, you can get beard transplant over scars, such as trauma scars, surgical scars, burn scars, and cleft lip scars. 

Can you get a beard transplant if you have acne?

No, if you have active acne lesions, you cannot get a beard transplant. All acne must be fully healed before a beard transplant.

How can your skin type affect beard transplant results?

Fitzpatrick skin types I and II will be more prone to redness and swelling. In general, thinner skin types will have lower retention rates compared to thicker skin types. 

What are the alternatives to a beard transplant if it’s not for you?

Here are the alternatives to beard transplant if it’s not for you:

• Topical/oral minoxidil with topical tretinoin 
• Micropigmentation tattoo
• Microneedling with hair growth factors
• CO2 laser therapy
• Low-level laser therapy
• Camouflaging hair pieces, hair fibers, makeup

Keep in mind that these options are not comparable to beard transplants as they may provide temporary results only when using the product or may not work on scar tissue.

Beard Transplant vs Minoxidil for beard growth

Beard transplants are a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on areas where hair follicles are permanently damaged, and will have a retention rate above 90%. In contrast, minoxidil is a topical medication that only works to grow already existing hair follicles and does not work on scar tissue. 

How much does a beard transplant cost?

A full beard transplant costs anywhere between $2,000 to $15,000, based on whether it’s a partial or full hair transplant, location, and clinic reputation. 

How much is a beard transplant in different countries?

A beard transplant costs around $1500 – $5000 in Turkey; $3500 – $15,000 in the United States; £3,000 – £15,000 in the United Kingdom, and €3.000 – €10.000 in Europe. 

The prices may vary for each country depending on the type of beard transplant: partial or full. 

Where can you get the best affordable beard transplant?

You can get the best affordable beard transplant in Istanbul, Turkey, at MedArt where we offer a luxury boutique experience to our patients. 

Is a beard transplant worth it?

Beard transplants are worth it if you think the cost is just for the confidence you’ll gain. Hair, beards, and body hair, in general, can be indicators of masculinity for men. Issues such as baldness and patchiness can affect one’s self perception significantly. If a beard transplant is something that can bring more confidence to your life, it’s worth it. 

What are the pros and cons of beard transplant?

The pros and cons of beard transplant are shown in the table below: 

Is a beard transplant safe?

Yes, beard transplant is a safe procedure as all hair transplantation procedures are extremely low risk compared to other cosmetic procedures, with high success rates.

What are the risks of beard transplant?

A beard transplant has the same risks as a hair transplant, such as shock loss, scarring, bleeding, infection, folliculitis, and necrosis. These complications are extremely rare (less than 1% of likelihood,) and hair transplants are considered one of the safest cosmetic surgeries.

What are the complications of beard transplant?

Beard transplants have an exceptionally low total complication rate at 1.2%, according to research by Alfonso Barrera from the Department of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine in Texas.

In this 1.2% rate, 0.4% accounts for keloid scarring, 0.4% accounts for poor hair growth, and 0.4% accounts for hair loss at the donor site (when performed with the FUT method).

Additional complications can include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, placement of grafts at the wrong angle, folliculitis, and cobblestoning (bumps) around the mustache and goatee area. 

What are the side effects of beard transplant?

The most common side effects of beard transplants are redness and swelling, which can last up to a couple of days and is more common with patients with pale or thinner skin.

How long does the swelling last after beard transplant?

The swelling lasts for 3 to 5 days after a beard transplant. 

Does shock loss occur with beard transplant?

Shock loss can occur with beard transplants at any point after 2 weeks, but the prevalence is not as high as with hair transplants. 

Does beard transplant leave scars?

Beard transplant does not leave scars if done correctly using the Sapphire FUE and DHI techniques. 

What to do before a beard transplant?

Stop alcohol, smoking, vitamins, blood thinners, supplements

Before a beard transplant surgery, stop any medications according to your doctor’s instructions. If you use hair loss treatments, stop Finasteride 7 days and Minoxidil 10 days before the procedure. Most importantly, discuss with your doctor about pausing blood thinners a week before surgery, as this requires careful medical supervision.

While it’s essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs for at least 48 hours before surgery, abstaining for two weeks provides better outcomes. 

Do you need to shave your beard before a beard transplant?

No, you don’t need to shave your beard before a beard transplant. In fact, we need to asses patients with their beard grown, so we can determine the correct number of grafts required and determine the direction their natural beard grows in. We will shave the beard to an optimal length before the surgery.

How to choose a beard transplant clinic?

To choose a beard transplant clinic, first look at the accreditations and the licenses of the clinic. Surgeons must have specific training in facial hair transplantation. Check their before-and-after portfolio, particularly for cases similar to your beard pattern. Look for clinics that use advanced techniques like DHI or Sapphire FUE and offer realistic expectations rather than exaggerated promises. Finally, ensure they provide comprehensive pre-op consultations and long-term aftercare support, including detailed beard growth timeline guidance.

What questions to ask during a beard transplant consultation?

You should ask the following questions during a beard transplant consultation.

“How many grafts can be safely extracted from my donor area for the beard design I want?”

“How well does my scalp hair match my beard hair?”

“Will I have enough donor supply for a hair transplant in the future if I get a beard transplant now?”

How long does beard transplant recovery take?

Beard transplant recovery takes around 10 days for both the recipient and the donor area to fully heal. 

How long does the donor area take to heal after beard transplant?

The donor area takes about 7-10 days to fully heal after a beard transplant.

What to do and avoid after beard transplant?

After a beard transplant, avoid smoking and caffeine for at least 3 days to increase blood flow and prevent necrosis of the skin. Avoid exercising and sweating. Avoid staying in the sun. 

How to manage beard transplant aftercare?

To manage beard transplant aftercare, start with getting enough sleep through the night to accelerate healing. Keep your beard moisturized and protected from the sun. Consume foods rich in protein. 

When can you wash your face after beard transplant?

You can gently wash your face without rubbing the day after a beard transplant. 

The general consensus is that patients should wait at least 5 days after the surgery to wash their face to increase retention rates, but gentle rinsing the day after surgery is permitted. 

How long after beard transplant can i shave?

You can shave with a clipper guard or cut your beard with scissors 4 weeks after a beard transplant. 

When can you style your beard after a beard transplant?

You can style your beard with oils, waxes, heat, and dyes 6 months after surgery to give the best chance of growth without interfering with the process.

How to protect your beard from the sun after a beard transplant?

To protect your beard from the sun after a beard transplant, wear at least SPF 30 on your beard every day, wear a wide-brim hat, seek shade, and drink plenty of water for at least 6 months. 

When can you return to normal activities after beard transplant?

You can return to normal daily activities 1 week after a beard transplant. 

How do you eat after a beard transplant?

When eating after a beard transplant, you can opt for liquid or pureed foods such as juices, smoothies, soups, or stews for the first 3 days. 

If you’d like to consume solid foods, avoid opening your mouth too wide and take smaller bites. This process will only last a couple of days as beard transplants heal quickly. 

How to sleep after a beard transplant?

After a beard transplant, sleep upright at a 45° angle and avoid contact with your face for 10 days. You can use an extra pillow to prop your back and a neck pillow to avoid contact. 

When can you exercise after beard transplant?

You can start exercising 1 week after a beard transplant with light cardio, such as walking. You must avoid sweating for at least 2 weeks. After a month, you can return to your regular exercise routine. 

When can you return to work after beard transplant?

You can return to work 3 days after a beard transplant if you have a desk job, but it’s best to wait at least 1 week. If you perform physical labor or work in a particularly dusty environment, wait at least 2 weeks before going to work. 

When can you see beard transplant results?

You can start seeing the results of beard transplant at 4 months, and full results will be evident around 10-12 months.

How thick the transplanted hair will grow?

The transplanted hair will grow as thick as the donor hair. If you naturally have finer hair, your beard translate donor hairs will also be fine, and a denser look can require the implantation of 2 hair or 3 hair grafts. If you naturally have thick hair, single follicle grafts will be implanted and will be the same thickness as your hair. 

Can transplanted hairs fall out?

Some transplanted hairs can fall out after beard transplant. A rate of 5% to 10% loss in the transplanted hairs is considered normal and is taken into account when designing the beard. 

Is a beard transplant permanent?

Yes, a beard transplant is permanent. 

How to maintain beard transplant results?

To maintain beard transplant results, you must keep your beard moisturized with a simple and natural moisturizer at all times. You can also start using minoxidil to increase the growth of the beard 15 days after surgery. 

Can you do a revision beard transplant if needed?

Yes, you can do a revision hair transplant if you’d like to increase density, or to correct a previously botched beard transplant.