Beard and mustache transplant advantages and disadvantages

Have you ever dreamt of a thick beard or a full mustache that highlights your facial features and boosts your confidence? Well, now, beard and mustache transplantation has become the perfect solution for men who suffer from gaps or irregular hair growth. This procedure not only restores your natural look but also provides a permanent and natural result that makes you feel comfortable and attractive at all times. In this article, we’ll go over all the details you need to know before and after the transplantation.

Can beard and mustache transplantation be done at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to perform both beard and mustache transplantation in a single session. Before the procedure, the doctor carefully calculates the number of grafts needed based on the area to be filled to ensure a consistent result and natural density.

How are the channels opened in a beard transplantation?

In the FUE technique, small channels are created in the transplant area to insert the grafts. It is crucial to follow the natural hair growth direction when opening these channels, as any mistake in the angle can result in an unnatural appearance of the beard or mustache. Typically, a needle of 0.6–0.7 mm thickness is used to facilitate channel opening. The use of the needle also allows for precise control of the hair growth angle, ensuring a natural and balanced look.

Where can the hair be taken from for the chin and beard transplant?

Typically, hair follicles are harvested from the back of the head or the neck, as these areas contain strong and natural hair suitable for transplantation. If the neck area is not suitable, the back, chest, or legs can also be used as donor areas, provided the hair is healthy and strong. In some cases, existing beard hair from under the chin or the neck can be used if available.

Is beard and mustache transplantation permanent?

Yes, beard and mustache transplantation provides permanent results. The transplanted follicles come from healthy, strong hair roots, so they continue to grow naturally and maintain their density for a long time. The transplanted hair looks exactly like the rest of the facial hair.

How many grafts are needed for beard and mustache transplantation?

Full beard: Between 500 and 2500 grafts, depending on the size of the area and gaps.
Mustache: About 250–400 grafts, with an average of 300–500 grafts enough to cover the gaps.

The exact number of grafts is determined by the doctor after examining and assessing the density of the area to be transplanted.

Is beard transplantation painful?

The procedure is done under local anesthesia for both the transplant and donor areas, so you won’t feel any pain during the process. After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort once the anesthesia wears off, but this can be managed with recommended painkillers.

Can beard hair be used as a donor area?

If the beard is suitable, hair follicles from under the chin or neck can be used to transplant other areas of the chin. This technique is sometimes used to cover small gaps or to enhance the density of the mustache.

Will the transplanted hair turn white?

Yes, the transplanted hair behaves like the rest of the natural hair in the area. Any natural changes, like graying, will occur in the transplanted hair in the same way as in the existing facial hair.

When can I shave after a beard transplant?

It is recommended to wait at least one month before shaving. During the first month, you can use scissors to trim the hair to avoid disturbing the transplanted follicles. After that, shaving can resume normally as the transplanted hair starts to grow gradually.

What are the beard and mustache transplantation techniques?

The transplant is usually performed using advanced techniques such as:

FUE Technique: Individual follicles are extracted from the back of the head and transplanted to the face. This technique ensures high precision in distributing hair according to the density and gaps in the face.
DHI Technique: An advanced version of FUE using the Choi Pen, which allows for direct hair transplantation with complete control over the angle and direction of the follicles, ensuring a very natural look.

The key difference between FUE and DHI lies in how the hair is removed from the donor area and transplanted, but the final result is natural and permanent in both methods.

The importance of planning and precision

Before the transplant, the surgeon draws the lines of the face to determine the shape of the beard and mustache. The follicles are transplanted with high precision according to the direction, angle, and density to ensure a natural and consistent look. Any mistake during this process can lead to an unnatural or inconsistent appearance.

Benefits of beard and mustache transplantation

Beard and mustache transplantation has become one of the most popular solutions for men dealing with facial hair gaps, providing a more stylish and attractive appearance. Modern techniques like FUE, DHI, and Sapphire guarantee natural and permanent results. Here are the main benefits:

100% Natural Look
Since the transplanted hair is from your own body, it will have the same color, thickness, and growth pattern. This makes the beard or mustache look completely natural, and no one will be able to tell it’s transplanted.
A Permanent Solution for Gaps
After the follicles are implanted, the hair continues to grow naturally for life:
- No bald spots in the beard.
- No returning gaps.
- Very little maintenance.
Boosted Self-Confidence
A full beard has a significant impact on your overall appearance, and men often feel:
- More confident.
- More comfortable with their facial look.
- More satisfied with photos and events.
Enhanced Facial Features
A beard helps:
- Highlight the jawline.
- Balance the facial shape.
- Conceal imperfections like acne scars or blemishes.
Precise and Guaranteed Results
Thanks to modern transplantation techniques:
- Hair direction is perfectly controlled.
- Density is carefully calculated.
- The beard shape has no sharp or unnatural lines.
Safe Procedure with No Surgery
- No stitching.
- No scarring.
- Only local anesthesia.
- Minimal side effects that disappear within a few days.
Short Recovery Period
Most people:
- Return to work after 48 hours.
- Swelling decreases within two days.
- Scabs fall off within a week.
Suitable for Almost All Men
Whether you have:
- Genetic gaps.
- Thin beard hair.
- Lack of mustache growth.
- Scars from injuries or burns.
  Beard transplantation is a very effective solution.

9. Customizing the Design to Your Liking

The doctor can design the beard or mustache according to your preferred shape:

High density
Natural lines
Modern or classic design

This ensures the best aesthetic enhancement for your face.

10. Affordable Cost for Permanent Results

Despite the precision of the procedure, the cost is lower than other cosmetic surgeries, and the result is permanent, not temporary.

Types of Beard and Mustache Transplantation?

FUE Technique — Most Commonly Used
What is it?
Follicles are extracted one by one from the back of the head and then implanted into the beard or mustache.

Advantages:
- Very natural results
- No surgery or stitching
- Short recovery period
- Very minimal pain
Disadvantages:
- May require one or more sessions, depending on the area’s density
- Extracting follicles takes longer compared to newer techniques
DHI Technique (Choi Pen) — Newer and More Precise
What is it?
Follicles are transplanted directly using a special pen, without pre-opening channels, making extraction and transplantation a single step.

Advantages:
- More precise angles for a very natural look
- Less swelling and redness
- Faster recovery time
- Greater control over hair growth direction
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost
- Not suitable if the donor area is too weak
Sapphire FUE Technique — FUE with Sapphire Needles
What is it?
This is the standard FUE technique, but the channels are opened with sapphire needles instead of metal ones.

Advantages:
- Smaller incisions
- Faster healing
- Less scabbing and inflammation
- Very precise hair distribution
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than traditional FUE
- Not all clinics offer this technology
ARTAS Robotic Beard Transplantation
What is it?
A smart robot assists in extracting follicles with high precision.

Advantages:
- High accuracy in follicle extraction
- Faster follicle collection time
- Suitable for men with fine or difficult-to-extract hair
Disadvantages:
- Not available in all countries
- More expensive
- After follicle extraction, the doctor performs the transplant, not the robot
FUT Technique (Strip Method) — Rare for the Face
What is it?
A strip of the scalp is removed, the follicles are separated from it, and then transplanted into the face.

Advantages:
- Provides a large number of grafts at once
- Suitable for men with a weak donor area
Disadvantages:
- Leaves a long scar on the scalp
- Longer recovery time
- Less precise hair growth direction, making it less suitable for the face

Stages of Beard and Mustache Transplantation

Beard and mustache transplantation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for men, aimed at improving facial appearance and filling gaps naturally and permanently. The procedure is similar to hair transplantation but requires more precision due to the sensitivity of the facial area and the need for meticulous follicle distribution.

Diagnosis and Preparation Stage
The first step before the procedure includes:
- Examining the face to accurately identify gaps.
- Determining the number of grafts needed based on the desired beard or mustache density.
- Checking the donor area (usually the back of the head) to ensure suitable hair.
- Requesting simple tests like blood count, clotting, and blood sugar levels.
- Stopping any blood-thinning medications a few days before the procedure, as directed by the doctor.
Drawing the Beard and Mustache Shape
A crucial step before transplantation:
- Drawing the shape of the beard or mustache with a medical pen.
- Determining the borders, density, thickness, and hair growth direction.
- You must be 100% satisfied with the design before starting the procedure.
Local Anesthesia for the Face and Donor Area
Local anesthesia is applied to the skin, and general anesthesia is not required.
After the anesthesia, the patient will not feel any pain during follicle extraction or transplantation.
Follicle Extraction Stage (Usually FUE)
Typically, follicles are extracted from the back of the head (the donor area).
A precise device is used to extract the follicles one by one.
The follicles are stored in a special solution to maintain their integrity.
This process usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of grafts needed.
Channel Opening Stage for the Beard and Mustache
Channels are the places where the hair will be implanted.
Small openings are made using a needle or micro-sleeve.
The key conditions for channel opening include:
- The growth direction of the channels matches the natural growth of the beard.
- A low angle to ensure a natural appearance.
Follicle Implantation Stage
This is a very precise stage that requires great focus.
Each follicle is placed in its designated location with high precision to ensure:
- The required density for each area
- Natural hair growth direction
- Even distribution of the follicles
  This process usually takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the number of grafts.

Disadvantages of Beard and Mustache Transplantation?

Temporary Redness and Swelling
After the procedure, you may experience:
- Slight redness
- Swelling in the transplant area
- Small scabs around each follicle
  These symptoms usually disappear within 3-7 days.
Shock Loss of Transplanted Hair
In the first 2-4 weeks:
- Around 70% of the transplanted hair may fall out
- This is a completely normal stage, but it may worry some people.
Long Time to See Final Results
- The initial appearance starts showing after about 3 months.
- The full result appears after 9-12 months.
  This can be a long wait for those looking for quicker results.
Mild Pain After the Procedure
After the anesthesia wears off, you may feel:
- Mild soreness or tightness in the donor area
- Mild pain in the chin or mustache
  The pain improves within two days with simple painkillers.
Higher Cost than Temporary Solutions
The procedure is more expensive than using:
- Minoxidil
- Topical stimulation
- Creams
  However, it provides permanent and natural results, which justifies the cost.
Risk of Some Follicles Not Growing
5-10% of the follicles may not grow.
The density might be lower than expected.
This can be addressed with a simple supplementary session.
Potential Small Scars in the Donor Area
Scarring is more likely with FUT or if the extraction is not well-distributed.
In FUE and DHI, the scars are small, dot-like, and not noticeable.
Need to Follow Post-Procedure Instructions
To ensure the success of the transplantation, you must:
- Avoid touching the face in the first few days
- Not shave the beard for a month
- Avoid sun exposure
- Sleep on your back for the first two days
- Avoid strenuous exercises for two weeks
Possible Mild Inflammation with Neglect
This can occur if:
- The area is touched with dirty hands
- Scratching occurs
- Instructions are not followed
  In most cases, it can be treated with a simple antibiotic.
Uneven Shape with an Unskilled Doctor
Problems may arise like:

Directional inconsistency of hair
Unnatural lines
Uneven density
These issues usually occur in subpar or non-specialized clinics.

The Procedure May Not Be Suitable for Everyone
If the donor area is very weak, there are active skin diseases, or deep scars, the procedure might not be appropriate.
Therefore, a thorough assessment before the procedure is essential.

What to Do Before Beard and Mustache Transplantation?

Undergo Basic Tests and Examinations
The doctor will ask for simple tests to ensure your safety:
- Complete blood count
- Blood clotting tests (PT – PTT)
- Fasting blood sugar test
- Liver function tests (if necessary)
  These tests ensure that there are no contraindications for the procedure.
Stop Blood-Thinning Medications
5–7 days before the procedure, stop any blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin.
Inform your doctor if you are on blood pressure or diabetes medications to adjust the dosage.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
48–72 hours before the procedure, you must:
- Avoid smoking or any nicotine products
- Avoid alcohol
  Smoking and alcohol reduce blood circulation to the follicles and affect the success of the procedure.
Avoid Minoxidil Use
If you are using minoxidil for your beard, stop using it 5 days before the procedure as it may cause irritation or redness during the transplant.
Wash Your Face Well on the Day of the Procedure
Wash your face thoroughly before going to the clinic.
Do not use creams, perfumes, oils, or serums on your beard area.
Clean skin is essential for the success of the transplantation.
Have a Light Breakfast Before the Procedure
Avoid going to the procedure on an empty stomach.
Have a simple breakfast like: cheese, egg, bread, or juice.
This will help you endure the 3–6 hours of the session.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
It is recommended to wear a t-shirt or buttoned shirt to avoid touching the transplanted area when removing clothes after the procedure.
Avoid Cutting or Shaving Your Beard Before the Procedure
Do not shave or trim your beard before the procedure so that the doctor can evaluate the hair direction, gap areas, and donor area density.
Inform the Doctor About Any Health Conditions or Medications
Tell your doctor if you have:
- Allergies to anesthetics
- Skin diseases
- High blood pressure or diabetes
- Blood clotting issues
- Previous surgeries
  This helps the doctor choose the best technique and determine the number of grafts needed.
Prepare for a Rest Period After the Procedure
After the procedure, you will need two days of rest.
You may need assistance with transportation.
Make sure to plan your day for relaxation and recovery.

When Does the Final Result Appear After Beard and Mustache Transplantation?

Day of the Procedure (Day 0)

The transplanted area will appear red with small graft points.
You will likely wear a light bandage or the area will be covered for a short period.

First 48 Hours

Rest is essential and keep your head elevated while sleeping.
Avoid touching the transplanted area.
Swelling and redness will be at their peak during these two days.

3–7 Days

Small scabs will appear around the follicles.
Swelling will begin to gradually subside.
Pain will be mild, and painkillers and antiseptics may be used according to the doctor's instructions.

2–6 Weeks — Shedding Phase (Shock Loss)

Most of the transplanted hair (about 60–90%) will fall out. This is completely normal.
The follicles will settle under the skin and begin a new growth cycle.
Your face may appear slightly sparse, but this is temporary.

1–3 Months — Slow Growth Begins

Initially, only a small amount of hair will be visible, and some people may not notice much difference.
By the third month, some follicles will start growing thin hairs that will gradually transform into the final hair.
Growth by the end of month 3: approximately 5–15% of the final density.

4–6 Months — Noticeable Growth

By month 4, you will begin noticing thicker and more visible hair.
By month 6, 30–60% of the final result will likely be visible.
The beard will start taking shape, but the density and length may still vary.

7–9 Months — Significant Improvement

The transplanted hair will increase in density and start looking more natural.
By the end of month 9, the result will generally be 70–90% of the final outcome.
You can start shaving or trimming based on the doctor's advice.

9–12 Months — Final Result Generally Appears

The hair will appear with its natural thickness and evenly distributed.
The final density and texture will usually become clear during this period.
If there are still gaps or lower density than expected, the doctor will evaluate the need for a touch-up session.

12–18 Months — Final Enhancement (In Some Cases)

In some cases, especially if the hair is coarse or if the transplant technique needs more time to mature, slight improvements may continue until 18 months.
Most people consider the final result to appear between 9–12 months.

What to Do After Beard and Mustache Transplantation?

Do Not Touch or Scrub the Transplanted Area During the First 48 Hours
- Absolutely avoid touching the transplanted hair.
- Do not scratch or remove the scabs with your hands.
- The follicles are at their weakest during the first few days.
Sleep with Your Head Elevated for 2–3 Days
- Use two pillows to elevate your head at a 45° angle while sleeping.
- This reduces swelling, congestion, and helps with faster healing.
Avoid Water and Soap on the Transplanted Area for the First 24 Hours
- Do not wash the transplanted area on the first day.
- Starting on day two, use a gentle cleanser as directed by your doctor with a special shampoo or foam.
Follow the Prescribed Medications
- The doctor will likely prescribe:
  - An antibiotic
  - Pain relievers
  - A moisturizing spray post-transplant
- It is essential to follow the medication regimen to avoid infections.
Avoid Direct Sunlight for Two Weeks
- Sun exposure may cause redness, inflammation, or darkening of the skin.
- Wear a hat if you need to go outside.
Avoid Intense Exercise for One Week
- Especially:
  - Gym or weightlifting
  - Sauna
  - Running
- Sweat and heat can affect follicle fixation.
Avoid Smoking and Shisha for 3–5 Days
- Nicotine reduces blood flow to the follicles, which can decrease the success rate of the transplant.
Do Not Scrub the Beard or Peel Scabs
- Scabs will naturally fall off within 7–10 days.
- Avoid touching them to protect the transplanted follicles.
Do Not Shave the Beard for a Month
- Early shaving can dislodge the transplanted hair.
- After 30 days, you may use an electric razor, and a blade razor after 6 weeks, as per the doctor’s advice.
Mild Swelling is Normal