A beard transplant is a surgical procedure that involves the redistribution of hair follicles, typically from the scalp, to the facial region. At My Hair Clinics in London and Manchester, we see an increasing number of men opting for this treatment due to patchy beard growth, scarring, or genetic absence of facial hair. Medically, this procedure requires precision and careful planning to ensure a natural appearance and long-term survival of the grafts. The technique used at our clinics is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), which is a minimally invasive method involving the harvesting of individual follicular units under magnification.

FUE differs significantly from older techniques, not least in the handling of the donor area. Donor follicles are usually taken from the occipital scalp region, where hair is most resistant to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These follicles are then implanted into the beard area following a carefully designed facial hair pattern. Density and direction are key factors here. Facial hair naturally grows at a sharper angle compared to scalp hair. Our team uses fine punches—often in the range of 0.7 to 0.9 mm—to extract grafts, reducing transection and preserving graft integrity.

Pre-operative assessment is essential. We take a full medical history and assess androgenic alopecia patterns, autoimmune status, and any signs of dermatological conditions such as folliculitis decalvans, which would contraindicate surgery. Laboratory investigations, though not always necessary, may include thyroid function tests, testosterone levels, and iron studies in cases of suspected systemic deficiency. We strongly advise patients to visit their GP prior to the consultation to ensure they are medically fit for surgery.

Intraoperatively, maintaining the viability of grafts is critical. They are stored in isotonic saline or hypothermosol at controlled temperatures to reduce cellular apoptosis. Anaesthesia is local, using lidocaine with epinephrine, allowing the patient to remain conscious while reducing bleeding and prolonging anaesthetic effect. The beard area, unlike the scalp, has limited vascularity, which means graft survival is somewhat less predictable, especially in high-density zones like the goatee and moustache. To support follicle survival, we sometimes apply platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to enhance angiogenesis and early graft anchoring.

The post-operative period requires adherence to strict aftercare instructions. Patients are advised not to touch or wash the transplanted area for at least 48 hours. Redness and swelling are expected and usually resolve within 5–7 days. Full shedding of the transplanted hairs occurs within two weeks, a normal part of the anagen-telogen shift, followed by regrowth over the following 3–6 months. By 12 months, most patients see full maturation of their beard. Complications are rare, but may include folliculitis, cyst formation, or poor graft take if patients smoke or manipulate the area prematurely.

Our fixed cost of £2,899 for beard transplants, regardless of graft number, reflects our commitment to access and transparency. At My Hair Clinics, we believe in making results consistent, natural, and medically sound.