Post-Operative Expectations Following a Beard Transplant: A Medical Review

A beard transplant can deliver strong cosmetic and psychological benefits for men with sparse or uneven facial hair. At My Hair UK, we perform beard transplants using Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), a technique that allows for precise graft placement and natural results. While the day of the procedure itself is straightforward and well-tolerated under local anaesthesia, the healing and regrowth process is gradual and unfolds in distinct phases over the weeks and months that follow.

In the first 24 hours, patients can expect minor oozing from both the donor and recipient sites. This is controlled with gentle pressure and routine post-operative cleaning. Scab formation begins within the first 48 hours. These crusts serve a protective function during the early stages of wound healing. We advise patients to avoid washing the area directly for the first two days. From day three, you may begin a gentle cleansing protocol using sterile saline or diluted shampoo. The crusts typically shed between day 7 and 10.

Mild facial swelling can occur during this period, particularly in the lower cheeks and jawline. It peaks around day two or three and resolves by the end of the first week. While corticosteroids are not routinely prescribed, in some cases we administer a short tapering course if swelling compromises function or aesthetics. Patients should sleep with their head elevated for the first few nights to reduce oedema.

Around week two, the implanted hairs will begin to shed—a phenomenon known as telogen effluvium or “shock loss.” This shedding is normal and expected. The follicle remains intact beneath the skin and enters a dormant telogen phase before returning to the growth (anagen) phase. Most follicles begin producing new visible hairs between weeks 10 and 16, but timelines vary depending on genetics, graft quality, and adherence to post-op instructions.

The donor site—usually the occipital scalp—is typically healed by the end of week two, although some patients with sensitive skin may experience low-level paraesthesia or itchiness. These symptoms are self-limiting and tend to resolve within a month. We advise avoiding any haircuts that expose the donor zone until the punctate scars have faded.

Between months three and six, patients will notice early signs of regrowth. These hairs may emerge thin and discoloured initially. Over time, they thicken and darken to match the characteristics of your native beard. Unlike scalp hair, beard hair has a more variable growth cycle and often responds differently to regional blood supply and hormone sensitivity. This means that regrowth can occur unevenly at first. Some areas fill in rapidly, while others may lag by several weeks.

Patients should not panic if the density appears low at the four-month mark. Beard follicles tend to grow more slowly than scalp follicles, and some may not produce visible hair until month six or seven. A clinical report published in the Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America found that full beard density after FUE was achieved in most patients by the ninth month, with only minor improvements beyond 12 months. This slow maturation is expected and does not reflect graft failure.

At My Hair UK, we charge a fixed fee of £2,899 for a beard transplant, regardless of graft number, provided the procedure is completed in a single session. This transparent pricing model simplifies decision-making and eliminates uncertainty. Most patients require between 1,000 and 2,500 grafts depending on their baseline density and aesthetic goals. Common areas addressed include the cheeks, sideburns, chin, and moustache region. If a secondary procedure is required to improve density or symmetry, it is typically performed after 12 months.

Shaving can resume around week three, using a guarded electric trimmer at first. Wet shaving should be avoided until week six to prevent dislodging any late-settling grafts. From month three onward, you may begin shaping the beard with standard grooming tools, but aggressive styling or chemical products should still be avoided until the one-year mark.

Infection risk is low when sterile technique is maintained and aftercare is followed. We prescribe a 5-day course of oral antibiotics and recommend applying a topical antiseptic cream to the grafted area during the first week. The incidence of folliculitis or ingrown hairs post-transplant is approximately 2–5%, according to a review in Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, and can be managed with warm compresses or short antibiotic courses.

At the one-year review, we assess graft survival, distribution, and cosmetic outcome. Satisfaction rates are high, particularly in men who previously struggled with patchy or uneven facial hair. The psychological benefit of a well-defined beard can be substantial, particularly for men in professions or cultures where facial hair conveys maturity or identity. This change is not purely cosmetic—it can positively influence self-esteem and social confidence, though expectations must remain realistic throughout the journey.

Your results depend not only on the surgical technique but also on your willingness to follow medical advice in the weeks and months before and after the procedure. Beard transplantation is not an instant fix; it’s a process that unfolds gradually and requires patience. The long-term success lies in how the transplanted follicles adapt to their new environment, how consistently you adhere to aftercare instructions, and whether you’re prepared to wait for the full maturation of your new facial hair.