Beard Transplant in Turkey: Candidates, Grafts, Recovery and Results
Last updated: November 7, 2026 · By the Editorial Team · Editorial guide, not sponsored
Short answer: A beard transplant moves hair follicles, usually from the back of the scalp, into the beard, moustache, goatee or sideburns. Swelling and bruising usually settle in about a week. The transplanted hairs then shed, new growth starts at around three to four months, and the overall result is seen at 10 to 14 months. A single area may need a few hundred grafts, while low density across the whole beard can take 2,000 or more.
This guide summarizes guidance from the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and a peer-reviewed review in the Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. Facial hair procedures made up 5% of procedures in men performed by ISHRS members, according to the society’s 2025 practice census. It is general information, not a review of any clinic.
Beard transplant at a glance
| Topic | What published guidance says |
|---|---|
| Usual donor area | The back of the scalp; hair from under the jaw is an option in some cases |
| Grafts | From about 200 per side for sideburns to 2,000–2,500 for low density across the beard, in one published series |
| Swelling and bruising | Usually resolve in about a week |
| Shaving | Allowed from about day 8 in one published protocol |
| New growth | Transplanted hairs shed, then new hairs grow from about three to four months |
| Overall result | About 10–14 months |
| Further sessions | Sometimes needed to reach the desired density |
Sources: ISHRS beard and mustache transplant guide; Dua et al., Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 2021.
How a beard transplant works
The surgeon agrees on the shape of the beard with you, takes follicular units from the donor area and places them one at a time into small incisions in the skin of the face. The angle and direction of each graft matter: incorrect placement and poor hair direction are among the complications described in the published guidance.
According to the ISHRS, the usual donor is the safe area at the back of the scalp, and hair from under the jaw can also be used. A 2021 review in the Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery notes that hair from the middle of the back of the scalp is similar in thickness to beard hair.
The ISHRS describes donor hair as an unrenewable resource. If you may want a scalp hair transplant in the future, ask how many grafts each procedure would use before you decide.
Who is a candidate for a beard transplant?
The ISHRS describes beard transplants for people with:
- Naturally low beard density, including patchy or sparse facial hair
- Scars from burns or accidents
- Scars from acne
The number of grafts depends on your expectations, the size of your face, the design and how much donor hair you have. The IJPS review recommends taking a detailed medical history before surgery.
How many grafts does a beard transplant need?
| Area | Typical grafts in one published series |
|---|---|
| Moustache | 300–400 per side |
| Goatee | 600–700 |
| Moustache and goatee | About 1,000–1,100 |
| Sideburns | About 200 per side |
| Low density across the whole beard | 2,000–2,500 |
Source: Dua, Verma and Dua, Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 2021. Your own plan may differ.
Before surgery
- The ISHRS advises stopping minoxidil on the area to be treated before surgery. Ask your surgeon when to stop.
- If you already have some beard, the ISHRS suggests trimming it to about 3–5 mm so the surgeon can see the gaps.
- Share your full medical history and the medications you take.
- Agree on the design and the planned number of grafts in writing.
Recovery after a beard transplant
| When | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Days 0–2 | A soft diet is often advised. Redness usually lasts two to three days. |
| First 5 days | The treated area is kept moist, as your surgeon instructs. |
| About 1 week | Swelling and bruising usually resolve. |
| From about day 8 | Shaving is usually allowed again. |
| Following weeks | The transplanted hairs shed. This is expected. |
| 3–4 months | New hairs start to grow. |
| 10–14 months | The overall result is visible. |
Sources: Dua et al., Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 2021; ISHRS beard and mustache transplant guide. Always follow your own surgeon’s instructions.
The donor area on the scalp heals in the same way as after a scalp transplant. Our hair transplant recovery guide covers general aftercare, washing and flying home.
Possible side effects and complications
Published guidance describes the following:
- Small bumps at the graft sites, sometimes called cobblestoning
- Darker patches of skin after inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- Grafts placed at the wrong angle or in the wrong direction
- Redness, minor bleeding and, rarely, inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis)
- Lighter spots in the donor area (hypopigmentation)
- Temporary weakness of facial muscles, described in the IJPS review
Ask your surgeon how they reduce these risks and what happens if a touch-up is needed. The ISHRS notes that a second or third procedure is sometimes needed.
How much does a beard transplant cost in Turkey?
Our price set covers scalp hair transplant packages only, so we do not publish beard prices. Beard prices usually depend on the number of grafts, the areas treated and whether the procedure is combined with a scalp transplant. Ask for a written quote that lists all three and what the package includes. For scalp packages, see our Turkey hair transplant cost guide.
Choosing a clinic in Turkey
The same steps apply as for a scalp transplant. Check who examines you, who designs the beard, who places the grafts and how follow-up works after you return home. Our guides on how to choose a hair transplant clinic in Turkey and hair transplant safety in Turkey explain what to check.
Questions to ask before a beard transplant
- How many grafts do you plan for each area?
- Will the grafts come from the back of my scalp, from under the jaw, or both?
- How will the design suit my face?
- How will this affect my donor supply if I want a scalp transplant later?
- Who designs the beard, and who places the grafts?
- What aftercare do you provide, and when can I shave?
- What happens if the density is lower than I expected?
Frequently asked questions
How long does a beard transplant take to grow?
The transplanted hairs usually shed in the weeks after surgery. New hairs start to grow at around three to four months, and the ISHRS says the overall result is seen at 10 to 14 months.
How many grafts do I need for a beard transplant?
It depends on the areas treated, the design, your expectations and your donor supply. One published series used about 300–400 grafts per side for a moustache, 600–700 for a goatee and 2,000–2,500 for low density across the whole beard.
Where do the grafts for a beard transplant come from?
Usually from the back of the scalp, in what surgeons call the safe donor area. The ISHRS notes that hair from under the jaw can also be used in some cases.
When can I shave after a beard transplant?
In one published protocol, shaving was allowed from about day 8. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe for you.
Will I need more than one beard transplant session?
Sometimes. The ISHRS notes that a second or third procedure is sometimes needed to reach the density a patient wants.
How much does a beard transplant cost in Turkey?
Our price set covers scalp hair transplant packages only, so we do not publish beard prices. Ask for a written quote that lists the number of grafts, the areas treated and what the package includes.
Related guides
Read our hair transplant recovery guide, compare the FUE and DHI techniques, or see our guides to eyebrow transplants and female hair transplants in Turkey.
Sources
- ISHRS: beard and mustache transplant (updated 2024)
- Dua K, Verma V, Dua A. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery 2021;54(4):483–488 (beard and moustache transplantation)
- ISHRS: 2025 Practice Census Results (2025)
This guide is for information only and is not medical advice. Always follow the advice of the doctor who examines you. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will check it.