A beard transplant moves hair from the back of the scalp to the face to fill patchy areas, define the cheek line, or create a full beard where little grows. It has become one of the most requested procedures in Istanbul’s hair clinics. The technique is similar to a scalp transplant, but design and graft placement are, if anything, even more important because facial hair is seen up close.
Who is a good candidate?
- Men with patchy or thin beards due to genetics
- People with scars in the beard area from injury, surgery or acne (results in scar tissue can be less predictable)
- Anyone wanting a more defined cheek line, moustache or goatee
You need a good donor area on the scalp. If you also expect to need a scalp transplant later, plan the donor use for both.
How it is done
Grafts are extracted from the back of the scalp by FUE, usually choosing single and double-hair grafts that match facial hair. They are implanted with fine blades or DHI pens at a very low angle and in the direction facial hair grows, which changes across the cheeks, jaw and neck. The procedure takes most of a day under local anaesthesia.
Typical graft numbers
| Area | Commonly quoted grafts |
|---|---|
| Moustache | about 300–600 |
| Goatee | about 500–1,000 |
| Sideburns (each) | about 150–300 |
| Cheeks (both) | about 1,000–2,000 |
| Full beard | about 2,500–4,000 |
Recovery
- Small crusts form around each graft and fall off within 7–10 days.
- Avoid shaving for about 10 days and use only scissors or a trimmer until the clinic says otherwise.
- Redness and mild swelling settle within days to weeks.
- Transplanted hairs usually shed in weeks 2–4; regrowth starts around month 3, with the final result at 8–12 months.
Cost in Turkey
Beard transplants in Istanbul are commonly priced in the range of about €1,500–€3,500 depending on graft number and clinic, often as a package with hotel and transfers. See our cost guide for what packages include.
Things to discuss
- Design: how far up the cheeks and how low on the neck? A natural beard line suits your face shape.
- Density: do you want a full or a stubble look?
- Hair match: scalp hair may be slightly finer or a different colour than beard hair.
- Who performs the incisions and implantation.
Frequently asked questions
Will the transplanted beard grow like a normal beard?
Yes, it grows and can be shaved like normal beard hair, although texture may be slightly different from your native beard.
Can I combine beard and scalp transplants?
Sometimes, but it reduces grafts available for each. Many clinics do them separately.
Can I use beard hair for my scalp instead?
Yes, beard hair is a useful supplementary donor for the scalp in some cases. See graft estimates.
This article is general information, not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.
