Beard Restoration Consultation

Beard transplants help men with patchy and sparse facial hair to grow a full, natural, and healthy beard that lasts a lifetime. According to studies, beards make men look more mature and masculine and feel more confident. Hair transplant technology now provides men with facial hair options to create a goatee, sideburns, or a full beard. 

A successful beard transplant has many benefits, but it is essential to choose an experienced, board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon to perform the surgery.

A private consultation with an experienced hair transplant specialist is the best way to learn about advanced FUE techniques, which offer exceptional results. 

Choose a Qualified Hair Transplant Specialist

Patients can expect outstanding results if they choose a qualified, board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience to perform their beard transplant Miami procedure. Individuals with a patchy, sparse beard caused by genetics, facial trauma, burns, cleft lip surgery, or other small scars may benefit from beard transplant surgery. Healthy individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle can expect a fast recovery, excellent results, and minimal visible scarring. 

Hair transplant surgery is a complex procedure that must be performed by a trained physician and surgical team to experience the expected results. However, surgical hair restoration is not properly regulated by the US government or the medical community. According to the American Hair Loss Association, licensed physicians can perform hair transplant surgery without accreditation in hair transplant procedures or surgical training. 

Botched hair transplants are common among individuals who travel to have the procedure done at a reduced price in Mexico or Turkey, but the United States also has its share of poorly-performed hair transplants resulting in infection and bad aesthetics. The hair transplantation procedure is pitched to physicians in the U.S. by device manufacturers who do not adequately train the physicians. 

To make matters worse, some of these physicians even have their technicians complete the hair transplantation, instead of performing the procedure themselves. As a result, hair transplant horror stories have become common in the U.S. and abroad.  

Before making a surgical appointment, it is best to research the doctor and the facility they use for surgery. WebMD recommends finding an honest hair restoration surgeon and warns against choosing a doctor based solely on a reduced price. A well-informed consumer experiences the best results, and potential hair transplant patients should navigate reliable sources of information before choosing a doctor. 

The American Hair Loss Association endorses hair transplantation when a qualified physician performs it. There are a handful of extremely skilled surgeons is a routine procedure that is commonly performed with a beard transplant. These surgeons have extensive training, are at the top of their field, use state-of-the-art techniques, and provide outstanding results.

• What method will you use to harvest the hair? Some providers use questionable procedures that are risky. FUE (follicular unit extraction) and FUT (follicular unit transplantation) are very reliable harvesting techniques. FUE is the best option because it involves local anesthesia, small punctures during the removal, and tiny incisions for each implanted hair. 
• Where will the donor area be located? Donor hair is typically removed from the back of the head or sides of the scalp to match different sections of the beard. This hair is naturally more resistant to hair loss. 
• How long will the beard transplant take? The length of the procedure is based on the number of harvested follicles and the size of the beard. Surgery may take up to seven or eight hours. In addition to local anesthesia, the surgeon may provide sedation to help the patient relax during the procedure.
• Am I a good candidate for a beard transplant? A good surgeon will base the candidacy of each patient on the amount of viable and healthy hair in the back of the scalp, in addition to other factors. This donor area is necessary for the transplant. The surgeon will also review the patient’s health history.

In-Person Beard Transplant Consultation

During an in-person private consultation, the beard transplant specialist will ask the patient about their goals and what they don’t like about their current facial hair. They will review the patient’s overall health, discuss current medication, and consider other factors contributing to the patient’s patchy beard. The specialist will also examine the patient’s facial hair and scalp to determine if they have adequate donor hair. 

If the patient qualifies as a facial hair transplant candidate, the surgeon will recommend a personalized treatment plan. He will explain the surgery along with any possible risks and the expected results before scheduling the procedure. When performed by a qualified hair transplant specialist, beard transplant surgery involves only a mild recovery process and complications are rare.

Virtual Beard Transplant Consultation

Virtual online beard transplant consultations are available for patients who cannot make it to the office location due to distance or convenience.

Because beard transplant surgery is a specialized service, many individuals travel from out-of-state to visit a qualified surgeon and complete their initial consultation virtually.

Before the virtual consultation, the patient fills out an online health profile with questions like:

• Are you currently taking Propecia or Rogaine for hair loss?
• Are you taking any other medications?
• Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions?
• Are you a smoker?
• Have you had a previous hair transplant?
• What areas on your face do you want to be treated?
• When are you thinking of scheduling the procedure?
• Can you upload a picture of your facial hair?

The consultation takes place via webcam and is conducted like a regular in-office consultation. The doctor discusses the patient’s goals and explains his recommendations in the comfort of the patient’s home or office. FaceTime and Zoom are the most common platforms for virtual consultations, but other options are made available.

The virtual consultation is an excellent opportunity for long-distance patients to speak with an exceptional doctor. If the doctor finds them to be a good beard transplant candidate, they will then follow up with additional communication, including pre-procedure labs and mailed-in forms, before scheduling the procedure. 

Ideal Beard Restoration Candidates

A beard transplant is considered a cosmetic procedure and, as such, the surgical process and medications are usually not covered by health insurance.

Men typically feel more confident and empowered after beard transplant surgery. 

A successful beard transplant has many benefits for people undergoing this procedure, but it is essential to choose an experienced, board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon to perform the surgery.

The hair located at the back of the scalp is generally the most beneficial for beard transplants. In some cases, the doctor may also harvest hair from under the chin, the sides of the scalp, or another location.

The transplant specialist examines the patient’s scalp and hair during a private consultation to determine if the hair is healthy and dense enough to provide the needed number of healthy hair follicles. To qualify as an ideal beard transplant candidate, patients must:

• Desire thicker, fuller facial hair
• Have between 2,000 to 2,500 viable hair follicles in the donor area.
• Experience only small areas of facial scars or burns.
• Have realistic expectations.
• Be in good general health.
• Be committed to following all of the pre- and post-surgical instructions.

Beard transplant technology offers men natural-looking facial hair restoration and a fuller beard, regardless of ethnicity and gender, including European, Asian, African-American, and transgender (FTM) individuals. The surgeon will provide pre- and post-operative instructions during the consultation. A qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon significantly reduces restoration risks like infection and scarring while ensuring superior results.

Out-of-State Beard Transplant 

Patients often travel by plane to have their beard transplant procedure completed by a hair transplant specialist. The patient meets the surgeon during a virtual consultation. If he qualifies as a candidate for beard transplant surgery, the office will discuss the cost and details of the surgery and schedule the procedure. 

The surgeon’s office provides the patient with hotel recommendations, directions, and points of interest in the area. The patient arrives the day before the surgery for an in-person consultation and a detailed physical. The surgeon performs the outpatient procedure the next day.

Out-of-state patients usually remain in the area for one week to 10 days after the surgery. The patient returns to the office the day after surgery for a follow-up appointment, and he will schedule an additional visit at that time. The patient flies home with aftercare instructions and instructions to contact the office at any time for assistance. 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Beard Transplantation?

Potential side effects of beard transplantation can include swelling and bruising in the transplant area. It is also possible to experience infections, itching, or pain during the healing process. In rare cases, scarring or numbness may occur as well. Consulting with a qualified professional is vital to understanding and managing these potential risks.

Customized Beard Restoration Treatment Plan

Patchy or thin facial hair can occur for different reasons, but the most common is genetics. Other causes for a lack of facial hair in men may include:

• Laser hair removal
• Previous surgery like cleft lip repair or a facelift
• Acne scars
• Burns
• Gender affirmation female-to-male (FTM)

The surgeon selects a donor area for the patient (usually in the back of the scalp), removes grafts, and relocates them to the beard. Each transplanted hair is used to strategically fill missing and thin areas in the sideburns, beard, mustache, cheeks, and chin. The transplanted hairs are carefully positioned to match the color and natural growth pattern of the existing beard.

The surgeon creates a treatment plan based on the patient’s needs and expectations. Each procedure matches the individual’s goals, which may range from filling small, isolated patches to creating sideburns, a full goatee, or a beard. FTM gender-affirmation patients experience a more masculine appearance after facial hair transplant surgery.

Insurance and Payment Plans for Facial Hair Transplant

 A beard transplant is considered a cosmetic procedure and, as such, is usually not covered by health insurance. However, medical insurance may cover a beard transplant used to conceal scarring caused by traumatic injury. The plastic surgeon will discuss insurance coverage and payment options during the consultation.

A board-certified surgeon will discuss the price of the surgery and beard restoration payment options based on credit approval during the consultation. CareCredit provides special financing for out-of-pocket medical expenses, including no-interest on six-month, 12-month, 18-month, and 24-month loans for purchases over $200 when the payments are made on time and completed before the end of the promotion.

What Surgical Techniques are Used for Beard Implants?

When it comes to beard transplants, there are various surgical options for beard transplants available today. These techniques involve harvesting hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting them to the beard region. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) are two commonly used methods. Ultimately, the choice of technique depends on individual preferences and the surgeon’s expertise.

Beard Transplant Benefits and Risks

Beard restoration provides patients with permanent results using hair taken from the base of the scalp or sides of the head, typically using FUE technology to transport client hair to the cheeks, mustache, sideburns, and beard. The plastic surgeon strategically transplants each strand to provide fullness, fill in patchy areas, redefine the shape, or conceal scars. When the procedure is performed by a board-certified surgeon and hair transplant specialist the side effects are typically mild and risks are significantly reduced.

Number of Beard Transplant Grafts 

The surgeon determines the number of grafts from the goals of the patient’s personalized treatment plan. They will remove hair follicles and relocate them to areas where there are scars, no hair, thin hair, or the patient wants more definition. FUE technology is the best option for facial hair transplants because it allows the surgeon to place each strand strategically and even provides excellent results for men with prior scarring.

Most patients experience the desired results after one procedure. However, the patient may request a second procedure for greater density or to extend the area. The number of grafts depends on several factors, including the size of the area, how many hairs are already present, the patient’s goals, and the thickness of the transplanted hairs. 

General Rules Applying to Number of Grafts 

• Mustache: 350 up to 500 grafts 
• Full goatee: 700 to 1200 grafts 
• Per sideburn: 200 to 300 grafts 
• Per cheek: 500 to 900 grafts

Grafts in Relation to Younger Patients

Younger patients who are at risk for developing male pattern hair loss must understand that the hair transplanted into the beard will not be available in the future if they desire to have a transplant to their scalp. The surgeon will explain this further during the consultation, but each individual has approximately 6,500 to 7,500 grafts (equivalent to 14,000 to 16,000 hairs) available for transplanting during a lifetime. If 2,000 grafts are used for the beard transplant, there will be 4500 to 5500 grafts remaining for future use in the scalp.

Selection of Donor Area for a Beard Transplant

The plastic surgeon must pay attention to detail to ensure that the transplanted hair matches the beard. Donor hair is usually transplanted from the back of the head for the goatee, mustache, and central cheeks, while hair is taken from the sides of the head for the posterior cheek region and the sideburns. The transplanted hair is permanent, grows like normal hair, and can be trimmed and shaved as desired.

Beard transplant surgery is usually possible even if the patient is experiencing male pattern baldness caused by genetics or age because the preferred donor area is located in the back of the head, where the hair is thickest and is typically unaffected by hair loss. If the surgeon finds the patient has an inadequate amount of healthy donor hair follicles, he might be able to recommend nonsurgical beard restoration options.   

Hair Transplant Techniques: FUE Vs. FUT 

Two approaches are available to the surgeon, follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). FUE technology is typically the hair specialist’s first choice, but they sometimes recommend FUT. Both processes involve removing approximately 2,000 to 5,000 hair follicles from the dense hair at the base of the scalp, usually level with the ears or a bit lower, and transplanting them to fill in a beard. 

FUE removes individual follicles, and FUT extracts a strip of follicles. The density of the hair located in the donor area is a significant factor in determining the number of hairs that can be safely harvested and transplanted to the beard. FUE technology is the preferred treatment in most cases because it allows the doctor to seamlessly remove follicles from an area with dense hair and artfully relocate it to fill a patchy beard, sideburns, mustache, and other regions like the eyebrows. 

FUT involves a linear scar, while FUE extractions are minor and heal quickly without needing stitches. With FUE, the extracted hair is carefully placed at a realistic angle to match the natural hair growth pattern. Patients can resume their normal daily activities following a brief period of recovery, and new healthy hair starts to appear within three to four months after a successful FUE beard transplant. 

Beard Transplant Procedure

The surgeon will explain the customized design during the consultation, including the selected donor area, the number of grafts, the treatment area, the expected results, and the recovery process. The beard transplant procedure is similar to a hair transplant. The surgeon performs the procedure at an accredited facility as an outpatient treatment. 

The patient may choose to have an oral sedative to decrease any nervousness. Before the procedure begins, the surgeon marks the beard design with the patient in front of a mirror. The donor area will have already been selected during the consultation based on the hair color and texture to achieve natural-looking results.  

Depending on the number of grafts needed, the hair in the donor area may be clipper cut. The surgeon then prepares the grafts and positions each strand at the proper angle to blend seamlessly with existing hair in the beard. The surgeon may transplant follicles to the mustache or sideburns to enhance the thickness and fullness, and in some cases, a hybrid beard transplant may be used combining FUE and FUT to get the desired results. 

The procedure is completed in approximately two to five hours, depending on the number of hairs transplanted. Because the individual follicular units are removed one at a time, most patients report minimal post-surgical pain and discomfort but are encouraged to contact the doctor if they need pain medicine. The patient receives thorough aftercare instructions from the surgeon and will return for a follow-up appointment the next day. 

Beard Transplant Recovery 

The hair transplant specialist explains the recovery process during the consultation and provides the patient with aftercare instructions. It’s very important that the patient follow all aftercare instructions to achieve outstanding results and to prevent complications. Patients typically experience minor swelling and some side effects but most return to work and non-vigorous activities the following day.

The patient must keep his face dry for the first five days to allow the grafts to be correctly set. The transplanted follicle units will begin to fall out during the early stages of the recovery process and re-growth usually starts in four to six months. Pinkness is common, especially for fair complexions, and it usually resolves in a few weeks. 

Topical antibiotic ointment is prescribed by the doctor, and patients are shown how to wet their face after five days using soap and water to begin removing the healing crust. Patients may shave when the surgeon indicates it is safe to do so. Shaving before the doctor approves can cause the grafts to become dislodged or grow in the wrong direction.

The transplanted hair is treated like all other facial hair and can be grown out or shaved when the board-certified surgeon approved shaving, typically after ten days. During the consultation, the surgeon will likely provide photos from other patients to explain the recovery process and the anticipated expectations. 

Personal Care Surgery Instructions after a Beard Restoration

Beard Transplant Pre-Surgery Instructions

Patients who have questions or concerns about the procedure should ask them at the consultation or contact the doctor’s office at any time. The staff will happily provide answers to any questions about the upcoming surgery. The following instructions may be modified or added to by the surgeon. 

• Arrive 15 minutes early for the appointment. 
• Shower and wash hair on the morning of the procedure.
• Enjoy a light breakfast.
• Avoid alcohol for two weeks before the procedure.
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and Motrin 10 days before the procedure.
• Avoid power drinks, multivitamins, and power bars 10 days before the surgery.
• Wear an oversized clean T-shirt and bring a button-down shirt to wear home.
• Avoid heavy exercise, weightlifting, running, and jogging before the procedure.
• Have all blood work completed prior to the procedure
• Take your regular daily medication unless advised by the doctor otherwise.
• If required to have a medical clearance by your general physician, bring this to the appointment.

Patients should not use aspirin or similar products because it can thin the blood and increase bruising. Hair transplant is a minor procedure. The patient is awake the entire time, and eating before the process will ensure they are comfortable.

Beard Transplant Post-Surgery Instructions

The beard transplant specialist will provide the patient with post-care instructions. Optimal results are based on the patient’s adherence to the after-care instructions. 

• Do not apply ice to the facial area.
• The doctor may provide postoperative medications to prevent a skin infection, reduce swelling, minimize pain. Take medicine as prescribed.
• Apply antibiotic ointment as instructed along the donor area to prevent minor infections.
• Leave the treated area dry for 5 days.
• After 5 days, wash the grafts twice daily gently using a slight patting motion as per the doctor’s instructions.
• After seven days, you may wash your face normally and lightly rub to remove the crusts.
•  Patients may shower while avoiding their scalp or face until day seven after the procedure.
• The donor area must be kept dry for 24 hours, and the patient should avoid exposing the scars to direct sunlight for six months.
• Avoid sun exposure, swimming, hot tubs, and saunas for three to four weeks.
• Avoid physical exercise that induces sweating until approved by the doctor.
• Small scabs will form the day after the procedure around the transplanted hair follicles. The scabs and facial redness typically resolve in around three weeks. The short hairs will naturally fall off with the scab, and new hairs will begin to grow in 3 to 6 weeks. 
• Mild tightness and tenderness are expected in the transplanted area, and the doctor will prescribe pain medication if requested.
• Red spotting is customary in the recipient or donor areas for the first 24 hours.
• Sleep in a semi-upright position to reduce postoperative swelling.
• Avoid bending, lifting, or straining for at least seven days.
• Do not rub, scratch, or touch the harvested or implanted areas.
• Swelling will gradually dissipate; use Arnica Montana 30X as directed to reduce swelling. 
• May apply ice to the donor area to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.
• Can expect itching due to dryness as the hair grows in. Use any serum provided by the surgeon twice daily beginning on day four to maintain moisture to the skin and soften the scabs.

Beard Restoration Results 

Frequently Asked Questions about Beard Restoration

Why Choose Hair Transplant Specialist Dr. Bared in Miami, FL

Dr. Anthony Bared, MD, F.A.C.S. is one of the best hair and beard transplant specialists in the United States and is a highly regarded Miami facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. While many doctors providing hair transplant services are under-qualified and cut corners and offer low-quality work, Dr. Bared is dedicated to his patients and offers premium work based on honesty, trust, and open communication.

Dr. Bared serves men of every race and nationality, gender, and background who desire a fuller beard, including female-to-male transgender men who prefer a more masculine appearance. He also performs high-quality hair transplants and cosmetic surgery for men and women. Dr. Bared serves patients at beautiful and modern facilities in Miami, Florida. 

Dr. Bared serves many traveling patients who recognize the importance of having a highly-skilled facial plastic surgeon perform their beard transplant surgery. He is an experienced surgeon with many qualifications, some of which include:

• Board-certified facial plastic surgeon
• Board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT specialist)
• Advanced beard and hair transplant specialist
• Skilled in creating beautiful beard transplant results using FUE
• Personalized treatment plans matching his patients’ goals
• Has performed over 1,000 facial hair transplants procedures
• Modern facility using the latest technology 
• Rated 5-stars by former patients
• 90% survival rate on each transplanted hair
• Outstanding patient reviews

Request a Miami Beard Transplant Consultation

If you would like to cover patchy or thin areas, burns, or acne scars in your beard, call 305-666-1774 or visit Facial Plastic Surgery Miami to set up an appointment with leading hair transplant specialist Dr. Bared, MD, located in Miami, FL.

Potential side effects of beard transplantation can include swelling and bruising in the transplant area. It is also possible to experience infections, itching, or pain during the healing process. In rare cases, scarring or numbness may occur as well. Consulting with a qualified professional is vital to understanding and managing these potential risks.

Customized Beard Restoration Treatment Plan

Patchy or thin facial hair can occur for different reasons, but the most common is genetics. Other causes for a lack of facial hair in men may include:

• Laser hair removal
• Previous surgery like cleft lip repair or a facelift
• Acne scars
• Burns
• Gender affirmation female-to-male (FTM)

The surgeon selects a donor area for the patient (usually in the back of the scalp), removes grafts, and relocates them to the beard. Each transplanted hair is used to strategically fill missing and thin areas in the sideburns, beard, mustache, cheeks, and chin. The transplanted hairs are carefully positioned to match the color and natural growth pattern of the existing beard.

The surgeon creates a treatment plan based on the patient’s needs and expectations. Each procedure matches the individual’s goals, which may range from filling small, isolated patches to creating sideburns, a full goatee, or a beard. FTM gender-affirmation patients experience a more masculine appearance after facial hair transplant surgery.

Insurance and Payment Plans for Facial Hair Transplant

 A beard transplant is considered a cosmetic procedure and, as such, is usually not covered by health insurance. However, medical insurance may cover a beard transplant used to conceal scarring caused by traumatic injury. The plastic surgeon will discuss insurance coverage and payment options during the consultation.

A board-certified surgeon will discuss the price of the surgery and beard restoration payment options based on credit approval during the consultation. CareCredit provides special financing for out-of-pocket medical expenses, including no-interest on six-month, 12-month, 18-month, and 24-month loans for purchases over $200 when the payments are made on time and completed before the end of the promotion.

What Surgical Techniques are Used for Beard Implants?

When it comes to beard transplants, there are various surgical options for beard transplants available today. These techniques involve harvesting hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting them to the beard region. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) are two commonly used methods. Ultimately, the choice of technique depends on individual preferences and the surgeon’s expertise.

Beard Transplant Benefits and Risks

Beard restoration provides patients with permanent results using hair taken from the base of the scalp or sides of the head, typically using FUE technology to transport client hair to the cheeks, mustache, sideburns, and beard. The plastic surgeon strategically transplants each strand to provide fullness, fill in patchy areas, redefine the shape, or conceal scars. When the procedure is performed by a board-certified surgeon and hair transplant specialist the side effects are typically mild and risks are significantly reduced.

Number of Beard Transplant Grafts 

The surgeon determines the number of grafts from the goals of the patient’s personalized treatment plan. They will remove hair follicles and relocate them to areas where there are scars, no hair, thin hair, or the patient wants more definition. FUE technology is the best option for facial hair transplants because it allows the surgeon to place each strand strategically and even provides excellent results for men with prior scarring.

Most patients experience the desired results after one procedure. However, the patient may request a second procedure for greater density or to extend the area. The number of grafts depends on several factors, including the size of the area, how many hairs are already present, the patient’s goals, and the thickness of the transplanted hairs. 

General Rules Applying to Number of Grafts 

• Mustache: 350 up to 500 grafts 
• Full goatee: 700 to 1200 grafts 
• Per sideburn: 200 to 300 grafts 
• Per cheek: 500 to 900 grafts

Grafts in Relation to Younger Patients

Younger patients who are at risk for developing male pattern hair loss must understand that the hair transplanted into the beard will not be available in the future if they desire to have a transplant to their scalp. The surgeon will explain this further during the consultation, but each individual has approximately 6,500 to 7,500 grafts (equivalent to 14,000 to 16,000 hairs) available for transplanting during a lifetime. If 2,000 grafts are used for the beard transplant, there will be 4500 to 5500 grafts remaining for future use in the scalp.

Selection of Donor Area for a Beard Transplant

The plastic surgeon must pay attention to detail to ensure that the transplanted hair matches the beard. Donor hair is usually transplanted from the back of the head for the goatee, mustache, and central cheeks, while hair is taken from the sides of the head for the posterior cheek region and the sideburns. The transplanted hair is permanent, grows like normal hair, and can be trimmed and shaved as desired.

Beard transplant surgery is usually possible even if the patient is experiencing male pattern baldness caused by genetics or age because the preferred donor area is located in the back of the head, where the hair is thickest and is typically unaffected by hair loss. If the surgeon finds the patient has an inadequate amount of healthy donor hair follicles, he might be able to recommend nonsurgical beard restoration options.   

Hair Transplant Techniques: FUE Vs. FUT 

Two approaches are available to the surgeon, follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). FUE technology is typically the hair specialist’s first choice, but they sometimes recommend FUT. Both processes involve removing approximately 2,000 to 5,000 hair follicles from the dense hair at the base of the scalp, usually level with the ears or a bit lower, and transplanting them to fill in a beard. 

FUE removes individual follicles, and FUT extracts a strip of follicles. The density of the hair located in the donor area is a significant factor in determining the number of hairs that can be safely harvested and transplanted to the beard. FUE technology is the preferred treatment in most cases because it allows the doctor to seamlessly remove follicles from an area with dense hair and artfully relocate it to fill a patchy beard, sideburns, mustache, and other regions like the eyebrows. 

FUT involves a linear scar, while FUE extractions are minor and heal quickly without needing stitches. With FUE, the extracted hair is carefully placed at a realistic angle to match the natural hair growth pattern. Patients can resume their normal daily activities following a brief period of recovery, and new healthy hair starts to appear within three to four months after a successful FUE beard transplant. 

Beard Transplant Procedure

The surgeon will explain the customized design during the consultation, including the selected donor area, the number of grafts, the treatment area, the expected results, and the recovery process. The beard transplant procedure is similar to a hair transplant. The surgeon performs the procedure at an accredited facility as an outpatient treatment. 

The patient may choose to have an oral sedative to decrease any nervousness. Before the procedure begins, the surgeon marks the beard design with the patient in front of a mirror. The donor area will have already been selected during the consultation based on the hair color and texture to achieve natural-looking results.  

Depending on the number of grafts needed, the hair in the donor area may be clipper cut. The surgeon then prepares the grafts and positions each strand at the proper angle to blend seamlessly with existing hair in the beard. The surgeon may transplant follicles to the mustache or sideburns to enhance the thickness and fullness, and in some cases, a hybrid beard transplant may be used combining FUE and FUT to get the desired results. 

The procedure is completed in approximately two to five hours, depending on the number of hairs transplanted. Because the individual follicular units are removed one at a time, most patients report minimal post-surgical pain and discomfort but are encouraged to contact the doctor if they need pain medicine. The patient receives thorough aftercare instructions from the surgeon and will return for a follow-up appointment the next day. 

Beard Transplant Recovery 

The hair transplant specialist explains the recovery process during the consultation and provides the patient with aftercare instructions. It’s very important that the patient follow all aftercare instructions to achieve outstanding results and to prevent complications. Patients typically experience minor swelling and some side effects but most return to work and non-vigorous activities the following day.

The patient must keep his face dry for the first five days to allow the grafts to be correctly set. The transplanted follicle units will begin to fall out during the early stages of the recovery process and re-growth usually starts in four to six months. Pinkness is common, especially for fair complexions, and it usually resolves in a few weeks. 

Topical antibiotic ointment is prescribed by the doctor, and patients are shown how to wet their face after five days using soap and water to begin removing the healing crust. Patients may shave when the surgeon indicates it is safe to do so. Shaving before the doctor approves can cause the grafts to become dislodged or grow in the wrong direction.

The transplanted hair is treated like all other facial hair and can be grown out or shaved when the board-certified surgeon approved shaving, typically after ten days. During the consultation, the surgeon will likely provide photos from other patients to explain the recovery process and the anticipated expectations. 

Personal Care Surgery Instructions after a Beard Restoration

Beard Transplant Pre-Surgery Instructions

Patients who have questions or concerns about the procedure should ask them at the consultation or contact the doctor’s office at any time. The staff will happily provide answers to any questions about the upcoming surgery. The following instructions may be modified or added to by the surgeon. 

• Arrive 15 minutes early for the appointment. 
• Shower and wash hair on the morning of the procedure.
• Enjoy a light breakfast.
• Avoid alcohol for two weeks before the procedure.
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and Motrin 10 days before the procedure.
• Avoid power drinks, multivitamins, and power bars 10 days before the surgery.
• Wear an oversized clean T-shirt and bring a button-down shirt to wear home.
• Avoid heavy exercise, weightlifting, running, and jogging before the procedure.
• Have all blood work completed prior to the procedure
• Take your regular daily medication unless advised by the doctor otherwise.
• If required to have a medical clearance by your general physician, bring this to the appointment.

Patients should not use aspirin or similar products because it can thin the blood and increase bruising. Hair transplant is a minor procedure. The patient is awake the entire time, and eating before the process will ensure they are comfortable.

Beard Transplant Post-Surgery Instructions

The beard transplant specialist will provide the patient with post-care instructions. Optimal results are based on the patient’s adherence to the after-care instructions. 

• Do not apply ice to the facial area.
• The doctor may provide postoperative medications to prevent a skin infection, reduce swelling, minimize pain. Take medicine as prescribed.
• Apply antibiotic ointment as instructed along the donor area to prevent minor infections.
• Leave the treated area dry for 5 days.
• After 5 days, wash the grafts twice daily gently using a slight patting motion as per the doctor’s instructions.
• After seven days, you may wash your face normally and lightly rub to remove the crusts.
•  Patients may shower while avoiding their scalp or face until day seven after the procedure.
• The donor area must be kept dry for 24 hours, and the patient should avoid exposing the scars to direct sunlight for six months.
• Avoid sun exposure, swimming, hot tubs, and saunas for three to four weeks.
• Avoid physical exercise that induces sweating until approved by the doctor.
• Small scabs will form the day after the procedure around the transplanted hair follicles. The scabs and facial redness typically resolve in around three weeks. The short hairs will naturally fall off with the scab, and new hairs will begin to grow in 3 to 6 weeks. 
• Mild tightness and tenderness are expected in the transplanted area, and the doctor will prescribe pain medication if requested.
• Red spotting is customary in the recipient or donor areas for the first 24 hours.
• Sleep in a semi-upright position to reduce postoperative swelling.
• Avoid bending, lifting, or straining for at least seven days.
• Do not rub, scratch, or touch the harvested or implanted areas.
• Swelling will gradually dissipate; use Arnica Montana 30X as directed to reduce swelling. 
• May apply ice to the donor area to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.
• Can expect itching due to dryness as the hair grows in. Use any serum provided by the surgeon twice daily beginning on day four to maintain moisture to the skin and soften the scabs.

Beard Restoration Results 

Frequently Asked Questions about Beard Restoration

Why Choose Hair Transplant Specialist Dr. Bared in Miami, FL

Dr. Anthony Bared, MD, F.A.C.S. is one of the best hair and beard transplant specialists in the United States and is a highly regarded Miami facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. While many doctors providing hair transplant services are under-qualified and cut corners and offer low-quality work, Dr. Bared is dedicated to his patients and offers premium work based on honesty, trust, and open communication.

Dr. Bared serves men of every race and nationality, gender, and background who desire a fuller beard, including female-to-male transgender men who prefer a more masculine appearance. He also performs high-quality hair transplants and cosmetic surgery for men and women. Dr. Bared serves patients at beautiful and modern facilities in Miami, Florida. 

Dr. Bared serves many traveling patients who recognize the importance of having a highly-skilled facial plastic surgeon perform their beard transplant surgery. He is an experienced surgeon with many qualifications, some of which include:

• Board-certified facial plastic surgeon
• Board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT specialist)
• Advanced beard and hair transplant specialist
• Skilled in creating beautiful beard transplant results using FUE
• Personalized treatment plans matching his patients’ goals
• Has performed over 1,000 facial hair transplants procedures
• Modern facility using the latest technology 
• Rated 5-stars by former patients
• 90% survival rate on each transplanted hair
• Outstanding patient reviews

Request a Miami Beard Transplant Consultation

If you would like to cover patchy or thin areas, burns, or acne scars in your beard, call 305-666-1774 or visit Facial Plastic Surgery Miami to set up an appointment with leading hair transplant specialist Dr. Bared, MD, located in Miami, FL.