Beard Transplant

Beard transplant in Saint-Louis: a denser and more regular beard

Beard transplantation consists of removing hair follicles from the back of the skull to reimplant them, one by one, on the areas of the face to be densified: cheeks, chin, mustache or contours. The transplanted hairs grow back permanently, unlike temporary solutions that only hide the voids.

At the Biolaser Center, beard transplantation follows the same protocol as hair transplantation : FUE technique with opening of the recipient sites using sapphire blades. It is a medical procedure, personalized according to the area to be treated, the desired density and the desired beard style.

Located in Saint-Louis, near Basel and Weil am Rhein, the centre also welcomes patients from Allschwil, Riehen, Liestal, Lörrach, Rheinfelden and Freiburg.

Why does my beard not grow or grows badly?

A sparse beard is not a matter of patience or maintenance. There are several factors that can explain it:

• Genetics and sensitivity to male hormones : beard growth depends on heredity and how the follicles react to androgens. This is why two men of the same age can have very different beards. The beard can also continue to thicken until your thirties.
• Scars (acne , burns, surgery, trauma): these can destroy or alter the follicles and leave areas without hair.
• Alopecia areata of the beard : it manifests itself as round patches without hair, often of sudden appearance.
• Certain deficiencies or imbalances (iron, vitamin D, thyroid, etc.) and certain treatments, which can slow down growth.

Before considering a transplant, the doctor seeks to understand the cause, as it determines the indication and the right time to intervene.

When should a beard transplant be considered?

There is no standard profile: the indication is made in consultation, after examination of the existing hair growth and the donor area.

Sparse beard or patches

This is the most common request: a thin, sparse or irregular beard, with poorer areas on the cheeks or chin. Grafting makes it possible to densify the whole or to fill in targeted gaps.

Mustache, goatee, sideburns and cheek line

The graft can also be used to ensure continuity between the beard and mustache, to reconstitute a goatee or sideburns, or to redraw contours to obtain a clean and symmetrical line.

Scars in the beard

A scar that interrupts hair growth can sometimes be camouflaged by the implantation of hair, depending on its nature and the quality of the surrounding skin. This point is evaluated on a case-by-case basis during the consultation.

When transplantation is not (or not yet) indicated

• Beard still developing : in a young man, hair growth can continue to become denser. It is often better to wait.
• Cause to be treated first : deficiency, active alopecia areata or other health problem must be taken care of before any intervention.
• Sparse beard but follicles still present : in some cases, mesotherapy-type micro-injections can be discussed to stimulate growth before talking about a transplant.
• Medical contraindications : certain situations (heart problems, unbalanced diabetes, allergy to anesthetics, etc.) require additional advice or prior stabilization.

Beard transplant or hair transplant: what are the differences?

The donor area is the same as for a hair transplant: the follicles are taken from the back of the skull, according to the protocol described on our hair transplant page. It is the recipient area, the face, that changes the way we work:

• The orientation of the hair : on the face, the hair comes out of the skin at a low angle and a direction that varies according to the areas (cheeks, chin, upper lip, neck). Respecting this angle and direction is essential for a natural result.
• The choice of grafts : follicular units with one or two hairs are generally preferred, more adapted to the finesse of a beard.
• The surface to be covered : a full beard represents an important area, while the donor area is limited. The grafts are therefore distributed in a thoughtful way, prioritizing the most visible areas.
• The behaviour of the transplanted hairs : from the scalp, they retain some of their characteristics and can, in some cases, grow faster than native beard hairs and require a more regular trimming.

Drawing your beard: how is the project defined?

The first consultation is used to assess the existing hair, the quality of the donor area and the feasibility of the project. It also allows us to define together the desired result: full or short beard, goatee, moustache, more or less marked contours.

The outline of the beard (sideburns, cheek line, neck line) is drawn on the face and validated with you before the operation. The number of grafts depends on the size of the area to be treated and the desired density : there is no standard number.

At the end of the consultation, the doctor checks the indication and gives a personalized quote.

How is a beard transplant performed?

1. Consultation and check-up : examination of hair growth, verification of the absence of contraindications, blood test prescribed if necessary.
2. Beard line: drawing of the contours, validated with you.
3. Local anesthesia : the procedure is painless, with optimized comfort.
4. Removal and implantation : the follicles are taken individually from the back of the skull, then implanted in the area to be treated after opening the recipient sites using sapphire blades, respecting the angle and direction of growth.

The duration of the procedure depends on the number of grafts: it therefore varies from one patient to another. For details of the protocol, see our FUE Sapphire hair transplant page.

Aftermath and regrowth of the beard: what to expect on the face?

The first few days: redness, swelling and scabs

After a beard transplant, it is normal to observe redness, slight swelling, itching and small scabs around each graft for a few days. The scabs usually fall off in 7 to 10 days, sometimes a little longer. The redness can persist for a few more days on sensitive skin.

💡Remember: never scratch or tear off the scabs. They fall off on their own thanks to washing according to the instructions given by the team.

As these consequences are visible on the face, it is best to allow about a week to ten days before resuming a social life without apparent discomfort. The return to work depends on your activity and your comfort.

Shaving, pruning and activities: when to resume?

• Shaving and pruning : no shaving in the first few weeks. The resumption is done with the doctor’s agreement, generally from about two weeks with a clipper, then later for the razor.
• Sport, sun and heat : it is best to avoid exertion with heavy sweating and direct sun exposure for the first month, as well as saunas, hammams and jacuzzis for several weeks. These instructions will be specified by the doctor.

The regrowth schedule

• D1 to D10, healing: redness, scabs, care and washing according to instructions.
• Weeks 2 to 12, transient shedding: the transplanted hairs fall out and then grow back in cycles, this is the “shock fall”. The follicles remain in place. The beard may appear irregular: this is normal.
• M3-M4, beginning of permanent regrowth: the first permanent hairs appear, still fine.
• M6, visible result: the density becomes appreciable.
• M9-M12, the end result: the beard gains in density and homogeneity.

Depending on the evolution, accompanying care such as mesotherapy may be offered during the follow-up.

How much does a beard transplant cost?

The price of a beard transplant is based on a quote, depending on the size of the area to be treated. A moustache alone, sideburns or a full beard do not require the same work, and there is therefore no single price.

During the first consultation at the Biolaser Center, the doctor evaluates your project and your donor area, then gives you a personalized quote before any intervention.

Why choose the Biolaser Center for your beard transplant?

• medical care with prior consultation and verification of the indication;
• an intervention carried out by a trained and dedicated team, in a secure environment;
• a beard project designed and validated with you ;
• follow-up before and after the operation, throughout the regrowth;
• a personalised quote, given before the intervention;
• local care in Saint-Louis, near Basel, Weil am Rhein, Mulhouse, Colmar, Belfort and Montbéliard.

Frequently asked questions about beard transplantation