Beard TRansplant Clinic

Beard Transplant Surgery in the UK: A Medical Perspective from My Hair UK

Beard transplant surgery has become an increasingly common request among men seeking fuller, more defined facial hair. In the UK, this procedure is particularly popular among those who struggle with patchy growth or have never developed significant facial hair. At My Hair UK, we perform beard transplants using Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), a refined method that involves removing individual follicular units from the scalp—usually the occipital region—and implanting them into the beard area to enhance density, shape or even reconstruct areas where hair is completely absent.

This procedure is done under local anaesthetic. Patients remain awake, though comfortable, throughout the surgery. The follicular units are extracted one by one using a micro-punch tool, and the grafts are then sorted and preserved in a holding solution before being implanted at the correct angle and depth into the target region. Proper angulation is critical—beard hairs grow at a different trajectory compared to scalp hairs, so the technical accuracy of the implantation directly influences the final appearance.

At My Hair UK, the total cost for a beard transplant is fixed at £2,899. This price includes the consultation, the surgical procedure, and post-operative follow-up. Unlike many other clinics, we do not charge per graft, which offers clarity and assurance when planning financially. Most procedures can be completed in a single day. The average number of grafts required ranges from 1,500 to 2,500, depending on the area being covered and the patient’s goals.

From a medical standpoint, it’s essential to understand the risks involved. While complications are uncommon in experienced hands, they must not be ignored. One of the most frequent issues post-transplant is folliculitis—an inflammatory response around the newly implanted hairs. It typically presents as red, tender pustules and often resolves with warm compresses or short courses of topical antibiotics. In more stubborn cases, systemic antibiotics may be needed. Good hygiene and avoidance of occlusive creams or oils in the early recovery phase help reduce this risk.

Another concern is shock loss, a temporary shedding of surrounding native or transplanted hairs. Though distressing to patients, it is usually self-limiting. Most patients see regrowth within three to four months. The biology behind this phenomenon involves localised trauma and vascular disruption from the implantation process. Proper technique can reduce the incidence, but it cannot eliminate the risk entirely.

Scarring is always a possibility, even with FUE. The donor site may develop small hypopigmented dots where the grafts were extracted. While these are typically concealed by surrounding hair, patients with short hairstyles or a history of keloid scarring must be assessed carefully. In the recipient area, if grafts are placed too deeply or too closely, this can result in pitting or cobblestoning, both of which affect the cosmetic result. These risks are why proper training and precision in implantation are essential.

There are also questions around graft survival rates. A successful beard transplant relies on high follicle viability. When handled properly, graft survival rates can exceed 90% according to literature published in Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29745750/). This assumes sterile handling, minimal out-of-body time, and correct placement technique. If grafts are mishandled, exposed to prolonged air, or placed under tension in the dermis, survival rates fall sharply.

Sensory changes following surgery are not unusual. Patients often report numbness or tingling in the recipient area. This is due to localised trauma or minor nerve irritation. These symptoms typically resolve within weeks to a few months. Rarely, small patches of reduced sensation may persist longer, particularly in those who heal slowly or have underlying neurological conditions.

The timeline for results must also be addressed. Beard grafts initially shed within two to four weeks—a normal part of the follicular cycle. True regrowth begins around the third month, with most visible improvement seen between six and twelve months. The full aesthetic outcome should be evaluated only at the one-year mark, once hair shafts have matured and density stabilises.

We advise patients to see their GP before undergoing any transplant surgery. A routine health check ensures no hidden medical conditions, such as anaemia or thyroid disease, may affect healing. In London, suitable GP surgeries include [insert practice 1], [insert practice 2], and [insert practice 3], depending on your location.

Beard transplant surgery requires careful planning, clinical precision, and patient education. At My Hair UK, we provide an honest and medically grounded assessment, helping patients decide whether this procedure is right for them—based not just on cost, but clinical suitability, aesthetic goals, and long-term expectations.