Before and After Beard Transplant

It should be well known that the real challenging process will begin after the beard transplant. Because the expected results will not appear immediately. An average of 1 year is required for the full result. After the transplant, many situations will arise that you may encounter for the first time in your life. If you know what to do during this period, your chances of achieving the desired result from the beard transplant will certainly increase.

So, what are the things to be aware of during the recovery process after the beard transplant and throughout the 1-year period? Let’s answer this question now.

How Many Days Does Beard Transplantation Take to Heal?

The first 3 days are particularly crucial for the health of the transplanted beard follicles. Because the follicles are still in the process of settling. During this period, there is a high risk of the follicles becoming dislodged or damaged. Therefore, it is essential to avoid any trauma or impact to the transplanted area, especially within the first 3 days. If there is bleeding in the transplanted area during this time, it indicates that the bleeding follicles have been dislodged and damaged.

Due to anesthesia, swelling (edema) may occur in the first few days. There is no need to take any specific action for this, as the swelling will subside on its own within a few days. However, try to keep your head upright and avoid tilting it downward. Drinking plenty of water will help reduce swelling more quickly.

A burning sensation and pain may occur in the transplanted area, especially on the first night. Do not worry, this discomfort can be relieved with painkillers (analgesics). Additionally, due to the local anesthesia applied to the facial area, there can be temporary numbness which may last for 2–3 days. There is no need to take any measures for this, as it will resolve on its own.

What Should Be Considered After a Beard Transplant?

In fact, there are no special restrictions that will affect the normal flow of life after the procedure. With simple precautions, you can easily navigate through the recovery process. Now, let’s explain the things you need to pay attention to after a beard transplant in bullet points.

1. Sleep and Resting Position: Since the transplanted follicles are still fresh, your sleeping position is especially important for the first 5 days. During this period, it is recommended to sleep on your back with your face facing upwards. Your face should not come into contact with the pillow while sleeping. Otherwise, the transplanted beard follicles may be damaged or dislodged due to friction. You may use a travel pillow around your neck while sleeping.
2. Clothing Choice: If you undergo the procedure during winter, do not use a scarf to cover your face or wear turtleneck sweaters. This is because putting on and taking off a sweater can damage the follicles due to friction. This recommendation applies for the first 10 days, which is the healing period.
3. Excessive Sweating: Avoid sports activities such as football and fitness for one month. Additionally, do not visit steam baths or saunas for 1 month. Excessive sweating and heat can harm the transplanted follicles in the early stages and may increase redness.
4. Diet and Nutrition: There is no need for a special diet or vitamin supplements after beard transplantation. However, it is advisable to consume liquid foods instead of solid foods on the first day. This is because local anesthesia may cause temporary numbness around the tongue and lips for a few hours. If you consume alcohol, it is recommended to avoid it for the first week.
5. Limit sexual activity for the first 10 days, and avoid kissing during this period.
6. Smoking has neither a positive nor a negative effect on the results of beard transplantation. There is also no scientific evidence supporting any impact. However, considering the general harm of smoking to health, it is best to avoid it fully.
7. Travel: You can drive a vehicle or travel by plane after a beard transplant, as there are no restrictions regarding this. However, if you ride a motorcycle, take a 15-day break and avoid wearing a helmet during this period.
8. Returning to Work: This depends entirely on your profession. If you work in an office or a non-contaminated indoor environment, you can return to work on the second day. However, if you work in the food industry, such as a restaurant, your customers may be disturbed by the scabbed appearance. In this case, it is advisable to take a break until the scabs fall off.

Redness, Scabbing, and Itching After Transplantation

Once the procedure is completed, tiny bleeding points at the base of the transplanted follicles begin to clot and dry up. This then leads to scabbing in the treated area. The body’s defense mechanism responds to the trauma caused by the needles penetrating the skin by increasing blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow results in redness. The scabs should gradually start to fall off with the first wash, and by the 10th day, they are expected to be completely gone.

There is no need to do anything to address the redness, as it will naturally disappear as healing progresses. However, in individuals with fair skin, redness may persist for about 1 month to 45 days. To minimize redness, it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight. If you undergo a beard transplant during the summer, you may use protective sunscreen..

As the scabbing process begins, itching is also expected. This is a normal part of the healing process, as itching often occurs in areas undergoing recovery, and it may last for 15-20 days. However, it is crucial to avoid scratching the transplanted follicles. If you scratch during the first few days, the transplanted follicles can easily dislodge. If you experience excessive itching, you may take an antihistamine tablet for relief.

When is the First Wash?

After a beard transplant, it is recommended to have the first wash performed at the clinic where the procedure was done. The washing process is actually very simple and practical. The first wash can be safely done the day after the transplant.

• Before washing, preferably Bepanthol lotion is gently applied to the transplanted area to soften the scabs, and left for a while.
• Then, the face should be washed normally with lukewarm water and dried with a clean tissue or towel.
• In addition, you can wash your face 5-6 times a day without applying lotion. Keeping the transplanted area moist helps it heal faster. This type of washing also reduces itching. From the 8th day onward, you can wash your face more vigorously. Once the scabs have fallen off, you can comfortably return to your work.
• 1 month after the beard transplant, it is safe to swim in a pool or the sea.

Shaving After Beard Transplantation

You can shave once the scabs have fallen off. If you wish to shave, you may do so starting from the 15th day after the beard transplant. However, individuals considering a beard transplant must take the following into account: If you have a lifestyle that requires daily shaving, we would not recommend you have a beard transplantation. This is because there is always a possibility that small scars may be visible at the base of the transplanted follicles. This risk is higher for individuals with dark or black skin tones. If the channels were opened with thicker incisions, post-shaving scars are likely to be more noticeable. Below is a photo of a patient who underwent beard transplantation and shaved with a razor, showing no visible scarring. However, not everyone will have a scar-free appearance after shaving.

Month-by-Month Process and Results After Beard Transplant

Once the scabs have fallen off, the appearance will generally make you happy. This is because, in as little as 10 days, you will see a significant change in your face. However, don’t be happy too soon, the process is not yet complete. Now, let’s take a look at what will happen over the course of one year.

1st Month and Shock Shedding: Around 15–20 days after the transplant, some of the transplanted beard hairs will fall out. This may demoralize you, but do not worry. In some individuals, a large portion of the transplanted beard hairs may shed, while in others, only a few follicles may fall out. Shock shedding is a temporary phase, and the fallen beard follicles will begin to grow back within 3-4 months.

Pimples: In the first month, small pimples may appear at the base of the transplanted hairs. If they are few in number, there is no need to worry and they will disappear on their own. However, if there are too many pimples,it is recommended to contact your doctor for advice.

• 2nd Month: Shock shedding is completed, leaving an uneven appearance. You would want this appearance to disappear as soon as possible.
• 3rd Month: You are in the phase of waiting. Any redness from the procedure is expected to be completely subside by now.
• 4th Month: The previously shed beard hair follicles begin to regrow. The first new hair follicles will be thin and weak. By the end of 120 days about one-third of the transplanted hairs is expected to have emerged.
• 6th Month: At this point, 60–70% of the transplanted hair should have grown. The follicles start to thicken and look more natural.
• 1 Year: To see the expected results, a waiting period of 12 months is necessary. Since the transplanted follicles are strong and permanent, the beard can grow indefinitely. At the same time, transplanted follicles will not fall out, making the results are permanent.

For those considering having a beard transplant, before-and-after photos can be very helpful. Additionally, reviews and results shared on online forums can provide further guidance for you.

Beard Transplant Reviews

Of course, anyone who wants to get a beard transplant should first do some research. They should consider the experiences, recommendations, or complaints of those who have had the procedure done before. Forum sites in Turkey or worldwide are excellent resources for this purpose. By benefiting from the comments of patients, you have a high chance of finding the best doctor or clinic that suits your budget.