Hair and beard transplants rely on the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method, where individual grafts are removed from the donor area—usually the back of the scalp—and implanted into the target site. Although the technique is the same, the differences between scalp and facial procedures are clinically significant. As a surgeon, you must adapt your approach depending on the recipient site, patient goals, and anatomical constraints.
Scalp hairs grow in groupings of one to four follicles per unit and typically have a straight exit angle from the skin. Beard hair tends to be coarser, with single-hair units more common and a more acute angle of emergence. This influences how recipient incisions are made, especially in areas like the jawline, where a natural flow is difficult to recreate without precise angling. Beard skin is also more sensitive and vascular, and complications like ingrown hairs or raised scars are more visible and difficult to conceal.
The same donor zone is used for both procedures, but beard transplants require fewer grafts. That doesn’t make them less complex. While a hairline reconstruction might involve 2,500–3,000 grafts to restore density over a wide area, a beard transplant often uses 1,000–1,500 grafts to create structure and shape across the cheeks, chin, and jaw. The aesthetic aim is different too—scalp surgery tries to restore a dense, youthful hairline, while facial hair surgery focuses on symmetry, definition and contour.
Unlike scalp transplants, beard procedures are not about volume—they’re about visual density and natural angles. For example, attempting to create a full cheek beard requires calculated spacing to avoid an overly dense, artificial look. For men with fine or patchy native beard hair, it's essential to match the coarseness of scalp donor follicles carefully.
Facial procedures carry slightly different post-op expectations. The beard area moves constantly with speech, eating, and facial expressions. This can delay wound healing and increase the risk of early graft displacement if aftercare isn’t followed. Inflammation tends to linger longer on the face than the scalp. Patients also need to be warned about the higher risk of folliculitis or pustules forming due to increased sebaceous activity.
The aesthetic stakes are higher too. Any scarring or unnatural angles on the face are immediately noticeable, which is why recipient site creation in beard transplants demands such a high level of control. Many patients, particularly those undergoing gender-affirming surgery or seeking a more masculine appearance, have strong psychological motivations. This calls for precise and respectful consultation.
At My Hair UK, a beard transplant costs £2,899 as a fixed fee. This includes the full procedure, regardless of graft count, provided the session is completed within one day. Hair transplant costs vary depending on graft number—from £2,499 for 500 grafts to £4,899 for 3,500 grafts. Beard work involves fewer grafts but requires more detailed planning and finer execution. The price reflects this balance.
A recent review in Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics outlines how facial hair restoration requires different incision angles, smaller blade sizes, and tailored anaesthesia approaches. These differences, while not always visible to the patient, are key to achieving natural, long-lasting results.