Why do so many people complain about bumps/skin discoloration after beard transplants? Is this an unavoidable side effect?

Question

Is this an unavoidable side effect to this procedure, or are there just a lot of people opting for cheap/less competent clinics? A lot of people say you're literally forced to have a beard afterwards because the skin looks so bad when it's shaven down. While this is a worthwhile trade off for some, it's a complete dealbreaker for me. If I go to a reputable practice, can I be confident that my skin will look completely normal e.g. 1 year after transplant? This is important for me to know.

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

In the early years when these beard procedures were being performed, like 12 years ago, it became clear that certain key steps need to be taken to avoid having any complications like bumps.  The most important step is proper trimming of the surrounding skin of the grafts, and not using grafts that contain more than 2, sometimes even one hair.Even in the most experienced surgeon's hands-  and I have done more than 500 of these beard procedures- there can still be the occasional bump in the soul-patch region when grafts of more than one hair are used.

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

Bumps can occur even in the best of hands. The key is that after the extraction, the grafts are looked at under the microscope and the excess skin surrounding the follicle is there is trimmed. This is why beard cases are more complex! Hope that helps!

Greg Williams, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Beard transplants in suitable patients look most natural with a degree of hair growth. When shaved short or to the skin, the transplanted hairs can have small pits or bumps which don’t look natural and differentiate them from naturally occurring beard hairs. This can happen with even the most skilled hair transplant surgeon.Think carefully about having a beard hair transplant and do your research diligently when choosing your hair transplant clinic or surgeon. If they do not mention this to you as a possible risk then you should be concerned.The best option is to do a small test patch and see how your skin reacts and what the shaved transplanted hairs look like after 6-8 months before doing hundreds or thousands of transplanted hairs if you want to retain the option of a close shave.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Bumps in the skin should not occur if the grafts are trimmed of most of its skin and placed flush with the surface of the recipient area

Why do so many people complain about bumps/skin discoloration after beard transplants? Is this an unavoidable side effect?

Answers (4)

Answer: Beard transplant

Answer: Beard transplant

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Beard Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Why do so many people complain about bumps/skin discoloration after beard transplants? Is this an unavoidable side effect?

Answers (4)

Answer: Beard transplant

Answer: Beard transplant

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Beard Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.