What is Sideburn Transplantation?
Sideburn transplantation is an aesthetic hair restoration method used to increase the hair density in the upper cheek area, which is located in front of the hairline and forms the frame of the face. Healthy follicular units are placed at the points where the sideburn line is thinned or opened. This makes the facial line look young and dynamic. Unlike beard and moustache transplantation, this procedure focuses entirely on the upper cheek area and restores the natural contour of the person’s facial features.
What are the Causes of Sideburn Loss?
There are several causes of sideburn loss. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia is usually caused by aging. Therefore, it can be said that hair loss in your eyebrows, sideburns and mustaches can be signs of aging. However, aging is not the only reason why you experience hair loss in these areas.
Sideburn loss can be caused by a variety of factors, from hereditary causes to medical disorders. Burns, injuries or physical trauma can cause scarring on your face, which may lead to the need for a sideburn transplant. In addition, chemotherapy also plays a major role in damaging your sideburns.
After facelift surgery, women tend to need sideburn transplants. Also, too much hair styling can be the reason for missing sideburn hair.
Why Do Sideburns Thinning or Falling Out?
Hair thinning in the sideburn area can occur due to androgenic alopecia triggered by genetic predisposition, as well as traumatic factors, subcutaneous inflammation, or the cumulative damage of frequently applied non-aesthetic epilation methods in the area. Over time, weight loss, thinning of subcutaneous fat tissue due to aging, and hormonal fluctuations make it difficult for the sideburn roots to be nourished, pushing the hair roots into the resting phase. This situation causes both the sideburn line to weaken and the facial features to appear duller than they actually are.
How to Plant Sideburns?
Sideburn transplantation is a procedure that starts with local anesthesia. First, the follicular units are kept in a nutrient solution at appropriate temperature and pH conditions with special micromotors or manually taken one by one from the nape and side area. The operator creates channels at an angle and depth parallel to the facial features and designs the sideburn line. These channels are prepared to mimic the natural direction of hair follicles and facial architecture. In the final stage, each graft is placed into the channel individually or in groups of two roots. The procedure typically takes two to four hours and the patient can return to social life the same day.
What Methods Are Used?
The most commonly used technique in sideburn transplantation is the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method; it provides minimal tissue trauma by taking and transplanting individual follicles. DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is preferred in cases requiring more precise directional control; here, channel opening and transplantation are performed simultaneously with Choi implanter pens, and the follicles wait in the environment for less time. In some centers, PRP-supported combinations are applied to increase the graft retention rate, improve regional blood circulation and shorten the recovery period.
Who Can Have Sideburn Transplantation?
Every adult man and woman who wants to strengthen the frame of their facial features and cover sparse or empty areas in the sideburn area is a suitable candidate. Individuals with sufficient donor reserve, no chronic skin disease, and no blood clotting disorder are the priority candidates. Especially those who want their facial features to look more oval and distinct, those who have asymmetrical gaps in the sideburn area, or those who have hair loss due to trauma benefit from this treatment.
In Which Situations Is Sideburn Transplantation Preferred?
Sideburn transplantation is an aesthetic solution to complete the facial features after a natural beard or mustache transplant. It is ideal for people whose facial expression has faded due to weight loss, aging or genetically thin sideburn lines. It is a method preferred by those who want to strengthen the jawline and cheek tissue support, create a young and dynamic appearance and revitalize their social or professional image. A fuller profile in selfies and close-ups can be reshaped with sideburn transplantation, and the facial contour can be reshaped.
Naturally Sparse Sideburns
In some individuals, genetic structure causes the hair follicles in the sideburn line to be few or thin in diameter. In this case, as age progresses or hormonal changes occur, the sideburn area becomes more prominent and facial features appear weak. With sideburn transplantation, genetic deficiencies are balanced with durable grafts taken from the nape area; the density that the body does not have at birth is regained as a natural silhouette thanks to transplantation.
Haircut Mistakes
Wrong or too frequent sideburn trimming with scissors damages the hair roots and disrupts the follicle health in the area over time. As a result of such traumas, the sideburn line thins out irregularly and irregularities become apparent. Sideburn transplantation carefully places each graft one by one to compensate for this loss of density; areas that were previously cut incorrectly are restored to a natural tissue integrity.
Burn or Post-Traumatic Scars
Superficial burns, deep tissue traumas or surgical scars affecting the sideburn area can cause permanent loss of follicles. In this case, the area appears both devoid of hair and hollowed out by tissue hardening. During sideburn transplantation, the channel opening depths are planned according to the thickness of the scar tissue, ensuring that the grafts adhere to the living tissue and a smooth surface is created.
Beard and Sideburn Incompatibility
If the beard area is full but the sideburns are sparse, there will be a discrepancy between the facial features. With sideburn transplantation, the thinness under the beard line and the gaps next to the upper lip are equalized; thanks to the homogeneous hair distribution obtained, all facial hair becomes harmonious as a whole and the frame aesthetics are completed.
How Long Does Sideburn Planting Take?
Depending on the number of grafts and the method used, the preferred transplantation time is approximately two to four hours. After local anesthesia, the extraction of follicular units from the donor area takes thirty to sixty minutes. The time for opening the channels and placing the grafts can vary between 90-150 minutes depending on the length of the designed sideburn line and the number of grafts. The patient can return to social life on the same day after the operation.
Recovery Process After Sideburn Transplantation
First 7–10 Days: Microcrusts and mild edema are signs of natural healing. During the first week, edema is reduced with cold compresses and prescribed antibiotics, and the dressing is gently changed with the recommended solutions.
Week 2: The crusts are completely shed, microscopic canal scars become invisible. Light massage and washing can begin, avoiding contact with dirty water.
1–3 Months: As the shock shedding phase is completed, new hair growth begins. The thin initial hair gradually thickens with follicle nutritional support.
6 Months and Beyond: The density in the sideburn area is largely settled; the hair strands grow in a natural direction and angle. Final aesthetic touch-ups and fine-tuning of lines can be done during this period.
12 Months: The final result and thickness are achieved; the natural face frame is completely established. In the advanced stage, no scars are left, tissue integrity is preserved and lifelong permanence is achieved.
Can Anyone Have Sideburn Transplants?
Alopecia barbae (hair loss in the beard)
Desire to improve and develop the appearance of sideburns
Uneven, thin or spotty sideburns due to alopecia
Burnt, scarred face
Scars from facelift surgery, which women are more likely to experience
Acne scars in the sideburn area
Anyone with sideburn hair transplantation can have sideburn hair transplantation.
Prepare for Sideburn Transplantation
Smoking should be avoided at least 12 hours before the sideburn transplantation surgery. Smoking can delay the healing of wounds. Not smoking after the surgery will also be good for a successful result.
Alcohol consumption adversely affects the sideburn transplantation operation. Therefore, you should also avoid alcohol consumption at least 24 hours before the operation; do not consume it for a while after the surgery for a healthy and successful sideburn transplantation.
Blood thinners should not be taken approximately 7 days before the operation.
It is recommended that you do not shave your existing sideburns. Your doctor will examine the area to be transplanted and your doctor will shave your sideburn area if necessary.
Even if your sideburns are sparse, thin or irregular, do not shave; Even if your sideburns have completely fallen out, you may still have peach fuzz. Your doctor should examine the area where the sideburn transplant will be performed to determine the normal hair follicle development pattern, angle and direction.
After Sideburn Transplantation Care
There are some important points that the patient should pay attention to in order to achieve a successful result after the surgery:
Rest for a few days after the surgery.
Never touch the transplanted area! It slows down the healing process.
Always be careful with your newly transplanted sideburns. Do not lie on your side, otherwise you may damage your hair grafts in that area. Try to keep your head upright while sleeping. A neck pillow will help you in this case.
Do not consume hard and chewable foods for at least 2 days after the surgery in order not to stretch your skin and dislodge the grafts.
Do not allow soap to touch the transplanted area while washing your face. Our doctors will recommend that you use a special shampoo to wash your sideburns.
Sunlight can damage the transplanted area; it can leave spots or red dots. The patient should avoid direct exposure to sunlight as much as possible.
Since sweating increases the risk of infection, activities that cause sweating should be avoided for at least 1 month after sideburn transplantation.
What are the Side Effects After Sideburn Transplantation?
It is normal to experience the following side effects after sideburn transplantation:
You may experience swelling for 1 week.
You may bleed for 2-3 days.
You may feel pain for 3-4 days.
You may feel numbness or tingling for 3-4 days.
You may feel itching for 1 week.
There may be minor swelling, redness and folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle).
Don’t worry if you experience these side effects. Smile Hair Clinic will be monitoring the healing process after sideburn transplantation. Therefore, if something happens to the contrary, you can always contact our clinic.
What Should Be Considered Before and After Sideburn Transplantation?
Blood thinners, aspirin and ibuprofen should be stopped at least one week before and alcohol and cigarette consumption should be reduced. Both donor and recipient areas are sterilized on the day of the operation. Mild swelling and a feeling of pregnancy are normal in the first forty-four hours after transplantation. Cold compresses and prescribed anti-edema medications can help provide relief. For the first ten days, only a small amount of spray should be applied to the area and a gentle dressing should be done with the recommended solutions. When the crusts fall off in 7 to 10 days, massage can be done with a mild shampoo from the fourteenth day onwards. Sunlight, heavy sports and direct exposure to the face should be avoided for six weeks. When PRP or vitamin supplements are used regularly, plenty of water and a balanced diet are important for skin health.
Frequently asked Questions
Is Sideburn Transplantation Permanent?
Since the transplanted follicles are taken from genetically resistant areas of the nape region, they produce hair permanently in the upper cheek tissue where they are placed for life. The wave of growth that starts again after the “shock shedding” process seen in the first months is completed proves the lifelong function of the transplanted roots. Even as time passes, the transferred follicles do not show thinning again by maintaining their natural cycle; the distinct frame created once on the facial features always continues to exist.
When Do Favorites Start Appearing?
After the post-operative crusting and mild edema period, the first thin filamentous strands of new hair appear within 4-6 weeks. These thin hairs begin to thicken and become more distinct in a 3-4 month period. By the end of the first half year, the sideburn line is almost completely full and has regained its natural appearance. The final density and length are usually completed within 9-12 months; if the patient follow-up and care recommendations are followed during this period, the face frame becomes flawless.
Is Sideburn Transplantation Painful?
Sideburn transplantation is a comfortable procedure performed under local anesthesia only. Before the operation, a stinging sensation may be felt for a few seconds during the anesthesia injections made to the sideburn line and donor area; however, the patient does not feel any pain or sharp discomfort during the graft collection and placement phase. There may be a slight tension or swelling after the procedure; these complaints are usually controlled within one to two days with cold compresses and prescription mild painkillers. Patients can usually return to their daily lives on the same day.
Can a Harmonious Look Be Achieved with Beard and Hair?
Sideburn transplantation is planned with the aim of creating an aesthetic integrity with all facial hair. The surgeon determines the channel opening angles by considering the density, color and hair thickness of the beard and hairline. In this way, the transplanted hairs grow in full harmony with the existing beard and hair texture; the frame of the face is balanced, and a smooth transition is provided between both the sideburn and beard line. The result is perceived as a continuous part of the natural beard development.
Can Hair Transplantation Be Done Without Shaving the Sideburn Area?
Yes. Existing hairs in the sideburn area are protected during the procedure so as not to cause any problems and are usually transplanted without shaving. The surgeon uses incisions at special angles and depths to avoid damaging existing hair follicles during microchannel opening. In this way, both the natural sideburn line is preserved and new grafts are positioned between existing hairs, increasing the density in a balanced manner.
How Many Grafts Are Required?
Approximately 800 to 1,200 grafts are sufficient to fill the sideburn area clearly. For sparse tissues, wider or asymmetrical gaps, 1,500 grafts may be required. The ideal number of grafts for a person is selected by considering facial features, donor reserve and aesthetic expectations. During the consultation, a clear graft distribution map is created through hair analysis and photo evaluation.
When Should You Shave After Sideburn Transplantation?
After the microchannels and crusts in the operation area are completely cleaned within 7 to 10 days, you can gently shave the sideburn line. Avoiding sharp razors and shaving machine pressure for the first two weeks reduces the risk of crusts wearing out and follicle trauma. With the crusts falling off, gentle trimming can be done with a soft-headed machine on the tenth day. After 4 to 6 weeks, the hairs that have gained full length and thickness can be completely accustomed to the classic shaving technique.
Sideburn Transplantation Prices 2025
In 2025, sideburn transplantation package prices in Türkiye generally vary between ₺5,000 and ₺12,000. Package prices include local anesthesia, graft collection, microchannel opening, transplantation and the first two months of follow-up appointments. Depending on the number of grafts and the technique used, prices can go up to ₺15,000 in DHI or FUE methods. We can create the most suitable plan for you with free preliminary examination and installment options. Fill out the form now and take the first step for sideburn transplantation that will redefine your facial features!