Sideburn Transplantation in Turkey

1. Why People Consider a Sideburn Transplant
2. What Is Sideburn Transplantation
3. Having a Sideburn Transplant in Turkey
4. Sideburn Transplantation Techniques
5. Step by Step Procedure
6. Results and Growth Timeline
7. Risks and Side Effects
8. What Affects the Cost
9. How to Choose the Right Clinic
10. Start Your Journey with Hair Cultivate

Why People Consider a Sideburn Transplant

Sideburns frame the face and link the scalp hair to the beard. When they are thin, uneven or missing, the face can look less balanced. The cause may be genetic, a scar, or hair loss at the temples. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery lists the sideburns among the facial zones that can be treated with grafts (ISHRS).

What Is Sideburn Transplantation

Sideburn transplantation is a form of hair transplant surgery. Follicular units are harvested from a donor area, usually the back and sides of the scalp that do not normally go bald, and implanted into the sideburn region (ISHRS). Harvesting is usually done by follicular unit extraction (FUE), in which individual grafts are removed one at a time, leaving many tiny scars rather than one linear scar (NHS).

Because the sideburn sits between the scalp and the beard, the plan often has to connect with neighbouring areas. If you also want to fill the cheeks or chin, see our page on beard transplant in Turkey.

Having a Sideburn Transplant in Turkey

Wherever you have the procedure, judge the clinic on who performs the surgery and how much experience they have. The NHS advises asking the surgeon about their experience and how many of their procedures have had complications (NHS). Travelling for treatment also means planning enough time for the procedure and the first check-up; our patient guide walks you through each stage.

Sideburn Transplantation Techniques

The technique is selected after examining the sideburn area and the donor area:

• FUE: grafts are extracted one by one and implanted into small incisions (NHS).
• DHI: a variation of FUE in which grafts are placed with an implanter pen. Read our guide to DHI hair transplant in Turkey.
• Sapphire FUE: FUE in which the recipient incisions are opened with sapphire-tipped blades.

Sideburn hair grows downwards and lies close to the skin. Dua et al. (2021) describe keeping the angle of the recipient slits acute, directed downwards and parallel to any existing hair, so that the new sideburn blends with the rest of the face.

Step by Step Procedure

1. Consultation and design: the shape, length and density of the sideburns are planned with you.
2. Local anaesthesia: most people stay awake and receive medication to numb the area being treated (Cleveland Clinic).
3. Harvesting: grafts are taken from the donor area (ISHRS).
4. Implantation: each graft is placed following the natural direction of the hair (Dua et al., 2021).

The number of grafts is usually modest. Published series report about 200 grafts on each side (Dua et al., 2021) and an average of about 250 grafts for each sideburn (Yaseen et al., 2021). The procedure can still take several hours, depending on the number of grafts and whether other areas are treated at the same time (Cleveland Clinic).

Results and Growth Timeline

• First 1–2 weeks: transplanted facial hairs usually begin to fall out, which is expected (Yaseen et al., 2021).
• Around 3–4 months: regrowth starts (ISHRS; Yaseen et al., 2021).
• About 10–14 months: the overall result of graft growth can be assessed (ISHRS).

Once the grafts have grown, the sideburns can be trimmed and styled. A single procedure does not always give the desired density, and a second sitting is sometimes needed (Dua et al., 2021).

Risks and Side Effects

Mild redness and swelling usually settle within a few days, and facial swelling or bruising from the anaesthetic fluid over about a week (Dua et al., 2021). Darkening of the skin can occur in the implanted area, mainly in darker skin, and folliculitis is uncommon (ISHRS). General hair transplant risks include infection, bleeding, an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic, grafts not taking and continued thinning around the transplanted area (NHS).

What Affects the Cost

The price of a sideburn transplant depends on the number of grafts, the technique, whether it is combined with a scalp hair transplant or beard work, and what the package includes. For comparison, the NHS states that a hair transplant in the UK can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £30,000, depending on the extent of hair loss, the type of procedure and the clinic (NHS).

At Hair Cultivate, DHI packages range from $3,400 to $4,900 and include hotel, transfers, PRP and medication; see our prices page. A sideburn quote is given after your photos or examination. Our article on hair transplant cost in Turkey explains the main price factors.

How to Choose the Right Clinic

Ask who will design the sideburns and perform each step, and look at sideburn or temple cases photographed at least a year after surgery. Ask how many grafts are planned for each side and how the design will connect with your hairline and beard. The NHS also recommends asking about the surgeon’s experience and complication rate (NHS).

Start Your Journey with Hair Cultivate

At Hair Cultivate in Istanbul, a sideburn transplant starts with an assessment of your face, your existing hair and your donor area. The plan sets out the design, the estimated number of grafts and a realistic timeline.

To find out whether a sideburn transplant suits you, send us your photos through our contact page so our team can assess them.

References

1. Dua K, Verma V, Dua A. Beard and moustache reconstruction. Indian J Plast Surg. 2021;54(4):483–488. PMC8719972
2. Yaseen U, Ahmed S, Ahmed M. Beard reconstruction. Int J Trichology. 2021;13(6):4–8. PMC8647705
3. International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). Beard and Mustache Transplant. ishrs.org
4. NHS. Hair transplant. nhs.uk
5. Cleveland Clinic. Hair Transplant: How Does It Work, Success Rates. clevelandclinic.org

This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a qualified doctor.