Since 1998 · Zagreb & Daruvar
Beard and Mustache Transplant in Croatia
Patchy cheeks, a beard that does not connect to the mustache, or areas where hairs have never grown are the reasons men come in for an examination. Transplanting your own follicles can permanently fill in the beard, and the procedure is preceded by an assessment of the indication, the state of the donor area, and the right time to perform it.
Many men rarely talk about being unhappy with the density or shape of their beard. Before the examination, some have tried various ways of covering the gaps or stimulating growth, without the results they expected. At the examination you can talk about it openly and without any sense of being judged. We first assess the cause of the missing growth, the condition of the skin, and the donor area, because those factors determine whether the procedure is indicated and feasible.
Is this for me?
What a beard and mustache transplant is and who it is for
A beard and mustache transplant is the procedure of moving your own follicular units from the safe, most often occipital and lateral region of the scalp, into areas of the face where hairs do not grow or grow too sparsely. Only your own follicles are transplanted; another person’s follicles cannot be used. After transplantation, the follicles keep producing hairs with the properties of the donor area, so the beard is later shaved, trimmed, and groomed completely normally.
In planning, we distinguish four areas with a different direction and density of growth: the mustache, the chin, the cheeks, and the sideburns. The mustache can connect through its lateral parts to the chin area, depending on the desired shape and the existing growth. Density, direction, and implantation angle are planned separately for each area, because a natural result depends not only on the number of hairs but also on their distribution, angle, direction, and the proportions of the face.
Patchy cheeks, mustache, and sideburns
The most frequent reason for coming in is congenitally low hair density — gaps that always appear in the same places, most often on the cheeks, and a beard that fails to connect with the mustache. Such a pattern is not a disease but a natural anatomical characteristic. It is a genetically determined distribution and density of follicles.
Scars, burns, and the after-effects of earlier procedures
The second group of reasons is acquired. Hairs can be missing on areas of skin damaged by burns, injury, severe acne, surgery, or a cleft lip correction. With scars, the procedure has a reconstructive role, aiming to restore hair growth over the damaged skin. In these cases the hairs are sometimes taken from the other side of the neck or face, depending on the position of the scar, so that the color and thickness match the existing hairs as closely as possible.
Assessing the indication
When the procedure is not needed or should be postponed
“We make every recommendation according to what is in the patient’s best interest. If the examination shows the procedure is not needed or is not the right choice, we will not recommend it.” — Ana Maletić, MD, PhD
In three situations we first postpone the procedure or recommend additional diagnostics.
In some men the beard keeps filling in after twenty
Beard growth intensifies in puberty, but its density can keep changing after puberty ends. According to the professional literature, in some men density keeps increasing for years into adulthood, because thin, light hairs can gradually develop into thicker, more pigmented terminal hairs. So the beard pattern in the early twenties is not necessarily final. In very young patients we sometimes recommend following the beard’s development and reassessing after a certain period.
When the gaps appeared later
There is a difference between a beard that was never dense and gaps that appeared suddenly, in round, sharply demarcated patches. Sudden, clearly demarcated gaps can point to alopecia areata of the beard, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks its own follicles and whose course is unpredictable. In that case transplantation is not the first solution — diagnostics and treatment are, because hairs are not planned for implantation into an area where the disease is still active or inflamed. The same applies to active acne and other inflammatory skin conditions in the area of the planned procedure.
Hair loss affects the planning of the donor area
The hairs at the back of the head are not an unlimited reserve and do not renew themselves. In a man who is already losing hair, follicular units used for the beard are no longer available for a possible future scalp procedure, which is why we assess the state of the scalp and the donor area before planning the procedure.
The ISHRS recommends that the physician make the patient aware of the limits of the donor area, especially when a larger number of follicular units is planned. The number of follicular units in the donor area is limited and does not renew after extraction. For a man prone to balding, that means we first draw up a long-term plan for the scalp, and only then talk about the beard. It is also worth knowing that extracting follicles from the scalp leaves tiny light dots, usually covered by hair, which can become more visible if the hair is shaved very short.
In these cases, the examination is followed by additional diagnostics, treatment, or monitoring. Before a permanent procedure, it is important to gather all the information needed for a decision, including a second professional opinion.
How it is performed
How we perform a beard and mustache transplant
- Follicular units
- from a few hundred to more than 2,000, depending on the design and the donor area reserve
- Anesthesia
- local
- Recovery
- home the same day; about ten days without sport or heavier exertion
- Performed by
- Ana Maletić, MD, PhD
Design before the first hair
Before any follicular units are extracted, the planned beard shape is marked on the face: which areas are being filled in, where the beard’s border will sit, what the density is, and in which direction the hairs naturally grow at each spot. We show you the planned shape and agree on it before the procedure begins. The hairs are implanted at an angle as close to the skin as possible, because the angle and direction determine whether the result looks natural and consistent with the existing hairs.
“I plan the beard shape according to the proportions of the face, not the current trend, because trends change while the placement of the transplanted follicles remains permanent.” — Ana Maletić, MD, PhD
A sharp, precisely drawn beard line is popular today, but the placement of the hairs remains permanent, so we design it to look natural even once the trend passes — whether you wear your beard longer or shorter.
FUE, follicular unit by unit
We perform the procedure with the FUE method, in which the follicular units are extracted one by one with an instrument less than one millimeter in diameter, without a linear incision or stitches. Tiny dots remain in the donor area and fade over time. For the beard, units with one or two hairs are chosen, because follicular units with more hairs can look unnatural along the border areas.
If a beard already exists, it is trimmed to a few millimeters before the procedure so the gaps can be seen clearly. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Where we take the hairs from
The main donor areas are the occipital and lateral parts of the scalp, where, in suitable candidates, the follicles are more stable and densely enough distributed for extraction. When covering a scar on the beard or mustache, it is sometimes more suitable to take hairs from the neck or another appropriate area of the face, because then the color, thickness, and growth pattern can be closer to the existing beard. Darker and thicker hairs can create a stronger impression of density with the same number of follicular units.
See the full price listWhy us
Why choose us for your beard and mustache transplant
ABHRS Diplomate
Dr. Ana Maletić is the only physician in Croatia with this title, one of 260 physicians worldwide
Croatia’s only ISHRS member
regular membership in the world society for hair restoration surgery, alongside the FISHRS title
One of 6 clinics worldwide
with this level of international certification for transplantation
Since 1996
the year hair transplant training began at Polyclinic Maletić
The procedure is performed by a physician
the ISHRS recommends that patients check, before the procedure, who performs each surgical step
FUE, follicular unit by unit
an instrument less than one millimeter in diameter, with no linear incision and no stitches in the donor area
Beard design before the procedure
the shape, distribution, direction, and planned density of the hairs are agreed before the procedure
Performed in an operating room
the procedure is performed under controlled medical conditions
Preparation and recovery
Preparation, the day of the procedure, and recovery
Two weeks before. Medicines and supplements that can affect bleeding need to be discussed with your physician beforehand; prescribed therapy should not be stopped on your own. You receive exact instructions about alcohol, caffeine, medicines, and dietary supplements during the preparation for the procedure.
On the day of the procedure. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and you go home the same day.
The first seven days. You care for the donor and transplanted areas with a spray you receive at the Polyclinic, following the written instructions.
The first ten days or so. Tiny crusts and redness are visible, and sport and heavier physical exertion are avoided.
The first weeks. The transplanted hairs most often shed, while the follicles stay in place and enter a resting phase.
Months three to four. New hairs begin to grow.
Months ten to fourteen. The final result is assessed.
In the first weeks, the transplanted area needs protection from direct, intense sun exposure. You receive exact instructions in writing about washing and about when you may shave, because they differ for the beard and for the donor area.
Real results
Before and after a beard and mustache transplant
We show results only with documented patient consent.
Honest about the risks
Risks and what the procedure cannot do
Like any surgical procedure, a beard and mustache transplant carries possible risks and side effects. Folliculitis is possible, most often appearing below the lower lip and on the chin. Tiny bumps can also form around the implanted hairs in the same area. Hyperpigmentation of the skin can appear on the transplanted area, and hypopigmentation at the extraction sites — both more pronounced in darker skin. Rarely, infection or ingrown hairs can occur.
The aesthetic result is particularly affected by the angle and direction of implantation. If the hairs are implanted at the wrong angle or in the wrong direction, the beard grows unnaturally, and correcting it is difficult and sometimes requires removing some of the implanted hairs. That is why the physician’s experience and precise planning matter especially for a natural result.
The share of transplanted follicular units that go on growing varies between patients. When a higher density is desired, a second procedure is sometimes needed. The exact percentage of successful growth cannot be guaranteed in advance, because it depends on individual healing and other factors.
For people who want to consider non-surgical options, the use of minoxidil is sometimes considered, which needs to be discussed with a physician. The response to minoxidil varies from person to person, and its effect is assessed during regular use and medical follow-up. In some patients its use can be considered before deciding on a transplant.
Where to decide
How to choose the place and the physician for the procedure
When choosing a clinic, it is important to compare who performs the procedure, how follow-up is carried out, and whom the patient can turn to during recovery. The quality of the procedure does not depend on the country, but on the expertise of the team, the way it is performed, and the availability of follow-up care after the procedure. It is important to know who performs the key parts of the procedure and whom you can contact if difficulties arise during recovery or hair growth.
The world society for hair restoration surgery, the ISHRS, explicitly advises patients to ask, before the procedure, whether a physician will perform it or whether individual surgical steps are carried out by people without the appropriate medical license, and it keeps a publicly available directory of its member physicians. Wherever you have the procedure, check the physician’s qualifications, experience, and membership in the relevant professional societies.
Who we are
Who performs the procedure
The procedure is performed by Ana Maletić, MD, PhD, a specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery and the head of the Hair Center. She holds the FISHRS and ABHRS Diplomate titles, is the only physician in Croatia with the ABHRS Diplomate title and one of 260 physicians worldwide to have earned it, and is the only physician from Croatia in regular membership of the ISHRS. Alongside scalp hair transplantation, she also performs hair transplantation to the beard and mustache area and to the eyebrows.
Throughout preparation, the procedure, and the immediate recovery, a medical team is with you. The Polyclinic has been operating since 1998; it was founded by Dr. Ana’s parents, and today two generations of the family work here. Training in transplantation at the Polyclinic dates back to 1996, and we perform the procedure in Zagreb and in Daruvar, where accommodation is also available for patients from out of town.
We are aware that talking about the look and density of a beard can be sensitive for some men. The conversation is held without judgment and with full respect for medical confidentiality.
Meet the whole team
After the procedure
What the result looks like once growth is complete
The transplanted hairs grow from your own skin and keep the properties they had in the donor area, so they are shaved, trimmed, and shaped like the rest of the beard. According to ISHRS data, the final growth of the transplanted hairs is assessed after ten to fourteen months. The final shape depends on the agreed design, the proportions of the face, and the characteristics of the transplanted hairs.
Once growth is complete, the beard can look more even, and the transplanted hairs can be shaved, trimmed, and shaped like the others. The success of the procedure is judged not only by the number of transplanted units, but also by the natural look, the distribution, and how the hairs blend into the existing beard.
The procedure does not change the natural properties of the transplanted hair — color, thickness, and curl stay as they were in the donor area, so a natural impression depends on the harmony of the number, distribution, direction, and angle of implantation.
Price
Price and the first step
The price of a beard and mustache transplant is €5.50 per follicular unit. The total amount depends on the number of units, and that number is determined only after the examination and the agreement on the beard design, because it depends on the size of the area, the existing density, the state of the donor area, and the agreed plan for the procedure.
The consultation is free of charge, and after the examination you decide for yourself whether to continue planning the procedure. The number of follicular units cannot be reliably determined over the phone. We determine it from the findings, the possibilities of the donor area, and the planned design. You can also see the prices of all procedures in the price list, and the other hair and scalp procedures in the Hair Center.
If you are not sure whether the procedure is suitable for you, an examination can clarify the indication, the possibilities, and the limits. At the examination you receive an assessment of the indication, the state of the donor area, and the possibilities of the procedure.
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Beard and mustache transplant (per follicular unit)
Patient reviews
What our patients say
Reviews taken from our Google Business profiles, Zagreb and Daruvar, translated from Croatian.
★★★★★
“A few years ago I saw Dr. Ana Maletić for a facial hair correction using the FUE method, which made my beard somewhat denser. The results are fantastic — the work was done with such dedication and care. From the first meeting at the polyclinic she radiated confidence and knowledge of her work, along with a readiness and kindness to answer every question I had. All recommendations for Dr. Ana and her entire professional and friendly team.”
★★★★★
“A month ago I had an FUE hair transplant with Dr. Ana Maletić. From the professional side, my hair was done perfectly. I was lucky that my hair did not shed and started growing right away. Dr. Maletić’s expertise is obvious and makes her, without question, the leader in this field in Croatia. But my real satisfaction and gratitude lie in how the Polyclinic treats its patients. They are highly professional, yet approachable and compassionate at the same time. Nurses Matea M. and Valerija left a positive mark on my whole experience and made it more pleasant and calming. To anyone in Croatia looking for a hair transplant, I warmly recommend this Polyclinic. You will get top results and excellent care!”
★★★★★
“I had a hair transplant and I am more than satisfied with this extraordinary, exceptionally professional, life-changing procedure! A big thank you to Dr. Ana, Danijela, Romana, and everyone else who took part in this wonderful experience. My sincerest thanks! Marko S.”
★★★★★
“All praise to the entire staff of the polyclinic. I have already had my second PRP scalp treatment and I can only commend the whole team. I would especially like to praise the doctor for her exceptional expertise, patience, and warm approach. From the first examination to the procedure itself I felt safe and informed. The whole course of treatment was professional and well organized — I received clear and detailed instructions before, during, and after the procedure, which gave me extra confidence. The procedure itself was stress-free, with every step explained along the way, which meant a lot to me. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing, and the staff exceptionally kind and helpful. I am very satisfied with the results so far and look forward to further progress. I definitely recommend it to anyone considering a PRP scalp treatment — you are in safe and expert hands!”
★★★★★
“I have been their patient and admirer for years. They have always known how to make my mom and me feel comfortable and welcome. My mom had a neck lift six years ago, and today I came in for PRP for hair growth. I cannot recommend them enough. Thank you, Ana!”
★★★★★
“I am very satisfied with Dr. Maletić’s results, from the beginning to the end of the hair transplant process. Five months after the procedure my hair looks phenomenal. The results I got, considering the number of grafts transplanted, pleasantly surprised me when compared with other clinics outside Croatia. As for the price, there is no big difference compared to clinics abroad, while the quality and expertise are on the level of top clinics. A big plus is that I did not have to travel outside the country, which made the whole process far less stressful for me.”
★★★★★
“I have rarely experienced such a professional, coordinated, and harmonious team. The atmosphere during the hair transplant was so pleasant that they even treated me to the occasional musical number. That relaxed atmosphere made the boredom of the procedure easier to bear. Although I do wonder whether some of you might be better off on a stage than in an operating room. Once again, a big thank you — I am already looking forward to the results in a few months!”
★★★★★
“A great experience, team, and final result. In short, I had an eyebrow transplant. Everything went exactly as Dr. Ana Maletić explained. The whole team was very kind and professional from start to finish, and I am now at peace because I finally have eyebrows. They look very natural, and the density is just as it should be. All recommendations!”
★★★★★
“A more than positive experience at Polyclinic Maletić, both in Zagreb and in Daruvar. I had a hair transplant and I am very satisfied with the approach and the procedure. I recommend it to everyone, especially to women who, like me, lost their hair after an illness. Once again, thank you to the kind team, and especially to Dr. Ana Maletić.”
★★★★★
“I just had a hair transplant. I am satisfied. Well done to Dr. Duško Maletić and the team in Daruvar. They are kind, professional, and do quality work. I recommend them.”
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
How many follicular units does a beard take?
It depends on how large the area is, how many hairs already grow there, and the density you want. The number can range from a few hundred follicular units for a mustache or sideburns to more than two thousand for shaping a beard in an area with very few existing hairs. The exact number cannot be reliably determined without an examination, because it depends on the existing density, the state of the donor area, and the agreed beard shape.
Does a beard transplant hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain while it is being carried out. Brief discomfort may be felt when the local anesthetic is applied. After the procedure, mild sensitivity and tightness are common and are eased with common painkillers if needed.
Why do the transplanted hairs fall out after a few weeks?
That is an expected phase of recovery in a large share of patients. The transplanted hair falls out, but the follicle stays in place and enters a resting phase. Growth most often starts after three to four months. Before the procedure we explain that shedding of the transplanted hairs does not mean the loss of the transplanted follicles.
When can I go back to work, and when may I shave?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and you go home the same day. For the first ten days or so, sport and heavier physical exertion are avoided, and tiny crusts and redness are visible on the transplanted area in that period, so it helps to plan your return to work and social commitments in advance. The written instructions include the exact date for shaving the transplanted area and the donor area again, because those instructions differ from patient to patient.
Is the result permanent, and can I shave the beard normally afterwards?
The transplanted follicles are permanent. Once they grow through, they are shaved, trimmed, and groomed like all the others, because the follicle keeps the properties it had in the donor area. Since aesthetic trends change, we plan the beard shape according to the proportions of your face, not the currently popular style.
Can I have a beard transplant if the hair on my head is already thinning?
You can, but then a particularly careful assessment of the donor area is needed. The follicles at the back of the head are a limited, non-renewable reserve, so follicular units used for the beard are no longer available for a possible future scalp transplant, while the hair loss may continue. That is why, in men prone to hair loss, we first make a plan for the scalp and only then talk about the beard.
Will people be able to tell the beard is transplanted?
The goal is a natural-looking result, which is why special attention goes into the shape, distribution, direction, and angle of growth. The hairs are implanted at an angle as close to the skin as possible and in the direction the beard naturally grows at that spot, and the border is shaped without a uniform, overly sharp line. A wrong angle or direction is the most common reason a transplanted beard looks unnatural, and such irregularities are demanding to correct later.