What Is a Mustache Transplant?

A mustache transplant is a cosmetic procedure that restores or enhances facial hair growth in the upper lip area. Using the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique, healthy hair follicles are harvested—usually from the back of the scalp—and transplanted to the mustache region. The result is natural, permanent, and tailored to suit your facial structure.

Mustaches play an important role in masculine appearance and personal style. For some men, a full mustache is essential for self-confidence or covering imperfections on the face. Whether due to genetics, hormonal issues, or scarring, lack of mustache growth can now be resolved with a simple, outpatient procedure.

Who Is a Candidate for Mustache Transplant?

You may be a suitable candidate for mustache transplant if you:

  • Have little to no mustache growth due to genetics (congenital hypotrichosis)
  • Experience patchy or thin mustache areas
  • Suffer hair loss due to trauma, burns, or surgery
  • Want to reshape or enhance your mustache style
  • Are over the age of 24 with no major hormonal disorders

A detailed medical evaluation is conducted to assess hormone levels and rule out underlying health issues before the procedure.

What Causes Mustache Hair Loss?

Common reasons include:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone
  • Skin trauma (e.g., cuts, burns, surgical scars)
  • Aging, which may reduce follicle activity

It’s a myth that shaving thickens mustache hair. If hair follicles are missing or damaged, shaving or trimming has no regenerative effect.

How Is Mustache Transplant Performed?

The most common technique used is FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction):

  • Hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area—usually the back of the scalp or neck.
  • Tiny incisions (0.6 to 0.8 mm) are made in the mustache area using micro punch tools.
  • Grafts are placed at a natural angle to match your existing facial hair pattern.
  • The procedure is done under local anesthesia, takes around 4–6 hours, and leaves no visible scarring.
  • If needed, facial donor areas like the beard or under the jawline can also be used to harvest hair.
  • In cases where no mustache hair exists at all, approximately 1,000 to 3,000 grafts may be required for a dense, natural-looking result.

Benefits of Mustache Transplant

  • Improved Aesthetics: Create a fuller, well-defined mustache to enhance facial symmetry.
  • Boost in Self-Confidence: Eliminate self-consciousness associated with patchy or absent facial hair.
  • Style Flexibility: Choose your preferred mustache style—classic, modern, thick, or thin.
  • Youthful Look: Restore lost hair due to aging or scarring.
  • Low Maintenance: Once grown, transplanted hair behaves like natural hair—trim and groom as desired.

Recovery After Mustache Transplant

  • Duration: Procedure lasts 4–6 hours.
  • Return to daily life: Most patients resume normal activities the next day.
  • Initial redness and swelling: Common for 1 week, especially in the upper lip area.
  • Crusting: Small scabs form and fall off within 7–10 days.
  • Shock shedding: Transplanted hairs fall out after 2–3 weeks—this is temporary.
  • Regrowth: Permanent hairs begin to grow around month 4 and fully mature by month 8.

Post-operative care includes avoiding shaving for 2 weeks and following a gentle hygiene routine.

Before and After Mustache Transplant

Results include:

  • Fuller and denser mustache appearance
  • Balanced facial features
  • Natural-looking growth that matches your hair texture
  • Improved self-image and personal style
  • Photographs taken before and after show visible improvement in facial aesthetics and symmetry.

biyik ekimiCost of Mustache Transplant in Turkey

Mustache transplant costs in Turkey vary depending on:

  • Number of grafts needed
  • Technique used (FUE vs. FUT)
  • Clinic’s location and equipment
  • Surgeon’s experience
  • Whether beard or chin areas are also treated

FAQ – Mustache Transplant

Is the procedure painful?

No. It is performed under local anesthesia. You may feel slight pressure, but no pain.

Will it leave a scar?

FUE technique uses micro punches, leaving no visible scarring on the face.

When will I see results?

New hairs begin to grow between 4–6 months, with full results by 8–12 months.

Can I shave after surgery?

Yes, after the initial 2-week healing phase. You can groom and trim the transplanted hairs like natural facial hair.

Is the result permanent?

Yes. Once transplanted follicles establish themselves, they produce lifelong hair.