Throughout history, different fashion trends have constantly emerged for hair, beard, and mustache styles, as well as for wearing wigs. These trends distinguished one era from another based on their different appearances. Nowadays, many people consider leaving their beard and mustache as a symbol of attractiveness and masculinity, which gives them more confidence. This has led many to choose mustache transplantation to complete their look and achieve harmony with their hair. So, what do you think about learning how to achieve that by following the next lines?
The Process of mustache transplantation:
Just as many men desire a thick beard, some also desire to transplant their mustache. Others may have varying facial hair density and want to achieve a balance between these differences. Some also undergo beard and mustache transplantation for cosmetic reasons. The process is not complex, as hair is extracted from the back of the head or other areas of the body that match the natural characteristics, including color, density, and thickness of the mustache and beard hair.
Those who can undergo mustache transplantation include:
• Who wants to obtain a natural-looking mustache.
• Who has incomplete mustache growth.
• Who wants to increase the density of their mustache hair.
• Who have lost facial hair due to an accident or burn.
• Who has sufficient volume and density in the donor area for hair transplantation.
• Who are not prone to hair loss due to genetic reasons.
• Who does not suffer from any hair loss condition that may cause hair loss again.
• Whoever has some types of alopecia, such as alopecia areata, in which hair falls out in circular spots, can undergo surgery if there is an available hair on the head or body.
• Those who have scars resulting from accidents or burns in the mustache area. Mustache transplantation hides the scars and achieves the desired appearance.
How do you perform mustache transplantation, and how does it differ from hair transplantation?
There are not many fundamental differences between mustache and hair transplantation procedures. Both can be done using the same technique, but there are some differences that Dr. Wael Ghanem considers necessary to obtain natural and accurate results, including:
• The number of hairs required for mustache transplantation is much less than that required for hair transplantation.
• The type, color, and thickness of the hair to be transplanted into the mustache should be considered because it is obtained from regions of different natures, which may result in an unnatural-looking mustache.
• Natural results can be achieved when the hair is curlier and shorter.
• The angle of the hair differs according to the shape of the mustache, the direction of hair growth, and its angle.
• Dr. Wael Ghanem performs much smaller surgical incisions in the mustache than in the head.
The technique used in mustache transplantation:
In the past, the FUT technique was used in all types of hair transplantation, in which the doctor shaved a part of the scalp and removed a strip of the scalp, dividing it into hundreds of grafts, which were then transplanted into the recipient areas. After that, the scalp was sutured, resulting in a longitudinal scar on the scalp and a longer recovery period, usually characterized by discomfort and some pain.
The latest and most widely used technique for mustaches, beards, and smaller areas that require less hair transplantation is the FUE technique. Dr. Wael Ghanem shaves several parts of the back of the scalp and extracts hair follicles from their roots, then transplants them into the mustache until it reaches the required density. He takes hair follicles from areas of the scalp that have similar hair types to those of the mustache and beard. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to make it painless. After extracting the hair roots, he makes very precise incisions to transplant the extracted hair. The hair begins to grow naturally after the procedure.
Preparing for a mustache transplant:
After booking an appointment with Dr. Wael Ghanem, he will explain the technique used in the mustache transplant during the consultation session, clarify the expected results according to the nature and characteristics of the hair, and also request a complete medical history; to detect any pre-existing factors that may interfere with the surgical results or any medical conditions that may put your health at risk during the surgery. Dr. Wael Ghanem may recommend the following:
• Quitting alcohol several days before the surgery so that the blood is free from substances that may interfere with the anesthesia or its effects. The bodies of alcoholic patients may require additional anesthesia, which may endanger their health. The worst-case scenario is when the anesthesia's effect stops during the surgery, which may weaken the body's ability to heal.
• Dr. Wael Ghanem recommends avoiding shaving the hair in the donor areas, especially on the back of the scalp.
• Avoiding smoking due to nicotine's harmful effects on the body's healing and the natural blood flow to the body's tissues. Therefore, it is recommended to quit smoking completely at least two weeks before the surgery.
• Avoiding blood-thinning medications such as herbal supplements, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent the body from bleeding during the surgery.
• Dr. Wael Ghanem may also request some blood tests and other medical examinations to detect any risk factors.
• Identifying any allergies and avoiding the materials that cause them sufficiently before the surgery.
• Also, maintaining general health and avoiding infection is necessary.
Recovery after a mustache transplant:
The recovery period after a mustache transplant is not long, but to ensure a healthy recovery, Dr. Wael Ghanem recommends the following:
• To reduce swelling, keep your head elevated all the time and while sleeping, so that the swelling subside within two days.
• Avoid strenuous activities for at least two days or a week to prevent damage to the transplanted hair.
• Exposure to sunlight may weaken hair follicles, so it is necessary to avoid sunlight as much as possible for at least two weeks.
• Do not wash your face for a week after the mustache transplant, and avoid shaving your face.
• Comply with applying antibiotic cream to the transplanted hair areas or taking antibiotics to prevent infections.
Mustache transplant results:
After eight weeks of mustache transplant, the appearance of the hair becomes natural, and sometimes it may take at least 14 to 15 weeks. After completing the surgery, there may be some swelling and redness in the transplanted hair areas for a period ranging from 2 to 3 days. During the first three weeks, transplanted hair is expected to fall out because hair follicles have been shocked and cannot retain hair. New hair starts to form 3 to 4 months after surgery, and the final results can be noticeable within 6 months. It is recommended during this period to maintain good nutrition and add a lot of vitamins, minerals, and protein to the diet, in addition to avoiding caffeine and keeping the body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Benefits of mustache transplantation:
• Achieving the desired appearance and increasing self-confidence.
• The procedure is simple and minimally invasive.
• The procedure does not produce any scars and does not use any surgical stitches.
• Minimal pain during and after surgery.
• Short recovery and surgical time, which usually takes only two to three hours.
• Within several months, a thicker and denser mustache can be obtained.
Dear reader, this was the process of a mustache transplant and everything related to the technique used, as well as the results and benefits. In the end, we hope that we have provided sufficient answers to your questions, and if you wish to ask more questions about mustache transplant prices or the procedure, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Wael Ghanem's Center for Plastic and Congenital Defect Repair Surgery.