Beard and Mustache Restoration
Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in La Jolla, San Diego, Newport Beach and Beverly Hills

Beard and mustache restoration is a specialized hair restoration procedure that takes hair follicles from one area of the scalp and replants them to help enhance hair growth for those experiencing thinning or sparse facial hair. Facial hair is an important aspect of the appearance of many men, often representing their masculinity and playing a significant role in their perceived attractiveness. Around 67% of men are affected by hair loss, often leading them to seek out effective solutions. (1)
If you are experiencing hair loss in your beard or mustache, look no further than California Hair MD!
Dr. Richard Chaffoo is the founder and surgical director of California Hair MD. He is the first Triple Board-Certified Hair Transplant Plastic Surgeon in the USA, with his practice being designated as the only “Center of Excellence” on the West Coast in robotic hair restoration. He is an international guest speaker at numerous meetings on plastic and hair restoration surgery and is also involved in cutting-edge research to develop new hair restoration treatments. Dr. Chaffoo teaches and trains other plastic surgeons interested in hair restoration at the annual Aesthetic Society meeting, with his lecture circuit including international meetings and conferences in Paris, Austin, Sao Paulo, and Rome.
Dr. Susan Stuart is a board-certified dermatologist and the cofounder of California Hair MD. She is one of the few board-certified plastic dermatologists in the country who is also a super-specialist in hair restoration, specializing in many advanced non-surgical hair restoration techniques. Dr. Stuart often works with the medical device industry to help develop the latest technology for hair restoration and is the go-to dermatologist for many publications such as Cosmopolitan, InStyle, and The Huffington Post.
To schedule a consultation, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule your consultation over the phone, please contact the office most convenient for you:
Contents
- 1 About Beard and Mustache Restoration
- 2 Benefits
- 3 Who Makes a Good Candidate for Facial Hair Restoration?
- 4 Personal Consultation
- 5 Preparation
- 6 Procedure
- 7 Recovery and Results
- 8 Low-Level Light Therapy for Enhancing Growth
- 9 Cost of Beard or Mustache Restoration in Southern California
- 10 FAQ
- 10.1 When will I see the results of my mustache or beard restoration?
- 10.2 Is beard or mustache restoration painful?
- 10.3 Can I maintain my existing facial hair when receiving a beard and mustache restoration?
- 10.4 Are there any side effects to the beard or mustache restoration procedure?
- 10.5 Can I combine my beard and mustache restoration with another treatment for more comprehensive effects?
- 11 References
About Beard and Mustache Restoration
Beard and mustache hair restoration is a procedure designed to help restore hair density and growth in various parts of the face through the implantation of hair grafts. Beard and mustache sparsity can be caused by many factors, with the primary reason being male androgenetic alopecia. Male androgenic alopecia (MAA), also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss in men, with an estimated 30-50% of men developing MAA by the time they are 50. (2)
Dr. Chaffoo can help restore these areas through the use of follicular unit extraction (FUE). This advanced hair restoration technique is a minimally invasive procedure that helps extract hair follicles through a circular micropunching device before replanting them into areas experiencing thinning or shedding hair. FUE hair restoration can be used in multiple areas of the body, including the scalp, eyebrows, and even the chest.
Benefits
Beard and mustache restoration can provide patients with a wide variety of advantages and benefits, including the following:
- Increased Confidence: Fuller facial hair can help improve one’s self-esteem and satisfaction with their appearance.
- Improved Facial Structure: Facial hair can promote balance and proportion between various facial features.
- Permanent Results: Hair transplantation offers permanent results, making it a more worthwhile investment compared to topical treatments or permanent makeup.
- Natural-looking Appearance: Dr. Chaffoo’s techniques provide natural-looking results that blend in with each patient’s pre-existing growth.
- Quick Recovery: Many patients can return to work within several days and resume their full routines in just a week.
- Restoration After Trauma: This procedure is ideal for patients who may be suffering from facial injuries or scarring that impedes hair growth.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Facial Hair Restoration?
Suitable candidates for beard or mustache restoration include men experiencing shedding, thinning, or patchy hair around various parts of the face. Each patient is also required to have a sufficient amount of donor hair, most often from the back of their head.
All candidates interested in our facial hair restoration procedure should be in good overall health, free from any medical conditions that may inhibit healing. Realistic expectations should also be held regarding the outcome of the procedure. Patients should also be nonsmoking or willing to quit until they are fully healed. Each individual’s candidacy will be determined by Dr. Chaffoo at their consultation.
Personal Consultation
Each patient is required to attend a personal consultation at any one of our locations before their beard and mustache restoration. This meeting is not only a chance for Dr. Chaffoo to meet each patient but also to understand how he can best help them. He will first perform a medical examination to evaluate the condition of each patient’s facial hair before conversing more about the patient’s medical history, concerns, and treatment goals. After determining their candidacy, Dr. Chaffoo will craft each patient’s treatment plan, customizing certain aspects to help them achieve their ideal aesthetic. Preparation and recovery instructions will also be provided, as well as a written price quote for the procedure. Patients are asked to be prepared to discuss their concerns and desired aesthetics, as this consultation is time dedicated to them and their specific procedure.
To schedule a consultation, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule your consultation over the phone, please contact the office most convenient for you:
Preparation
Each patient will receive a set of preparatory guidelines at their consultation, instructing them on how to prepare for their beard and mustache restoration. While preparation is minimal, each patient should ensure they follow Dr. Chaffoo’s instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery and the most ideal outcome.
Individuals may be asked to temporarily discontinue the use of certain medications and supplements, especially those with blood-thinning properties. Additionally, patients who smoke will need to quit several weeks before their appointment, refraining from use until fully healed. Transportation home from the procedure, as well as any time away from work and other social commitments, should also be arranged.
Procedure
The procedure will begin with each patient’s hair being trimmed or shaved to ensure the grafts are the right size for extraction. Local anesthesia will then be administered for each individual’s comfort and relaxation. Some patients may also be given a sedative if needed. Dr. Chaffoo will then use a handheld punch tool to extract viable follicles from areas of the scalp that are resistant to shedding or thinning. Each follicle contains anywhere between one to four hairs, with the number of follicles harvested depending on the size of the treatment area. (3)
Once the grafts have been harvested, they will be processed before being reimplanted into the treated area. During replantation, Dr. Chaffoo will create multiple, tiny incisions around the areas being restored. The grafts will then be carefully implanted, ensuring that the placement pattern and angles match the patient’s natural hair growth patterns. Once the grafts have been placed, each patient will be left to rest under the care of our team until the anesthesia wears off. The duration of this procedure can take several hours, depending on the number of grafts required for treatment.
To learn more about our other treatments, please read the California Hair MD blog!
Recovery and Results

Following their procedure, patients are recommended to take several days to rest and focus on their recovery. Patients may experience tenderness or mild swelling, but these effects will subside within several days. Any discomfort may also be managed through the use of medications. Throughout the initial recovery, Dr. Chaffoo recommends that each patient sleep with their head elevated while also avoiding certain activities, such as swimming, shaving, or the use of certain hair products. Patients can typically return to work in several days and resume most of their daily routines by the end of the week, making this a quicker recovery compared to other procedures. Further instructions will be provided to each patient by Dr. Chaffoo at their consultation.
The full results of each patient’s beard or mustache restoration may be seen after 12-18 months, once the transplanted hair has started to grow. Patients will be able to see a noticeable improvement in the density, coverage, and thickness of hair in the treated regions. Dr. Chaffoo also ensures that the results of each patient’s procedure are natural-looking, blending seamlessly with the preexisting facial hair. As the results of hair restoration are permanent, each patient will be able to enjoy their new growth for years to come!
Low-Level Light Therapy for Enhancing Growth
Low-level light therapy is a non-surgical hair restoration treatment that is designed to stimulate the hair follicles to promote new hair growth. This treatment is often paired with a beard or facial hair restoration procedure to help increase blood flow to the implantation area, delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles. Dr. Chaffoo can use a specialized device to deliver controlled light beams to stimulate the hair follicles on the scalp, extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, revitalize dormant follicles, and reduce inflammation. Reducing inflammation has been shown to have a significant effect on hair regrowth, as the immune cells produced can reduce blood flow, damage hair follicles, and even end the growth phase of the hair cycle early. (4) While low-level light therapy can be used as a hair restoration treatment on its own, it is more effective as part of a comprehensive treatment or used to enhance and complement the effects of another hair restoration procedure.
Cost of Beard or Mustache Restoration in Southern California
The cost of each patient’s beard or mustache restoration may vary depending on the number of hair grafts needed for treatment. Dr. Chaffoo will provide each patient with a written quote at their consultation after he has crafted their tailored treatment plan. California Hair MD offers only the most competitive pricing for the most premium results.
To unlock the cost of your beard or mustache restoration, please contact us online or call (800) 373-4773, and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
FAQ
When will I see the results of my mustache or beard restoration?
Patients may experience growth as early as three months following their implantation, however, most patients will see results anywhere between 12-18 months later. The exact timing will vary between patients.
Is beard or mustache restoration painful?
While you may feel some pressure during the procedure itself, local anesthesia is administered to ensure each patient feels comfortable.
Can I maintain my existing facial hair when receiving a beard and mustache restoration?
Yes, a beard and mustache restoration aims to blend seamlessly with your preexisting facial hair for natural-looking results.
Are there any side effects to the beard or mustache restoration procedure?
Patients may experience mild swelling, redness, or other irritation. These effects typically subside within several days and may further be managed under the guidance of Dr. Chaffoo.
Can I combine my beard and mustache restoration with another treatment for more comprehensive effects?
Yes, patients can complement their facial hair restoration procedure with another, the most popular being our low-light level therapy treatment. For more information, patients are recommended to contact a member of our team.
References
- Zito PM, Raggio BS. Hair Transplantation. Nih.gov. Published February 12, 2024. Accessed March 31, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740
- Cranwell W, Sinclair R. Male Androgenetic Alopecia. Nih.gov. Published February 29, 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/
- Dua A, Dua K. Follicular unit extraction hair transplant. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery. 2010;3(2):76-81. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.69015
- Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2013;46(2):144-151. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22170