Paying for a Hair Transplant
Have you been checking your growing bald spots in the mirror every night or watching your previously lush hairline begin to fade? Have you tried over-the-counter treatments and watched the pile of specialized shampoos and failed medications grow? Have you visited a pricey stylist to see if you could potentially pull off the dreaded comb-over?
If these situations sound familiar, you probably have already started to consider a hair transplant. And for good reason – hair transplants are the best way to add or increase permanent volume on your scalp.
How Much Do These Transplants Cost?
There is no clear black and white answer, since, as with any surgery, pricing varies. However, you’re probably looking at an out-of-pocket cost of anywhere between $4,000 and $15,000. Unfortunately, since the procedure is considered cosmetic, most insurance companies will not help you foot the bill.
The first decision you should make when considering a hair transplant is the type of procedure required. There are two common forms of hair transplants: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Because these processes vary in terms of technology and timing, their pricing tends to land on opposite ends of the spectrum.
FUT and FUE
FUT is a tried-and-true process that involves removing a strip of healthy hair from a “donor area” somewhere on your body and applying it to the balding area. While this process is quick, it does leave a long and narrow scar on your scalp, making it a less applicable option for people who prefer to sport close-cropped haircuts.
FUE is a newer surgery in which the surgeon removes single hair follicles one by one and transplants them individually to the balding area. This is done through a procedure called “micro punches” which removes the risk of scarring. Because this process can take a while, it’s usually recommended for smaller treatments.
Other Considerations
In addition to the type of procedure you choose, your hair transplant costs can differ depending on:
- Where you are having the surgery
- The skill or acclaim of the surgeon
- The amount of hair transplanted
- Travel for non-local surgery
- Medication needed for recovery
While the upfront cost of a hair transplant can be quite steep, the process does produce longstanding results. Usually, six to nine months after the surgery, hair will begin naturally growing back along the hairline or bald patches, providing the patient with new hair and newfound confidence. Contact a hair transplant doctor like Dr. Robin Unger today.