A hair transplant typically costs between $4,000 and $15,000, varying depending on the procedure and clinic. Insurance rarely covers the cost.
Plenty of products promise to increase volume or help you grow more hair. But most aren’t that effective.
The best way to add or increase hair to an area can be with a hair transplant.
But how much does a hair transplant cost? There’s not a clear-cut, simple answer. Treatment and recovery come at a price, and both have multiple factors that will affect the total cost of the transplant.
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that takes hair from one area of the head to a bald or thinning area of the head. These procedures can restore hair on the scalp that’s been lost due to age, disease, or injury.
They can also improve the appearance of thinning hair or bald spots. Doctors may also recommend them as a treatment for alopecia, which causes hair loss.
Hair transplants are typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. The surgery usually takes place in a doctor’s office or clinic and is between 4 and 8 hours.
During a hair transplant procedure, a surgeon takes hair from an area of the head that has good hair growth and transplants it to a thinning or bald area. Hair is usually taken from the back or sides of the head.
The cost of a hair transplant is highly variable and typically ranges from $4,000 to $15,000. These costs are often all out of pocket. Most insurance companies consider a hair transplant a cosmetic procedure.
The cost of hair transplants is dependent on many factors, including:
Where you live: The relative cost of living in the area and the number of nearby surgeons offering the procedure can affect what a surgeon charges.
The type of procedure you choose: There are two types of hair transplants: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). Each has a different cost.
The skill of your surgeon: This is a common correlation: If your surgeon is considered to be one of the best, they may charge more. Still, higher rates don’t always mean superior skill, so you’ll want to do your research.
How much hair you want to be transplanted: Wanting a few patches added will cost significantly less than wanting to increase hair across the entire scalp.
Travel costs: This isn’t something your doctor will charge, but it’s a cost you’ll want to consider. Sometimes you have to travel to find the best specialists, and these costs could impact your decision on whether you can afford the procedure.
Hair transplants can be an effective treatment for hair loss, but they’re not right for everyone. Consider the pros and cons before you decide whether to have a hair transplant.
Pros
- Hair transplants are usually permanent
- They can give you back your natural-looking hair
- Boosts self-esteem
- Improves appearance
Cons
- Can be costly
- Not typically covered by health insurance
- May require multiple procedures
In addition to treatment costs, there are other potential recovery costs to take into account, including:
- pain medication during immediate recovery
- anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling at the surgical site
- antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection
If you experience any complications, the most common of which is an infection, you’ll need to treat it. This can be an additional expense, such as the costs for medications and doctor visits.
If you’re waiting for your hair transplant or are unable to afford one, there are several nonsurgical alternatives you could use in the meantime. These remedies aren’t as effective, but they can help.
Alternatives to hair transplants include:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine), which is available for purchase without a prescription. It can be used on men and women.
- Finasteride (Propecia) tablets, which can provide results in treating male and female pattern baldness between 3 to 6 months of continual use.
- Low-level laser therapy, which can treat hair loss in both genders by stimulating cellular activity. It promotes hair retention and can strengthen weak hair.
See a doctor if you’re concerned about hair loss. They can refer you to a specialist who can evaluate your hair and recommend the best treatment. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications may slow hair loss.
If you’re considering a hair transplant, talk with a doctor about the possible risks and benefits.
How long do hair transplants last?
Hair transplants are a permanent hair loss solution provided an experienced and qualified surgeon performs the procedure. Taking care of transplanted hair properly postsurgery is also critical to ensure optimal results.
What is the success rate of hair transplants?
Hair transplants are generally successful procedures. A
When assessing success rates, people should consider that final results may take up to 18 months to show.
Is a hair transplant painful?
People often report mild pain for
There’s no doubt about it: Hair transplants don’t come at a small cost — especially considering they may not work as well as you’d like.
If you have the funds and decide you want to invest in a hair transplant, you’ll want to take the time to do your research.
You can get multiple consultations to get an idea of the cost and find the surgeon who’s right for you.
Remember, when it comes to cost that’s affected by the skill of the surgeon, don’t skimp out. Hiring the right surgeon, even if more expensive, can help you get the best results possible.
Also keep in mind that when it comes to initial treatment costs, many clinics may offer payment or financing plans to help make the treatment accessible to more people.