A hair transplant is a procedure that can transform your life. It can leave you feeling younger, happier and more confident. But, due to its life-changing possibilities, a procedure like this comes at a cost. In this post, we’ll cover how much a hair transplant will cost you and the types of procedure available. We’ll also discuss some alternatives to hair transplants if you’re looking for a cheaper option.
How much should I expect to pay?
How much you can expect to pay for your procedure depends on a number of factors, such as where you get the procedure done, the type of procedure and the amount of hair you need transplanting.
Location
Around the world, the cost of a hair transplant varies massively. According to Healthline, the procedure can cost up to $15,000 in the USA. However, by way of comparison, the same procedure with GetHair in Turkey can be up to 80% cheaper.
However, when you’re comparing prices, ensure that you include all relevant costs, not just the cost of the procedure. For example, if you fly to another country for your procedure, you’ll also need to budget for things like flights and hotel costs.
Procedure type
The cost of your transplant will also be determined by the type of procedure you choose. There are two main types of hair transplant procedure: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). Generally speaking, FUT procedures are cheaper than FUE procedures. This is because a FUT involves moving strips of hair across the head, rather than moving each follicular unit individually. This reduces the time spent in the operating theatre and means it’s far less labour intensive.
Amount of hair you need transplanting
The number of grafts you require will have a bearing on how much your procedure costs. If you only need to move a few follicular units to the front of your head, the procedure will be much cheaper than if you’re nearly bald (it may also be more effective at this stage, too).
Some clinics and surgeons will charge per graft. This means you can have a consultation with them and they’ll be able to give you an accurate quote based on your circumstances.
What are the alternatives?
When considering the above, you may feel like a hair transplant is simply too expensive or invasive. If this is the case for you, you’ll be delighted to know that a number of alternatives are also available.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is often sold under the brand names Rogaine or Regaine and it is an over-the-counter treatment that you massage into your scalp. It works by increasing the flow of blood around your damaged follicles and encourages them to grow by lengthening their growth phase and rejuvenating them.
Finasteride
This is usually sold under the generic name of finasteride or the brand name Propecia. It’s used to block the production of dihydrotestosterone and interrupt the process that makes follicles produce thinner hairs. It’s taken as a pill and is only available on prescription, so you usually have to visit a doctor. You cannot get finasteride on the NHS and you’ll have to pay for a private prescription.
Wig or Toupee
If you don’t like the idea of adding chemicals to your body, a wig or a toupee is probably your best bet. If you only have a small bald patch you need to cover, a toupee is the best choice for you. But if you’re thinning all over, a wig will be better.
Wigs and toupees are much better quality now than they used to be and, depending on how much you’d like to spend, you can get one made from human hair that perfectly matches your natural colour.
In conclusion, how much your hair transplant will cost depends on a number of factors, including the type of procedure you require, where you have the procedure done and how much hair you need to transplant. Thankfully, if a hair transplant is too expensive for you, alternatives are available that can help you feel at your best.