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| Typical costs: | - The average surgeon's fee for hair transplantation is $5,033, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. But many surgeons will actually charge a per-graft fee, usually between $3 and $10, so the final cost will depend on the extent of the patient's hair loss and how many grafts are needed. Some surgeons have minimum fees.
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| What should be included: | - During the hair transplant procedure, the surgeon moves grafts of skin and hair from a "donor" site on the back or sides of the head to the area where hair has been lost. Although different methods have been used in the past, follicular unit hair transplantation is now considered the most advanced. In this procedure, the surgeon removes scalp tissue and hair, then uses a microscope to divide the hair into follicular units, which are little bundles of hair, roots, glands, blood vessels and nerves. The doctor then inserts the follicular units into the area of the scalp where hair has been lost. Keeping these units intact helps make the transplant a success and gives a more natural look. The Hair Transplant Guide provides an overview of the procedure.
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| Additional costs: | - Many patients will need additional work after the initial transplant make the hair look more natural. And sometimes, the hair transplant procedure can result in complications, such as grafts that fail to attach and grow and must be replaced at the expense of the patient. Also, patients who continue to lose hair after surgery might need additional surgery to fix bald patches.
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| Discounts: | - Tip: Be wary of discount prices on hair transplantation procedures. Skilled hair transplant surgeons practicing in the United States are very much in demand, and most charge a premium for their work.
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| Shopping for a hair transplant: | - Tip: Be sure to look for an experienced surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Dermatology. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides a free referral service, as does The American Academy of Dermatology. The American Hair Loss Association provides a detailed guide on how to check a surgeon's credentials.
- Tip: Be careful not to pay too much attention to slick advertising campaigns; the ads mean nothing if the surgeon is not very skilled or experienced or is performing outdated hair transplantation techniques that, at worst, could be dangerous and at best, might result in an unsatisfactory look. The American Hair Loss Association also provides a detailed list of outdated hair transplant procedures patients should avoid.
- Tip: Talk with your surgeon to make sure you are a good candidate for hair replacement; you must have enough hair on the back and sides of your head to make the surgery feasible, and your hair loss should have stabilized.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated November 2006 |
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