The Average Cost for Hair Transplant
The average cost of a hair transplant is one of the great mysteries of the hair-restoration industry. Given the fact that every patient has different degrees of hair loss with different goals, arriving at an average cost for the procedure becomes a daunting task. With a wide range of fee structures marketed throughout the industry, calculating an average cost becomes even more complicated.
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Patient Assessment
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Your degree of hair loss versus available donor hair will be a major factor in determining cost. Doctors rate each patient on an industry standard called the Norwood Scale, a graphic depicting the various degrees of hair loss on a scale from 1 to 7. Next, the doctor will assess the density of your donor hair to determine how much hair can be harvested from the back of your scalp. Your cost will ultimately be impacted by how much hair can be effectively harvested.
Grafts Versus Cost
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Hair normally grows in follicular units of one to four hairs grouped together. Once harvested, these units are called grafts. Doctors assess overall fees by multiplying the per-graft price by the total number of grafts transplanted. The price per graft will have the greatest impact on cost, with an average range of $3 to $8 per unit. Dr. James DeYarmen of the International Alliance of Hair Transplant Surgeons suggests, "Instead of trying to shop on a price per graft basis, start asking doctors what they could do for you with the budget you can afford or are willing to spend."
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Doing the Math
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Although the maximum amount of donor hair available per patient is typically about 3,500 grafts, most patients in the upper end of the Norwood scale will average 2,500 to 3,000 total grafts transplanted. Considering the low end of the per-graft price, this would make the average hair-transplant procedure range from $8,000 to $12,000 at most reputable practices.
Discounts and Financing
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Most hair-transplant practices offer a discount "standby" program that may reduce your cost to $2 per graft or less, provided you are flexible and can come in on short notice to fill in a cancellation. Dr. DeYarmen adds, "In my practice if a patient is able to have a procedure on a 24 to 48 hour notice, I will reduce my fee on the spot." Financing options are also available at most offices, which allow you to amortize the cost of your procedure over time.
Choosing Your Doctor
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Although cost will always be a consideration, remember that hair-transplantation surgery is an art form with varying results, depending on the expertise of each individual surgeon. Always do your research on any doctor you are considering. For more information on hair-transplant procedures and related options, visit the American Hair Loss Association website.
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