If you’ve been struggling to find the right solution for your hair loss, it might be time to consider a hair transplant, especially if alternative hair loss prevention methods have been unsuccessful for you.

However, a hair transplant can be more expensive than alternative treatments — costing anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 per procedure — so it’s totally normal to question if the steeper price will pay off in the long run.

We broke down what exactly a hair transplant entails and how much a hair transplant costs, so you can determine if the price is worth it for you.

Is it worth getting a hair transplant?

In short: it depends! Which we understand can be a frustrating answer. But there are a few things you should know that may make this inconclusive answer easier to stomach.

First of all, there are multiple types of hair restoration, which you can learn more about here. Some of the more popular transplant options include follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).

It’s also important to acknowledge that when it comes to hair transplants, results may vary for individuals. The success rate of hair transplants depends on which type of hair transplant you receive, who performs the procedure, and how much healthy hair you currently have that’s available for transplant.

For these reasons, it’s important to schedule a consultation with your doctor or whoever’s performing the procedure beforehand to determine if you’re a good candidate for a hair transplant.

Despite the multiple unknowns, there are plenty of reputable and reliable hair transplant providers out there who are available to talk you through your options to determine if a FUE hair transplant is right for you.

Is an FUE hair transplant worth the price?

FUE procedures are priced individually, as it depends on how many grafts (hair follicles that will be removed and transplanted) your procedure will require. During your initial consultation, your physician will work together to evaluate the cost of your procedure, and provide a quote so you can budget accordingly. You may also need to factor in travel and time off work for the procedure and recovery into your budget.

Another factor to keep in mind is prioritizing certain areas of the scalp over others. Oftentimes, patients with more extensive hair loss have one wish - to transplant their entire head. Naturally, this will cost more and require more grafts. After further review, many patients decide to transplant only one area of concern such as the front of their head, the hairline or the crown. Patients are frequently very satisfied with the outcome of just one procedure to a targeted area which saves both money and grafts and makes the procedure much more affordable.

All of this is to say, if you do your research, you can increase the chances of having a successful hair transplant.

How long does a hair transplant last?

A hair transplant is meant to be a permanent, long-term solution to hair loss.

However, results may vary based on what type of hair transplant you receive, and a follow-up transplant may be required in the future if your transplanted hair follicles thin in the future.

It’s normal to need to supplement your hair transplant with hair loss prevention medications like minoxidil and finasteride. These are both clinically-proven hair loss prevention treatments, and will likely be part of your aftercare regime recommended by your medical team.

What is the success rate of hair transplants?

You may be sensing a pattern: the answer to this question also depends on what type of hair transplant you receive, who performs it, etc.

There’s not a ton of research on PRP therapy for hair restoration, but a 2020 systematic review analyzing 12 clinical trials on PRP for androgenetic alopecia (also known as male-patterned baldness) found that 84 percent of the studies reported the hair restoration method to be successful. If your hair loss is still at an early-stage your client advisor may recommend PRP during the initial consultation.

While there’s no specific numbers available for FUE hair transplant procedures, research has found both methods to have successful, reliable and safe outcomes when patients have been properly evaluated and transplants have been executed correctly. It’s important to note that the success rate of FUE therapy depends on how much healthy hair you have available for the transplant, so it’s best to schedule a consultation with a team who will work closely with a physician to devise the optimal treatment plan for you.

How long does it take to recover from a hair transplant?

The recovery time from PRP for hair loss is minimal, with individuals experiencing just a few days of soreness after treatment. However, you should know that individuals undergoing PRP therapy will require multiple PRP injections: once a month for three months, and then once every 3-6 months to continue seeing results.

Individuals recovering from FUE procedures should expect to return to their normal activities (work, school, socializing, etc) within three to five days. It’s typical for individuals to experience a tender and swollen scalp for several days, they’ll be prescribed an anti-inflammatory to help with the recovery process. While most patients will see substantial improvements after just one FUE procedure some folks may opt to have another procedure for added coverage and/or density.

You may also be wondering about FUT procedures — this technique involves removing and transplanting an entire strip of tissue and is known to leave a permanent, visible linear scar. Thus, many opt for a FUE procedure over a FUT to avoid this scar and have the option of wearing their hair short on the sides.

Are hair transplants worth the price?

The bottom line is, it is possible to have a successful hair transplant that restores your natural head of hair. But only you can determine if the price of a hair transplant is worth it to you. Our experience with thousands of patients frequently shows that hair restoration is well worth it. In fact, many patients wish they had done it sooner.

To get the best results possible, work with a reputable team and create a budget for yourself that takes into account procedural costs, travel, and recovery time.

The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the content provided in this article for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.

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