Surgical hair restoration is on the rise and expected to be worth thirty-one billion by 2025, according to Global Market Insights. In a survey done by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS), in the year 2017, over one-hundred and thirty-three thousand individuals had hair transplants in the United States. In Europe, seventy-nine thousand individuals had hair transplants in 2017. In Asia, the number of hair transplants performed went over one-hundred ninety-five thousand in 2017. The average cost varies depending on the location and the number of grafts needed. In this article, we will break down the average price, factoring in different places.
Average Cost In The United States
In the United States, the cost can vary depending on the type of surgery. There are two types of hair transplant techniques. The oldest method is called Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) or strip. This technique involves removing a piece of hair-bearing tissue and dissecting the tissue into follicular units. The strip method is effective and efficient, but it comes with a drawback; it leaves a linear scar that requires patients to wear their hair long.
The second and newer method is called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The FUE method involves a surgeon removing follicular units one by one with the use of a small surgical punch. The FUE method isn't as efficient as the strip method, but the reason why this method is popular is that the scars are minimal, which allows patients to wear their hair short.
Now that we have some context let's talk pricing. On average, surgeons in the United States charge per graft; each follicular unit graft will come with a specific price point. For the strip method, surgeons charge anywhere from $4-8 per graft, depending on the surgeon. For the FUE method, the cost can vary from $6-12 per graft. Surgeons charge more for FUE in the US because the surgical procedure is more labor-intensive.
Now, because the number of grafts needed will vary from person to person, the cost can change dramatically. If you are someone who has a small degree of hair loss, you may need no more than 1,000 grafts. If you choose FUE, your cost can be anywhere from 6,000-10,000 depending on the surgeon.
Conversely, if you are bald on top, you will need a minimum of 6,000 grafts to restore your hair. The cost could range from $36,000 to $72,000 for FUE and $24,000 to $48,000 for FUSS. Now, before you stop reading and think 'I'll never be able to afford a hair transplant,' most surgeons lower the cost per grafts if you require a large number.
For example, a surgeon may charge $8 per graft for FUE, but if you require over 2,500 grafts, they may lower the price to $6 per graft. Always remember, prices are negotiable, especially if you need multiple procedures and need a lot of grafts. Having said all that, the average cost of a hair transplant in the US ranges from $10,000-14,000. The average person receives around 1,500-2,500 grafts for their first procedure.
Average Cost In Europe
In Europe, the majority of hair transplant surgeons solely perform FUE, there are a few surgeons who perform strip surgery, but it's rare. So, we will stick to FUE prices. The cost per graft in Europe can range from 4 to 7 Euros per graft. While the number seems smaller in Europe, you have to factor in the exchange rate from the dollar to the Euro, for every Euro you get 1.13 dollars. The average cost per procedure in Europe is around 7,500-10,000 Euros, which is close to the US.
Average Cost In Turkey
Now, because Turkey is in between Asia and Europe, we've decided to categorize it separately. Turkey is the wild wild west of the hair transplant industry, there are thousands of clinics that hire fly-by-night technicians, but that is another article altogether. Turkey is exclusively FUE-based; clinics charge $2-4 per graft. The average cost of a hair transplant procedure in Turkey is $4,000-6,000. That said, the work is done exclusively by technicians, and in most cases, their work is subpar. Turkey is the botched hair transplant capital of the world. That said, there are a few good clinics in Turkey where the surgeons perform most of the work, but they are few and far between.
Average Cost in Asia
In Asia, surgeons perform both FUSS and FUE. The average cost per graft is anywhere from $1-4 per graft. Medical tourism in Asia isn't as favored as it is in Turkey, but it is still a top destination for Australians due to their proximity. When we talk about Asia, we are including south, southeast, and east Asia. India is the most popular destination for those seeking affordable hair transplants besides Turkey. However, there are a lot of black market FUE clinics in India just like there are in Turkey, so be careful with choosing the cheapest hair transplant, as the expression goes 'you get what you pay for.'
Average Cost in Latin America
Latin America is a popular destination for North Americans looking to get cosmetic procedures for cheap. However, hair transplantation hasn't taken off as much as other aesthetic procedures like rhinoplasty and breast augmentation. Like Turkey and India, Latin American surgeons mainly perform FUE. The average cost per graft is $2-4, and the price per procedure ranges from $4,000-8,000. The quality and results vary widely, as they do anywhere in the world.
Conclusion
There is no denying that most of us don't have millions of dollars in the bank, and our funds are limited. However, letting cost and price be the deciding factor is a risky proposition at best. We're not talking about a commodity like a TV or even a car. We're talking about your hair. The first thing that people see when they meet you is your face, and directly above that is your hair. You do not want to skimp out on hair transplant surgery, as a botched hair transplant has ruined lives.