What is a Hair Graft?
A hair graft is extracted for hair transplant as a follicular unit that contains 1-4 hairs. Each health hair unit has the potential for successful transplantation to an area of need. Healthy and strong hair grafts are removed from a person’s donor area and then transplanted to areas where weaker, fewer, or dead hair follicles are or once were. The selected follicles are chosen for their resistance to hair loss, which is particular true for hair on the back and sides of the head.
How Are Hair Grafts Transplanted?
Follicular Unit transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) are the two most common methods for hair transplantation. FUT is an older technique involving the strip removal of scalp from the side or back of the head to graft hair follicles. FUE is less invasive, but requires more expertise to remove individual hair follicles using an extraction process. After successful grafting, both procedures require that the follicles are meticulously prepared for transplantation.
FUE procedures take nearly twice as long to complete, however there is improved graft preservation for successful transplantation. Most importantly, with this minimally invasive technique, there is no need for large incisions or sutures. As a result, patients are not left with any significant visible scarring as can sometimes be seen with FUT.
How Many Hair Grafts Do I Need?
The individual needs for hair transplant largely affect the number of grafts required. Most patients require between 500-2500 grafts, with the most common number being 2000 for an individual transplant. The greater the level of identified hair loss, the greater number of hair grafts necessary to fill in thinning areas. Larger transplant needs greater than 2500 grafts can be divided into 2 sessions for improved patient tolerance to very otherwise lengthy procedures with FUE.
How Much Do Hair Transplant Grafts Cost?
Several factors influence the cost of hair transplant including
- Number of Grafts required (most important factor with estimated cost $4-10 per graft).
- FUE vs FUT. The FUE process is more intensive associated with not only higher quality results, but also higher cost
- Geographic location. NYC and large cities are more costly than suburban locations
- Robotic assisted procedures are more expensive
- Expertise of the supervising physician
- Quality of the transplant team. Higher in-demand hair transplant teams charge higher amounts for the service
- Add on services including PRP therapy with hair loss
- Need for anesthesiologist if requested by client
How To Shop For Cost
It's certainly reasonable to visit more than one place for cost estimation. Most places are happy to provide a full appraisal that is guaranteed. Expect a range of prices, however we would strongly recommend avoiding locations without a reputation for providing high quality hair transplants. For FUE Hair Transplant, there are numerous hair transplant surgeon near me and the experience is variable. Choose your center on the quality of reviews, personal experience with the doctor, cost of hair transplant and honest appraisals of the expected outcomes.
