Understanding the average cost of hair transplant FUE procedures depends on several different factors. The average cost of hair transplant FUE will largely depend on the extent of your hair loss. The expertise of your surgeon is important as well. Finally, the location of the clinic and travel expenses all factor into the cost.
In this article, we will explore the details of the FUE hair transplant procedure and what to expect as you go through the process. We will also discuss the average cost of hair transplant FUE, and what you can anticipate as far as costs.
What is a Follicular Unit Extraction Surgery?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a type of hair transplant procedure performed by removing individual hair follicles from the skin on one part of the scalp. These usually come from the back of the head or the sides. Then your surgeon moves them to another part of the body where the hair is thin or absent altogether. Unlike Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) a procedure that involves removing follicular grafts by removing a strip of the scalp and hair, FUE is far less invasive. The surgeon uses a micropunch tool that extracts the hairs individually, leaving behind virtually invisible signs of the extractions.
Hair goes through a natural cycle of growing, resting, and shedding. As we age, this cycle shortens, and hair follicles begin to shrink until they eventually stop producing hair altogether. This process occurs differently with each person. Some people start to lose their hair as early as adolescence. However, others don’t experience this until much later in life. FUE hair transplantation restores hair by replacing the old follicles with new follicles that are still able to produce hair. After the follicular grafts are transplanted they’ll be well-nourished by blood vessels. As a result, the transplanted hair fills in thinning or balding areas.
FUE is a cosmetic surgery that is generally regarded as safe. Possible side effects are fairly minor. The most common risk is “pit scarring”, the formation of tiny white scars where the follicles were extracted. These are not visible when the hair grows out. There are rare instances of infection or tissue death. However, these can be prevented by carefully following proper aftercare guidelines. Overall this surgery has a high success rate. It allows for the patient to achieve very natural-looking results that in no way resemble that “plug” look.
How Will My FUE Procedure Play Out?
FUE is a time-consuming surgery because it requires meticulous attention to detail and an experienced surgeon. FUE is often performed in multiple sessions over the course of several days. Sessions can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. This depends on the extent of the hair loss being treated, and the number of grafts that need to be transplanted. FUE is an outpatient surgery, performed under local anesthesia.
After you’ve completed your initial consultation and scheduled your surgery, you’ll be instructed on how to prepare for your surgery. You should refrain from smoking for at least a day before your scheduled surgery. Avoid alcohol as well for at least 3 days prior. Your doctor may also ask you to stop taking certain medications that may be contraindicated during this period.
On the day of your surgery, your surgeon shaves the area where the follicles will be extracted from, as well as the area where the follicular grafts will be transplanted. A topical anesthesia is applied to the scalp and a surgeon will use a micro punch tool to remove the follicular grafts and prepare them for transplanting. The surgeon uses a tiny needle to make small incisions for the follicular insertion. After completion, the area will be cleaned and bandaged for recovery.
Is FUE Surgery Recovery Easy or Hard?
FUE offers an easier recovery with less discomfort than FUT. It is normal to experience some soreness, redness, and swelling in the initial days following surgery. However, many patients feel comfortable enough to return to work the next day if they wish to do so. In the initial weeks following surgery, your doctor will provide you with aftercare instructions to prevent infection. In general, avoid immersing your scalp in water or partaking in vigorous exercise for a least a week. You will not be able to wear hats, hairpieces, or wigs during these initial healing stages.
After a patient completes the initial healing after their surgery, they’re cleared by their doctor in their post-operative evaluation. When that happens, you can resume your normal daily activities. Your doctor will be able to provide you with good recommendations for hair care products. They may also recommend using topical medications such as minoxidil or incorporating low-level laser therapy with a laser cap to encourage your newly transplanted hair follicles to flourish and prevent any further hair loss.
In the first eight weeks after surgery, it is normal for hair in the transplanted area to fall out. This is a natural part of the hair growth cycle. It’s a sign that the follicular grafts are well established. That they’re producing new hair growth. You will start to be able to see this new growth around four months post-surgery, and like the rest of the year progresses you will continue to see new hair growth. It takes a year for the new hair to become well-established.
Understanding the Average Cost of Hair Transplant FUE Surgeries
FUE hair transplants are a great option for those who are experiencing thinning hair or balding while still having plenty of nearby hair to transplant. FUE also works for facial hair, or to alter the shape of the hairline. In order to be a good candidate for FUE, you must have healthy or thick hair to be able to transplant to the thinning or balding area. Accustomed to wearing your hair long? Keep in mind that all of the hair in the donor area is shaved close to the scalp before surgery.
The average cost of hair transplant FUE ranges anywhere between $7,000 to $15,000 per session. The price range depends on the number of hair transplants, the expertise of the surgeon, and the area of transplantation. Many hair clinics offer per graft pricing structures that range anywhere from $6-$18 per graft. Other factors that impact the cost of an FUE hair transplant procedure include how many surgeons are available in the area who are knowledgeable when it comes to performing this type of surgery. How frequently the surgeon is able to perform FUE hair transplants, and how in-demand their services also reflect the cost.
Because it’s cosmetic surgery, most insurance plans won’t cover FUE procedures. You’ll also need to cover the costs of any prescription medications prescribed for pain management and prevention of infection, such as antibiotics. Other costs to consider when planning for your hair transplant FUE surgery include any time off work for recovery, around 3-5 days. Unfortunately, most companies will not cover cosmetic surgery under medical leave either. If you are traveling to a hair clinic that is not in your local area, you will also need to factor in travel expenses like plane tickets, gas, hotel stays, meals, etc.
FUE Transplants Require Patience and Dedication
Some people chose to undergo multiple FUE procedures over the course of a few years. This is not only an effective way to stretch your budget, but it can also be necessary for achieving the desired level of fullness that you want. Working in stages allows you to see how your body tolerates this procedure. The best way to understand the projected costs for your FUE is to schedule some consultations with prospective hair clinics. They will be able to give you an estimate as well as discuss what is possible for your budget.
Hair transplantation is not a quick or easy process. It requires a lot of time and patience, and along the way, you may find yourself changing some of your approaches to hair care. Hair loss is not merely a cosmetic concern. It can have huge impacts on one’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, and quality of life. The ability to restore one’s natural hair can be a huge upgrade for a person’s self-esteem and happiness.
SUFFERING FROM HAIR LOSS?
Best Hair Transplant is the best place to schedule your hair transplant in Los Angeles. We’ve helped both men and women regrow their lost hair. But don’t take our word for it. We suggest learning as much as possible about hair restoration. Do so prior to making a decision on how to address your hair loss. Not every procedure is right for everyone.
At Best Hair Transplant, we’re proud of our results and happy to provide hair restoration services. Additionally, we’re proud to make hair transplants affordable and help you save money on a variety of hair transplants.
To ensure your ease of mind, you can view our customer recommendations HERE. Furthermore, you can also see our Google reviews and Yelp reviews. We can’t wait to help you start restoring your lost hair.
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Best Hair Transplant
1970 S. Prospect Ave., Suite 2
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
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