3 Hair Transplant FAQs
Does it work? Does it hurt? How much does it cost?
There are a lot of questions to be asked regarding your decision to commit to hair transplantation for your primary hair restoration solution, but a large percentage of the numerous and various inquiries that initially come to mind when beginning to consider the process fall into one of these three broad categories. When reviewing options, it is typical and intelligent to seek out effective and efficient choices. Hair transplantation is naturally a more complicated procedure, and yet, its level of effectiveness and efficiency continues to make it Van Scoy’s most popular hair loss solution. So, does it work, does it hurt, and how much does it cost? Let’s take a look…
Does Hair Transplantation Work?
Of course! Hair transplantation is most commonly used for Male Pattern Baldness and Female Pattern Hair Loss, but it can also be performed for other permanent hair loss situations such as traumas or burns. During the procedure, hair is removed from areas of permanent growth and transferred to balding areas, also often referred to as a transfer from a donor site to a recipient site. This means that the new hairs are the natural hairs of the individual undergoing the transplant! Initially, moved hairs fall out prior to fresh, new growth in the recipient region that begins within 3 to 5 months. The hair that grows in here is exactly like the hair from the donor region. Transplanted follicular units maintain the color, texture, life cycle, and anticipated future growth patterns that they would have had they never been moved. For the most natural appearance, specialists will work with their patients to find their appropriate hair density, which often requires more than one procedure. With Multi-Unit Hair Grafting™, a procedure developed by our PAI Medical Group, more hairs can be transplanted per procedure (2 to 3 times more!), allowing for patients to reach their restoration goals in fewer procedures.
Do Hair Transplant Procedures Hurt?
A few days of slight discomfort is typical, but severe pain is not. The outpatient surgery itself takes approximately 6 to 8 hours under a local anesthetic only. The scalp may feel tight and achy immediately following the surgery, but this can be controlled by basic medications, and pain killers, if used, are rarely required for more than a day or two. Swelling, often in the forehead, should be expected for the first week. Scabbing too is common during the first week, but this crust begins falling away within days. Finally, the area will itch, especially the first few days after the surgery. This is normal, but it can be harmful to the transplanted follicles to scratch or rub them vigorously. Your specialist will provide post-operative care instructions that will include a variety of directives, from scalp care and activity level monitoring to the use of cold compresses and recommended pillow position.
How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost?
The cost of hair transplantation can vary widely by procedure, ranging anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000 dependent on a patient’s needs including the amount of space to be grafted and the number of procedures required to meet desired outcomes. Additionally, anesthesia, medications, and blood work must be included as associated costs. A more accurate estimate of a specific individual’s expense for hair transplantation can be gained through a consultation with a hair restoration specialist during which time topics such as restoration goals, long term needs, financing, saved future costs (such as the comparison of a single hair transplant campaign versus the lifetime costs of wigs), and financing can also be explored and weighed.
Interested in asking more questions? Schedule your complimentary consultation with free hair and scalp analysis today!
