What’s Involved in the Hair Transplant Procedure?
After the initial consultation with the hair transplant surgeon, an appointment will be set for the procedure date. On the day of the procedure, the surgeon will carefully select an area on your scalp for the donor hairs. There are several methods for harvesting hairs, and your surgeon will use the one you decided upon during your initial consultation.
Once the hairs have been harvested from the donor site (typically in the back of the scalp), it is placed under a powerful microscope so follicular units (micrografts) can be meticulously separated. The quality and size of grafts produced by this technique cannot be matched by any other method.
Through careful donor harvest and dissection, superior visualization under Binocular Stereoscopic Magnification results in pristine graft creation.
These carefully dissected micrografts can then be densely placed into the recipient scalp to provide an elegant cosmetic effect. The results are so natural that most people will never know that you’ve had a transplant.
After the procedure the surgeon will provide you with medications, supplies, and after-care instructions to ensure the best chance of success. It’s important to follow the directions carefully and keep the transplant area out of the sun. After two to three months, new hair will start to grow and will thicken over the next six to nine months.
How Much Does A Hair Transplant Cost?
The cost of a hair transplant will vary from person to person and is contingent upon the number of grafts and the method involved. For the Strip Harvest method, also referred to as FUT, a small case of only 500 grafts, at $10.00 per graft, will vary by case. A larger case, such as to restore an entire frontal hairline with 1,750 grafts, the price per graft is $5.00, will also vary by case.
For the ARTAS Robotic (FUE) method, small cases of 500 or less grafts are $12.00 per graft. Larger cases of more than 1,500 grafts, has the cost per graft reduced to $7.00 per graft. It should be noted that performing a hair transplant is a time-consuming, tedious process and requires the strict attention of the attending surgeon. For both FUT and FUE, sessions of over 2,000 grafts, it will necessitate a 2-day hair transplant session.
Insurance companies will not cover hair transplants as they consider it to be a cosmetic procedure. The good news is that the relative cost of a hair transplant is reasonable for many people to afford.
For a breakdown of pricing, please visit our pricing page.
What Are the Different Types of Transplants?
Currently, we offer two hair transplant options: FUE and FUT. Each comes with pros and cons.
The FUE method, which is assisted by our ARTAS Robot, does not require sutures which makes post-op pain minimal. Instead of a linear scar it leaves multiple small dot-shaped scars – which are virtually undetectable once healed, even with shorter haircuts. This procedure requires shaving of the entire donor scalp and it costs more than the FUT method.
With the FUT method, dissolvable sutures will be used to close the incision, but they will be covered by the existing hair immediately post-op so it’s less conspicuous. There is no shaving required. You might experience 2-3 days of post-op discomfort, which may require pain medication. A long thin scar is created which can usually be completely covered by ½ inch hair or more. The cost for the FUT method is less than the FUE.
Ask your doctor for advice on which method will be right for the results you’re trying to achieve.
- Multiple small dot-shaped scars
- No sutures
- Requires shaving of the entire donor area
- Minimal post-op pain
- Scarring is virtually undetectable
- Costs more (Approximately $7-12 per graft)
- Linear scar
- Dissolvable sutures
- Sutures covered by existing hair post-op
- 2-3 days of post-op discomfort requiring pain medication
- Scar visible with very short hair styles
- Costs less (Approximately $5-10 per graft)
In the end, both methods of extraction provide excellent results for our hair transplant patients. Contact our office in San Antonio, Texas to further discuss which option is best for you.