FUE HAIR RESTORATION COST BROKEN DOWN
The cost of FUE is worth every penny for the patient who desires high quality, long-term results. The technique employs individual graft excision, meaning that every follicular unit is removed by itself with a .8 to 1.2mm punching device. This minimized invasiveness creates little downtime, faster healing (no wound closures are needed), and negligible scarring. Moreover, it facilitates the use of donor hairs outside the traditional zone (the mid-occipital scalp) for heightened design and aesthetics. For example hairline design is at its best with FUE, because it often uses finer nape hairs to create a soft, natural appearance.
Whether this procedure succeeds or fails majorly rests on the surgeon’s skill and expertise. The number of grafts used also plays a large part in the outcome, as an insufficient number of grafts will result in subpar coverage, or will force the patient to choose between restoring the hairline or crown. These same factors determine FUE hair restoration cost.
Surgeon skills, equipment, experience
You want to hire a surgeon who has a high level of medical skill and artistic aptitude, as well as advanced training (preferably in dermatology or plastic surgery), respect in the field, ongoing research (supported by publications), and an advanced medical staff. You also want to choose a surgeon who continues to use handheld tools in an age when robotic devices are becoming commercially used. The use of handheld tools demonstrates a confidence in his/her enduring talent and a commitment to excellence.
The surgeon will make or break your outcome, so selecting a novice practitioner to cut cost will likely end up costing you more both emotionally and financially—a botched outcome will nearly guarantee a second corrective procedure. Using the best surgeon available, regardless of price, will be the wisest decision you make for a satisfying long-term transformation.
Number of Grafts
FUE hair restoration cost almost always comes at a per-graft rate, anywhere from $5 to $12 per graft. Some clinics charge by the hour, but it ultimately breaks down to a dollar amount for each graft, since more grafts translate to more time in surgery. Therefore, the amount of donor hair a patient needs or wants dramatically influences the price. A severely bald candidate will likely require several thousand grafts, maybe even some body hair, which will be more expensive than a simple hairline restoration of only one or two thousand grafts. Skimping on donor hair harvest to cut costs is never wise, as the restoration will seem incomplete or look inadequate.
PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
Looking at photo and video results of past patients will help you decide which surgeon is best and how many grafts you’d like to have transplanted. Prior cases that are similar to yours will be a good indicator of the FUE hair restoration cost you might incur, as well as the quality of the transplant.
A reputable clinic should have this visual documentation ready to show you, and the images should be high quality—in focus, taken in good lighting, and showing the patient from several angles. Look for a case very much like your own and examine the hairline design, placement of grafts, and crown whorl detail to find the surgeon who is right for you. Be wary of any images that look like they’ve been retouched or edited for an enhanced appearance.
FAQ
Who is a candidate for FUE?
Both men and women, over the age of 24, with adequate donor hair are usually good candidates. Furthermore, the patient must not have any allergies to anesthesia, any blood clotting abnormalities, nor any scarring tendencies. Ideally, the donor hair is straight, as curled or kinked hair causes difficult excision.
How do I pay for FUE hair restoration cost?
You can save up, finance your surgery, or take out a loan.
Why choose FUE over FUT?
There are many reasons why FUE is a superior procedure. However, the main reasons to choose FUE are because it proffers advanced hairline design and leaves no linear scarring. Ultimately, FUE garners better long-term patient satisfaction.