Hair Transplant Cost, Procedure, Contraindications & Possible Complications

As a person begins to age, many different things begin to happen within their body; changes occur that may or may not seem satisfactory to the individual.  One of the most common changes that occur in adults is hair loss.  For some, it is simply a thinning of what hair they used to have as a young adult.  For others, however, it is a much more devastating occurrence.  One effective treatment for abnormal or extreme hair loss is a hair transplant.

The technology of hair transplantation has come a long way in the past few years.  No longer are many people worried about a poor job resulting in an obviously fake head of hair.  This surgical technique has been improved in recent years.  It involves moving individual hair follicles from the donor site to the balding parts.  Most of the hair grafts that are used have been carefully selected, so that they are genetically resistant to balding. 

Hair Transplant Procedure 

The surgeon who will be performing the procedure will first analyze the scalp, and discuss with the patient the best approach to produce the most natural-looking effects with the hair transplant.  Usually, the patient is instructed to refrain from using any medications that would interfere with the body’s acceptance of the follicle grafts. A mild sedative is used on the patient prior to the operation.  The scalp is then shampooed and carefully treated with antibiotic.  The surgeon then takes a strip of skin from an area that is experiencing good hair growth.  With this strip of hair, the surgeon will carefulloy remove the individual follicle groups.  These are carefully grafted into the scalp, with each graft individually placed. 

Hair Transplant Contraindications 

Both smoking and the use of alcohol have been contributors to poor chances of survival of the grafts. 

Hair Transplant Cost 

The cost of a quality hair transplant may vary according to the available services, as well as the surgeon fees and cost of the anesthetics and operation facility.  Depending on these and other included factors, a transplant in the United States may cost anywhere from $5,000-25,000. 

Hair Transplant Complications 

A temporary complication that may result from a hair transplant procedure is something known as “shock loss.”  It is a temporary hair thinning that is a common side effect.  It may be that the scalp and forehead, as well as other affected areas may experience swelling and slight pain.  Patients may also experience itching—however, scratching will cause scabs to form, which will be detrimental to the transplant. 

Most hair transplant patients have experienced a successful grafting of hair onto the bald spots on their heads.  However, after a number of years, it is possible that they might once again experience thinning of the hair, and will require further treatment. If you experience certain symptoms, your Physician will prescribe you an appropriate treatment to fight against these health issues.