When comparing hair transplant costs, you must understand the difference between grafts and follicles. The follicle refers to an individual hair. However, the graft is the unit transplanted to the recipient site. Each graft may consist of an average of two to three follicles.
Most surgeons will use follicles with one graft along the edge of the hairline, and in other areas, they use multi-graft follicles. Some will use single-hair grafts everywhere. The number of actual hairs can differ even though some doctors report using the same number of grafts.
For example, 1,000 hairs in single-follicle grafts give you 1,000 grafts. However, 1,000 grafts with two follicles per graft will result in 2,000 hairs implanted. That amount can give you twice the fullness per area.
In another example, Surgeon A may transplant 1,000 single-follicle grafts at the cost of $6,000. However, Surgeon B may transplant 1,000 multi-follicle grafts for $6,000. The chart below breaks down the unit cost for both of these examples.
Follicular Unit Cost Example
Surgeon A | Surgeon B |
1,000 single-follicle grafts | 1,000 multi-follicle grafts |
Total cost: $6,000 | Total cost: $6,000 |
Unit cost: $6 | Unit cost: $6 |
Cost per follicle: $6 | Cost per follicle: $2 (or less) |
In this case, the total number of grafts can be the same, but you’ll pay less for a greater amount of transplanted hair.
If you have significant hair loss, you may require frequent trips to the hair restoration center and have multiple hair transplant sessions. A single session can take around eight hours. The success rate drops dramatically as follicles die due to extended air exposure if you go too long. Therefore, multiple shorter sessions may be more beneficial than a single prolonged session for graft survival and patient comfort.
Our patients usually ask, “Why do you recommend fewer grafts than most competitors in the industry?”
Longer hair transplant sessions have the advantage of resolving the issue while the grafts are still fresh and ready for transplant. However, this approach puts strain on the patient and the doctor or clinician. Our hair transplant center can transplant up to 3,000 grafts in a single session. This procedure provides our patients with extensive coverage while keeping the procedure safe and achieving significant results.
At Long Island Hair Transplant Center, we offer the highest level of quality hair transplants at the lowest prices. Call us to schedule your initial consultation.