A hair transplant is often recommended for severe hair loss. There are many reasons why a hair transplant may be required, some of them being premature balding, hair thinning, and a receding hairline. However, undergoing a hair transplant is easier said than done. There are several factors to consider before getting started with the procedure; hair transplant cost is one of the major factors. Here’s everything that you need to know about hair transplants, including their cost in the United Kingdom:

Hair transplant cost
Hair transplants in the United Kingdom usually start from £1,000, and can go up to £30,000. In some cases, multiple sessions of the procedure can lead to an overall cost of £40,000 or more. The variance in cost is due to several factors, which include the extent of hair loss, the cause of hair loss, and the type of procedure that needs to be followed. Also, different clinics may charge differently based on where they are located and their doctors’ level of expertise. For instance, the cost of a hair transplant may be higher in London than in Brighton.

Who should undergo a hair transplant?
Usually, a hair transplant is recommended to people who have hereditary baldness. Those who have undergone severe hair loss due to permanent balding can also undergo this procedure. However, hair loss caused by certain conditions cannot be treated with a hair transplant. For example, this procedure is not suitable for bald patches that arise due to alopecia areata.

Types of hair transplants
There are two types of hair transplant procedures: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). There are other types as well, such as stem cell-based hair transplant. But these are rare and often experimental.

● Follicular unit transplantation
FUT is also known as strip surgery. This is because the procedure involves the removal of a strip of skin with hair from the back of the head. It is then divided into individual groups of follicular units known as hair grafts. This is done under a microscope. Tiny cuts are made on the scalp, where the transplant is required. The grafts are placed here and then stitched up.

● Follicular unit extraction
FUE is a newer type of hair transplant procedure. In this method, the back of the head is shaved. Then hair grafts are removed one by one from this area and placed into the recipient’s head. This procedure is sometimes also known as follicular unit excision. It is often costlier than follicular unit transplantation.

How long does a hair transplant take?
In most cases, a procedure will take just a day. However, the duration usually depends on the extent of the transplant. If a large area of the scalp is being treated, then two or more sessions may be required. Each session is usually done a few months apart. Accordingly, the cost will also increase.

Possible side effects
It is quite common to experience side effects after a hair transplant. They persist for a few days or weeks. Some common side effects include the following:
● Swollen scalp that feels tight and achy
● Redness and bruising on the scalp
● Temporary scabbing in the areas where hair has been transplanted
● Scarring in a single place or several scars

Aftercare
For the procedure to be successful, it is important to prevent damage to the grafts. Doctors usually prescribe several medications as part of the aftercare. In addition, the scalp needs to be cleaned using mild shampoo. It is generally recommended to avoid public transport and exercising for at least two weeks after the procedure. Following the aftercare routine thoroughly will quicken the healing process.