FUE hair transplants cost more upfront but are a one-time expense. PRP therapy costs less per session but requires ongoing treatments indefinitely. Over a 5-year period, FUE becomes the more cost-effective option for most patients starting at Norwood 3 and above.
Quick Cost Summary
| Treatment | Year 1 Cost (US) | 5-Year Total (US) | Result Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUE (2,500 grafts) | $10,000-15,000 | $10,000-15,000 | Permanent |
| PRP therapy | $2,000-8,000 | $10,000-40,000 | Requires maintenance |
| FUE + PRP combined | $12,000-17,000 | $14,000-27,000 | Permanent + enhanced |
Understanding Each Treatment
FUE Hair Transplant
Follicular Unit Extraction moves permanent hair follicles from the donor area to balding regions. It is a one-time surgical procedure with 90-95% graft survival. Cost is $4-6 per graft in the US and $1-2 per graft in Turkey. Results are visible at 6-12 months and permanent.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
PRP involves drawing your blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting the plasma into your scalp. Clinical studies show PRP increases hair density by 30-40%. It costs $500-2,000 per session, requires 3-4 initial sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and then quarterly maintenance sessions.
PRP is not a replacement for surgical transplantation. It strengthens existing hair and may stimulate dormant follicles, but it cannot regrow hair in areas that are completely bald.
5-Year Cost Breakdown: FUE
FUE is primarily a one-time cost. Additional expenses include post-op medications and optional maintenance treatments.
FUE in the US (Norwood 4, ~3,000 grafts)
| Expense | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| FUE procedure | $12,000-18,000 | One-time |
| Pre-op blood work | $100-300 | One-time |
| Post-op medications | $50-150 | Month 1 |
| Finasteride (maintenance) | $120-360/year | Ongoing |
| Follow-up visits | $0-500 | Year 1 |
| Year 1 total | $12,270-19,310 | |
| 5-year total | $12,750-20,750 |
FUE in Turkey (Norwood 4, ~3,000 grafts)
| Expense | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| FUE procedure | $3,000-6,000 | One-time |
| Travel (flights + hotel) | $1,000-3,000 | One-time |
| Pre-op blood work | $100-300 | One-time |
| Post-op medications | $50-150 | Month 1 |
| Finasteride (maintenance) | $120-360/year | Ongoing |
| Year 1 total | $4,270-9,810 | |
| 5-year total | $4,750-11,250 |
For a detailed Turkey vs USA cost comparison, see our dedicated guide.
5-Year Cost Breakdown: PRP
PRP requires ongoing investment. The initial treatment series is followed by maintenance sessions that continue indefinitely for sustained results.
PRP Standard Protocol
| Phase | Sessions | Frequency | Cost Per Session | Phase Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial series | 3-4 sessions | Every 4-6 weeks | $500-2,000 | $1,500-8,000 |
| Year 1 maintenance | 2-3 sessions | Every 3-4 months | $500-2,000 | $1,000-6,000 |
| Years 2-5 maintenance | 3-4 sessions/year | Quarterly | $500-2,000 | $1,500-8,000/year |
PRP 5-Year Total
| Scenario | Year 1 | Years 2-5 | 5-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low end ($500/session) | $2,500 | $6,000 | $8,500 |
| Mid range ($1,000/session) | $5,000 | $12,000 | $17,000 |
| High end ($2,000/session) | $10,000 | $24,000 | $34,000 |
Critical note: If you stop PRP treatments, the benefits gradually fade over 6-12 months. The cost is truly ongoing with no endpoint.
Side-by-Side: 5-Year Cost by Norwood Stage (US Pricing)
| Norwood Stage | FUE 5-Year Cost | PRP 5-Year Cost | Cheaper Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 (800-1,500 grafts) | $3,700-9,750 | $8,500-34,000 | FUE |
| 3 (1,500-2,200 grafts) | $6,500-14,150 | $8,500-34,000 | FUE |
| 4 (2,500-3,500 grafts) | $10,750-22,250 | $8,500-34,000 | Depends on PRP pricing |
| 5 (3,000-4,500 grafts) | $12,750-28,250 | $8,500-34,000 | Comparable |
| 6 (4,000-6,000 grafts) | $16,750-37,250 | N/A (PRP insufficient) | FUE only option |
| 7 (5,500-7,500 grafts) | $22,750-46,250 | N/A (PRP insufficient) | FUE only option |
For Norwood 6-7, PRP alone cannot address the hair loss. These stages require surgical restoration. PRP can complement a transplant but cannot replace it.
When PRP Makes Sense
PRP is the better investment in specific situations:
- Norwood 1-2 with early thinning. PRP can strengthen existing hair and delay the need for a transplant by years.
- Post-transplant recovery. Some surgeons recommend 2-3 PRP sessions after FUE to improve graft survival and accelerate healing.
- Patients who are not surgical candidates. Medical conditions, insufficient donor hair, or age (under 25) may rule out transplantation.
- Bridge therapy. PRP can maintain hair while you save for a transplant procedure.
When FUE Makes Sense
FUE is the better long-term investment when:
- You are Norwood 3 or higher. The hair loss is significant enough that PRP alone will not restore coverage.
- You want a permanent solution. Transplanted hair is genetically resistant to further loss and does not require ongoing treatment.
- You can afford the upfront cost. Whether in the US or Turkey, FUE pays for itself within 2-3 years compared to ongoing PRP.
The Combined Approach
Many patients choose both: FUE for permanent coverage in bald areas, plus PRP to protect and strengthen non-transplanted native hair. This combination typically costs:
| Combined Protocol | Year 1 | 5-Year Total (US) |
|---|---|---|
| FUE (2,500 grafts) + 4 PRP sessions/year | $14,000-19,000 | $18,000-35,000 |
| FUE (Turkey) + 4 PRP sessions/year (US) | $6,500-13,000 | $10,500-29,000 |
Calculate Your Costs
Your specific cost depends on your Norwood stage, which determines graft count. Use our graft zone calculator or get a free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze for a personalized estimate of your stage and graft needs. No account required.
FAQ
How much does a hair transplant cost compared to PRP over 5 years?
A 2,500-graft FUE in the US costs $10,000-15,000 as a one-time expense. PRP therapy costs $500-2,000 per session, with 3-4 initial sessions plus quarterly maintenance. Over 5 years, PRP totals $10,000-40,000. FUE becomes more cost-effective after year 2-3 for most patients.
Why do hair transplant prices vary so much between clinics?
Prices vary based on geographic location, surgeon experience, clinic overhead, and the technology used. US clinics charge $4-6 per graft for FUE due to higher operating costs and surgeon salaries. Turkish clinics charge $1-2 per graft because of lower overhead, favorable exchange rates, and high patient volume.
Is Turkey cheaper for hair transplants than the US?
Yes. Turkey charges $1-2 per graft for FUE compared to $4-6 in the US. A 3,000-graft FUE costs $3,000-6,000 in Turkey versus $12,000-18,000 in the US. Even with flights and hotel ($1,000-3,000), Turkey saves most patients 50-70% on total procedure cost.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before making treatment decisions.