A 1,000 graft hair transplant costs $4,000 to $6,000 in the USA and $1,000 to $2,000 in Turkey. This graft count represents the sweet spot for Norwood 2 patients who want full hairline restoration without excessive donor area usage.
Cost by Country: 1,000 Grafts
| Country | Cost per Graft | Total Cost (1,000 Grafts) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $4-$6 | $4,000-$6,000 |
| Turkey | $1-$2 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| UK | $3-$5 | $3,000-$5,000 |
| India | $0.50-$1.50 | $500-$1,500 |
| Europe (avg) | $2.50-$4.50 | $2,500-$4,500 |
Turkey pricing often includes hotel, airport transfers, and post-op care kits. Even with $800-$1,200 in flights, the total package typically stays below $3,000, which is half the minimum US cost.
Which Norwood Stages Need 1,000 Grafts?
The 1,000 graft count fits squarely within two stages on the Norwood scale:
Norwood 2 (800-1,500 Grafts)
Norwood 2 is characterized by mild recession at both temples. A 1,000 graft session can rebuild both temple points and reinforce the frontal hairline at 35-40 follicular units per cm2. This is the most common graft count for Norwood 2 patients.
Early Norwood 3 (1,500-2,200 Grafts)
Patients at the very beginning of Norwood 3, where recession has just crossed the Norwood 2 threshold, may achieve adequate correction with 1,000 grafts. However, this means accepting slightly lower density in the treated zone or leaving minor recession at the deepest temple points.
What 1,000 Grafts Delivers
At 2.2 hairs per graft, 1,000 grafts produces approximately 2,200 transplanted hairs. Here is how that breaks down by zone for a typical Norwood 2 procedure:
| Zone | Grafts Allocated | Hairs Produced |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal hairline edge | 350 | 770 |
| Hairline body | 250 | 550 |
| Left temple | 150 | 330 |
| Right temple | 150 | 330 |
| Mid-scalp border | 100 | 220 |
This distribution creates a natural-looking hairline frame with single-hair grafts along the very front edge and multi-hair grafts behind for density. The result reads as a full hairline in normal lighting and social distances.
FUE vs FUT at 1,000 Grafts
Why FUE Is the Standard
FUE handles 1,000 grafts in a single 4-5 hour session. The procedure extracts individual follicular units using a 0.8-1.0mm punch, leaving tiny dot scars that are invisible once donor hair grows back. Recovery takes 7-10 days. FUE can handle up to 5,000 grafts per session, so 1,000 grafts is a comfortable workload.
When FUT Makes Sense
FUT (strip method) can yield up to 4,000 grafts per session and typically achieves 95-99% graft viability compared to FUE's 90-95%. For 1,000 grafts, FUT is an option if cost is the primary concern, since some clinics charge less per graft for FUT. The trade-off is a linear scar across the back of the head and a 10-14 day recovery period.
For most patients at this graft count, the scar trade-off is not worth the modest cost savings.
Cost-Saving Strategies
Medical Tourism to Turkey
Flying to Istanbul for a 1,000 graft FUE procedure saves $2,000-$4,000 compared to US pricing. Reputable clinics in Turkey perform thousands of these procedures annually and maintain international accreditation. See our full Turkey vs USA cost comparison for clinic selection guidance.
Timing Your Procedure
Some clinics offer seasonal discounts during slower months (January-March). Booking during these windows can reduce costs by 10-15% without compromising quality.
Financing
Most US clinics offer payment plans through medical financing companies. Monthly payments for a $5,000 procedure typically run $150-$250 over 24 months.
Results Timeline
- Month 1: Transplanted hairs shed (shock loss)
- Months 3-4: New growth starts as fine vellus hairs
- Months 6-8: Significant visible improvement
- Months 10-12: Full density achieved
- Month 18: Final result with full hair maturation
Not sure how many grafts you actually need? Use our graft cost calculator for an estimate, or upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze for an instant AI-powered Norwood assessment.
FAQ
How much does a 1,000 graft hair transplant cost?
A 1,000 graft hair transplant costs $4,000-$6,000 in the USA, $1,000-$2,000 in Turkey, $3,000-$5,000 in the UK, and $500-$1,500 in India. Per-graft pricing decreases slightly at higher graft counts in some clinics.
What Norwood stage needs 1,000 grafts?
1,000 grafts is appropriate for mid-range Norwood 2 patients who need full hairline and temple restoration. It falls within the 800-1,500 graft range typical for Norwood 2. Very early Norwood 3 patients with minimal frontal recession may also fit this count.
How many hairs is 1,000 grafts?
1,000 grafts equals approximately 2,200 individual hairs, based on an average of 2.2 hairs per follicular unit. This provides enough density to visibly restore a receding hairline or fill in both temple areas at standard transplant density.