A Norwood 2 hair transplant costs $1,600-$3,000 in Turkey, $4,000-$9,000 in the USA, and $3,200-$7,500 in the UK, based on 800-1,500 grafts at prevailing per-graft rates. Turkey's rate of $1-$2/graft is the global benchmark; the USA charges $4-$6/graft and the UK $3-$5/graft for equivalent procedures.
Why Graft Count Drives the Total Cost
At Norwood 2, most patients need 800-1,500 follicular unit grafts. This is the smallest transplant tier on the scale, which keeps absolute costs relatively low compared to Norwood 4-6 patients who may need 3,000-5,000+ grafts.
Total procedure cost is calculated primarily by:
Per-graft fee x number of grafts
This is the dominant pricing model in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada. In Turkey and some other medical tourism markets, a flat package price is more common, which can include or exclude certain services depending on the clinic.
Country-by-Country Cost Breakdown
Turkey
Turkey is the most popular medical tourism destination for hair transplants, accounting for the majority of hair restoration procedures globally.
| Graft Count | Cost at $1/graft | Cost at $1.50/graft | Cost at $2/graft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 grafts | $800 | $1,200 | $1,600 |
| 1,000 grafts | $1,000 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| 1,200 grafts | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| 1,500 grafts | $1,500 | $2,250 | $3,000 |
Most reputable Turkish clinics operate in the $1.50-$2/graft range for FUE. Clinics at $0.50-$1/graft (the very bottom of the market) often work at high volume with less experienced surgical teams. Clinics above $3/graft in Turkey typically cater to international medical tourism with premium service and English-speaking staff.
What is usually included in Turkish packages: Consultation, surgery, 1-2 nights accommodation, airport transfers, post-op care kit, medications.
What may cost extra: PRP therapy, blood tests required for surgery, additional follow-up consultations after returning home.
Additional travel costs to budget: Flights ($300-$800 from Western Europe, $800-$1,500 from the USA), additional accommodation ($60-$120/night), local expenses. A realistic total trip cost including surgery for a Norwood 2 patient from the UK: $2,500-$5,000 all-in. From the USA: $4,000-$7,000 all-in.
United States
US pricing reflects higher operational costs, surgeon fees, and regulatory overhead. The per-graft model is standard.
| Graft Count | Cost at $4/graft | Cost at $5/graft | Cost at $6/graft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 grafts | $3,200 | $4,000 | $4,800 |
| 1,000 grafts | $4,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| 1,200 grafts | $4,800 | $6,000 | $7,200 |
| 1,500 grafts | $6,000 | $7,500 | $9,000 |
Premium US clinics (major cities, board-certified surgeons with significant experience) charge at the $5-$6/graft end of the range. Regional or smaller clinics may offer $3.50-$4/graft.
What is typically included: Consultation, surgery, local anesthesia, post-op medications, follow-up appointments.
What is usually extra: PRP add-on ($500-$1,500), scalp micropigmentation for density effects ($1,000-$3,000).
Insurance: Hair transplant surgery for androgenetic alopecia is not covered by US health insurance. It is considered an elective cosmetic procedure.
United Kingdom
UK pricing sits between Turkey and US levels.
| Graft Count | Cost at $3/graft | Cost at $4/graft | Cost at $5/graft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 grafts | $2,400 | $3,200 | $4,000 |
| 1,000 grafts | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| 1,200 grafts | $3,600 | $4,800 | $6,000 |
| 1,500 grafts | $4,500 | $6,000 | $7,500 |
UK clinics are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which adds a layer of consumer protection not present in unregulated markets.
What is typically included: Consultation, surgery, post-op care on the day, medications.
NHS coverage: Not available. Hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia is not treated on the NHS.
Other Markets
| Country | Average per-graft cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | $1.50-$2.50 | Growing medical tourism hub |
| Spain | $2.50-$4 | JCI-accredited hospitals available |
| India | $0.75-$1.50 | Significant quality variation |
| Thailand | $1.50-$3 | Popular for Asia-Pacific patients |
| Australia | $5-$8 | Similar cost structure to USA |
All-In Cost Comparison: Norwood 2 at 1,200 Grafts
To make direct comparison easier, here is a realistic all-in cost estimate for a 1,200-graft Norwood 2 transplant, including travel where applicable:
| Destination | Surgery Cost | Travel & Stay | All-In Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey (from UK) | $1,800-$2,400 | $1,000-$1,500 | $2,800-$3,900 |
| Turkey (from USA) | $1,800-$2,400 | $1,500-$2,500 | $3,300-$4,900 |
| UK (from UK) | $3,600-$6,000 | Minimal | $3,600-$6,000 |
| USA (from USA) | $4,800-$7,200 | Minimal | $4,800-$7,200 |
| Poland (from UK) | $2,000-$3,000 | $600-$1,000 | $2,600-$4,000 |
The cost-benefit calculation for medical tourism depends heavily on how much you value proximity to your surgeon for follow-up and the reassurance of domestic regulation.
What Per-Graft Price Actually Covers
Not all per-graft prices are equivalent. When comparing quotes, confirm what is included:
Graft counting method: Some clinics count "grafts" and others count "hairs." A graft containing 2 hairs and a single-hair graft are not the same. Ensure quotes are based on follicular units (grafts), not individual hair strands.
Surgeon involvement: In some high-volume clinics (particularly in Turkey), a senior surgeon may design the hairline and supervise, while technicians perform the extraction and implantation. In premium clinics, the surgeon performs all stages. Ask specifically who handles the incisions, extraction, and implantation.
PRP inclusion: Platelet-rich plasma treatment during surgery can improve graft survival rates. Some clinics include it; others charge $400-$1,000 extra.
Follow-up structure: Post-surgery checks at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months are standard. Confirm whether these are included or charged separately.
What Drives Price Differences Within the Same Country
Within any country, you will see price ranges rather than fixed rates. The key factors:
Surgeon credentials: Board-certified dermatologic surgeons or plastic surgeons with fellowship training in hair restoration charge more than general practitioners offering hair transplants as an additional service.
Clinic location: City center clinics with high overheads charge more than suburban or out-of-city facilities.
Graft viability technology: Clinics using implanter pens (rather than manual slit-and-place techniques), temperature-controlled storage solutions (Hypothermosol, BioTime ATP), or robotic assistance (ARTAS system) typically charge more.
Volume and wait time: Highly regarded surgeons often have longer wait lists and higher fees, reflecting demand.
The Value Case for Acting at Norwood 2
Treating at Norwood 2 rather than waiting until Norwood 4 or 5 has a direct cost advantage beyond the obvious: fewer grafts needed now. But there is a secondary financial argument.
Men who treat at Norwood 2 with finasteride often stabilize progression, meaning they may need only one lifetime transplant for a modest number of grafts. Men who wait until Norwood 4-5 need 2,500-4,500 grafts in the primary procedure and may need a second session. Total lifetime graft costs are typically lower for patients who act earlier, assuming finasteride is used to maintain native hair.
See the complete Norwood scale guide for context on how Stage 2 fits into the full spectrum of hair loss.
Before booking any consultation, get a free AI-powered hairline assessment at myhairline.ai to confirm your current Norwood stage and estimate your graft requirements.
FAQ
How much does a Norwood 2 hair transplant cost?
A Norwood 2 transplant (800-1,500 grafts) costs approximately $1,600-$3,000 in Turkey, $4,000-$9,000 in the USA, and $3,200-$7,500 in the UK. The wide range reflects differences in per-graft pricing, clinic reputation, and what is included in the package.
Is Turkey worth it for a Norwood 2 transplant?
For many patients, yes. Turkish clinics charge $1-$2 per graft compared to $4-$6 in the USA and $3-$5 in the UK. At Norwood 2 graft counts (800-1,500), the cost saving is $3,000-$7,500 vs. US pricing, even accounting for travel and accommodation.
What is included in the cost of a Norwood 2 hair transplant?
In premium clinics, cost typically includes consultation, the surgery itself, post-op care for 1-2 days, medications (antibiotics, anti-swelling), and follow-up consultations. Budget clinics may charge separately for PRP, consultation, or hotel accommodation in package deals.