Hair Transplant Cost in Korea | Price Per 500, 2000 & 4000 Hairs
A lush, full head of hair is associated with youth, vitality, and confidence. However, for those battling hair loss or thinning hair, this can be a constant source of frustration and insecurity. Today, hair transplants offer a remarkable solution to restore one’s hairline.
While hair transplant procedures are available worldwide, one country has emerged as a leading destination: South Korea. Renowned for its advancements in the field of plastic surgery, Korea ranks in the world’s top 10 locations for seeking reliable and effective solutions surrounding hair loss.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of hair transplants in Korea. We will unravel the secrets behind Korea’s success in hair restoration, discuss the different types of procedures, and shed light on why Korea is an ideal medical tourism destination for those considering this procedure. Whether you’re a local or visitor of Korea, this guide will equip you with all the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about your hair restoration journey. Read on to learn more about the hair transplant cost in Korea.
Contents
What is Hair Transplant
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure used to treat hair loss or baldness by transferring healthy hair follicles from one part of the body to the areas where balding or thinning has occurred.
There are two main techniques used for hair transplantation:
1. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): In this method, a thin strip of skin containing hair follicles is surgically removed from the donor area and then dissected into individual follicular units. These units are then transplanted into small incisions made in the treatment area.
2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): This technique involves harvesting follicular units individually from the donor area using small punches. These harvested grafts are then transplanted into the treatment site.
Both methods require local anesthesia.
Hair transplants can be an effective solution for those experiencing pattern baldness, a receding hairline, or thinning hair. Always consult with an experienced surgeon in advance to determine suitability for the procedure, as well as potential risks or complications.
Hair Transplant in Korea
In Korea, there are five main types of hair transplant procedures available at clinics. Let’s break down each one and examine their respective benefits.
1. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a technique in which individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor site one at a time. Using a specialized hole punch machine, the surgeon carefully removes follicles from the back of the head. While FUE is a minimally invasive procedure, it still involves incisions, resulting in circular scars spread across a larger area. Skilled surgeons should be able to ensure that these scars will not be visible.
Once an adequate number of grafts have been harvested through FUE, the transplant phase begins. A combination of FUE and FUT methods may be recommended by the surgeon in particular cases. This approach often allows for the extraction of a higher number of hair grafts.
One of the significant advantages of FUE is the absence of the linear scar associated with FUT. Unlike FUT, which requires the removal of a strip of scalp and stitches, FUE leaves no eliminates the need for stitches removal.
The next step after extracting the grafts from the donor area is implanting them into the recipient area of the scalp (front, top, crown, and sides of the scalp). The surgeon then carefully inserts the hair grafts into the scalp, ensuring they are aligned with the natural direction of hair growth.
The FUE procedure usually takes around 6-9 hours to complete. The recovery process in the donor area is fast, and the procedure itself is not very painful, with pain typically subsiding within a couple of days.
The survivability rate of the transplanted grafts is generally around 70-85%. FUE is also particularly suitable for individuals who prefer shorter hairstyles.
On average, the cost of a hair transplant in Korea can range from 3.8 million – 19 million Korean won depending on the amount of hairs transplanted and on the clinic.
There are different options within the FUE procedure, depending on how much hair needs to be extracted and the desired appearance during the healing process:
1. Shaved Method: This is the fastest and easiest approach, where the entire donor area is shaved to easily identify and extract the required hair grafts. Visible holes may be noticeable during the healing period.
2. Partially Shaved Method: The hair at the back of the head is left long, and only the necessary donor section is shaved and harvested. The remaining hairs cover the shaved area.
3. Unshaved Method: This is the most challenging technique. The surgeon extracts the hair grafts without shaving, maintaining the natural appearance during the procedure.
Following the surgery, you may experience some pain for the first few days. The day after the surgery, post-operative care will be provided, including removing the bandage, disinfection dressing, shampoo service, and laser treatment to maximize graft viability. Antibiotic spray is recommended for three days to prevent infection. In most cases, international patients can fly back to their home country after the second day, although staying in Korea for 2-4 days is recommended.
You can start washing your hair at home on the third day, but it is important not to rub the recipient area for two weeks. After applying the recommended bubble shampoo, rinse your hair after 2-3 minutes. Normal hair washing can resume after two weeks.
Around days 14-30, about 70-80% of the transplanted hair may fall out, along with some original hair. This is completely normal and part of the process. After 3 to 5 months, new hair will begin to grow.
During the first three months, you may experience folliculitis in the surgical area. Applying an antibiotic ointment, such as Fucidin or Madecassol cream, will resolve the issue.
The 3-6 month period is often a concern for patients as it is when hairs may go through a phase of shock loss. However, new hair will slowly start to grow during this time at a rate of approximately 1 cm per month. It’s important to be patient during this phase.
After 6 months, the hair will become more manageable and can be combed. After 10 months, hair growth will continue actively, and the number of hairs and their thickness may even improve.
Over time, the transplanted hair will gain thickness and length. There is also a chance the hair makeup and texture will change (i.e. from straight to curly). It generally takes approximately one year to see the full results of a hair transplant.
2. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a method where a strip of hair is surgically removed from the donor area, resulting in a linear scar. The strip is then taken to a microscope to be dissected into smaller pieces. These pieces are further separated into single follicular units or grafts. In some cases, a combination of FUE and FUT methods may be recommended by the surgeon to harvest more hair.
FUT offers certain characteristics that differentiate it from FUE:
1. Higher Survival Rate: The survival rate of grafts in FUT is generally up to 95%.
2. Various Thickness: FUT allows the surgeon to obtain grafts with varying thickness, enabling the creation of a natural-looking hairline.
3. Cost-Effective: FUT is typically less expensive than FUE.
4. No Shaving Required: Unlike FUE, FUT surgeries do not require the donor area to be shaven, as the follicles are removed as a strip.
After the grafts are harvested, they are implanted into the recipient area of the scalp (front, top, crown, and sides of the head). Using a specialized tool, the surgeon carefully inserts the hair grafts into the scalp, ensuring they follow the natural direction of hair growth.
The procedure usually takes around 4-6 hours to complete. Sutures need to be removed during the recovery process. In this case, FUT can be more painful than FUE. However, the survivability rate of grafts in FUT is up to 95%. FUT is often recommended for individuals with longer hairstyles.
After the procedure, you may experience pain for the first week. Post-operative care will be provided, including removing the bandage, disinfection dressing, shampoo service, and laser treatment to promote graft viability. Antibiotic spray is recommended for three days to prevent infection. In most cases, international patients can fly back to their home country after the sutures removal appointment on day 10.
You can start washing your hair at home on the third day, taking care to tilt your head back to avoid pulling on the sutured area. Rubbing the treatment area should be avoided for two weeks. After shampooing, rinse your hair with room-temperature water, using very low water pressure for around 2-3 minutes. Normal hair washing can resume after two weeks.
From days 14 to 30, around 70-80% of the transplanted hair, along with some original hairs, fall out. This is a normal part of the process.
During the initial 1-3 months, folliculitis may occur in the surgical area before the hairs start to grow. In most cases, applying antibiotic ointment will resolve the issue.
The period of 3-6 months is when patients often worry the most because there may be shock loss of hairs, but it’s also when new hairs begin to grow slowly at around 1 cm per month. It’s normal to experience hair shedding or even appear worse than before during this time.
After 6 months, the hairs become more manageable and can be combed. Hairs will actively grow on the recipient area, and with hair loss treatment, the number of hairs and their thickness may even improve during the 10-month period. It generally takes one year to see the full results of a hair transplant.
3. Revision Surgery
Revision hair transplant surgery is aimed at correcting unsatisfactory results from a previous hair transplantation or addressing a transplant region that has receded over time.
Sometimes, the initial surgery may have been performed by a surgeon lacking the necessary skill or experience, resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes. In addition, the techniques used may have been outdated, leading to undesirable results. Some patients may also be content with the initial surgery but not their hair density. Revision surgery can address this by placing additional grafts to achieve a fuller appearance.
In certain cases, the results of the initial surgery may appear unnatural. This includes hairlines that are poorly positioned or grafts that were placed incorrectly. Revision surgery aims to correct these issues and create a more natural-looking hairline.
The preferred method for revision surgery among most Korena clinics is the ‘punch and place’ technique. This approach involves using an FUE punch to remove a significant number of grafts without leaving noticeable scars. Healing is swift and down-time after the treatment is minimal. Always be sure to be open and honest with your medical advisor in regards to your initial surgery so that they can prepare the best possible treatment plan.
4. Scar Revision
Scar revision surgery is a procedure aimed at reducing the visibility of a scar that resulted from a previous hair transplant.
There are two main options available for scar revision:
1. Scar Removal: This option involves removing the existing scar tissue entirely. Following scar removal, the incision is meticulously closed to promote optimal healing. However, it’s important to note that scar removal surgery may result in a new scar, albeit smaller and less noticeable.
2. Scar Camouflage: Scar camouflage utilizes the FUE method. By strategically placing grafts over the scar, the scar is effectively concealed. Not all donors may be able to undergo the scar camouflage treatment.
Both scar removal and scar camouflage techniques require the expertise of a skilled and experienced surgeon. The surgeon will evaluate the scar and recommend the most appropriate approach for scar revision based on individual circumstances well in advance.
5. Hairline Correction
Achieving natural hair requires attention to both hair density and hairline design. In many cases, this was botched, leaving patients miserable and self-conscious. The hairline correction addresses these concerns through a number of detailed steps.
1. Design Process: Special laser devices are used to meticulously design the initial hairlines, taking into account various factors. The doctor then manually refines and finalizes the ideal hairline design during the second stage, considering each patient’s facial shape and individual desires. Most clinics utilize a special laser technology to determine the most suitable initial hairline for each patient.
2. Hair Implantation: Hair grafts are then carefully transplanted in a gradient manner, replicating the natural thickness progression of a hairline. Different-sized hair follicles are selected and strategically transplanted to achieve a natural-looking result.
In preparation for hair transplantation, most clinics make incisions and suture the back of the head to collect hair grafts. While this may leave a thin linear scar on the scalp, a qualified surgeon will produce minimal scarring.
Some clinics use a follow-up therapy with stem cell techniques. The application of stem cell techniques to the transplant site, as well as special magnetic field therapy on the scalp, helps to optimize hair growth after the procedure.
On average, patients can comfortably resume their regular activities within three days after the procedure.
Best Hair Transplant Clinics in Korea
With so many great clinics to choose from in Seoul alone, deciding where to have your hair transplant done in Korea can be overwhelming. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of our top hair transplant clinics in the country.
1. Maxwell Clinic offers advanced hair transplant procedures using the latest techniques such as FUE and FUT. They provide personalized plans and ensure natural-looking results for patients seeking to address hair loss or balding. Click here fore more info on Maxwell clinic.
2. Motion Clinic specializes in hair restoration, including hair transplants. Their skilled surgeons are experts in FUE and always put patient comfort and satisfaction at the forefront of their work. With a focus on natural hairline design and density, Motion Clinic also delivers optimal aesthetic results. Click here fore more info on
3. Dreamline Clinic is renowned for its comprehensive range of hair transplant options, including both FUE and FUT. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced professionals, Dreamline Clinic emphasizes individual treatment plans to achieve natural-looking results.
4. For Hair Clinic provides specialized hair transplant services using advanced techniques like FUE and FUT. Their team of surgeons work closely with patients to understand their unique hair loss concerns and develop personalized treatment plans. For Hair emphasizes improved hair density and patient satisfaction.
5. The Black Clinic offers innovative hair solutions utilizing advanced technologies like FUE and FUT. Their team of surgeons provides customized treatment, ensuring natural placement and seamless graft integration. The Black Clinic aims to provide long-lasting results that enhance both the appearance and confidence of their patients. Click here fore more info on The Black Clinic.
We strongly recommend consulting numerous clinics and comparing surgeon experience and price points for the best possible outcome. Never hesitate to ask for advice or opinions regarding your unique situation.
Are you overwhelmed by the choices of hair transplant clinics in Seoul? Don’t know which clinic is the best one for you? Consider using a medical tourism service to help you with every step in your journey of coming to Korea. Click here to find more info
Cost of Hair Transplant in Korea
The cost of hair transplants in Korea ranges greatly and is affected by a number of favors. This includes but is not limited to clinic quality, surgeon experience, and type of operation. Please check the following price points for a general summary of hair transplants in Korea.
- 500 hairs average: 4.000.000 ~ 5.000.000 won (partial shaving can go up to 6.8000.000 won) (approximately $3500 to $4500)
- 2000 hairs: 6.500.000 ~ 7.700.000 won (approximately $5800 to $7000)
- 4000 hairs: 9.500.000 ~ 12.000.000 won (approximately $8000 to $10000)
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of hair transplants in Korea can vary depending on several factors such as the surgeon’s experience and the quality of the clinic. On average, the cost of a hair transplant in Korea can range from 3.8 million – 19 million won (approximately $3,000 to $15,000 USD). It’s advisable to consult with multiple clinics to get a personalized assessment.
Getting hair transplants in Korea offers several notable benefits that have contributed to the country’s reputation as an expert in hair transplantation. Firstly, Korea is renowned for its advancements in cosmetic procedures, and hair transplants are no exception. Korean clinics and surgeons often employ cutting-edge techniques and utilize state-of-the-art technology, ensuring optimal results and a fast recovery time. Korean surgeons also undergo extensive training and have a wealth of experience. Secondly, surgeons prioritize creating natural-looking results. Their attention to detail and artistic approach results in hairlines that appear genuine and undetectable. Lastly, Korean clinics often provide comprehensive care and support throughout the entire hair transplant journey for both locals and foreigners alike. From initial consultations and personalized treatment plans and follow-up appointments, patients can always expect diligence from their medical team.
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