Whether your hair is thinning or going completely missing in visible chunks, if hair loss is an issue that’s been bothering you, then it’s time to do something about it. Thanks to numerous advances in the world of restorative procedures and medications, a full, healthy head of hair could be more attainable than you otherwise might have thought. And considering the fact that hair transplants are now offering results that are more natural looking, you have little to lose by seeking out this option – other than money, that is.
The one problem with most hair restoration medications and procedures is that insurance companies on a whole do not tend to cover them. Since hair loss is a cosmetic issue that holds no negative implications for affected individuals on the health front, most insurance companies regard treatment as something that is purely elective. The fact that hair loss can come with a certain social stigma attached to it – especially for those affected at a young age – is not something with which insurance companies choose to concern themselves. After all, no medical doctor will liken hair loss to a dire condition, and even those in the psychological field will have difficulty justifying hair loss treatment as an absolute medical necessity in order to boost one’s self-esteem. In fact, when it comes to health insurance contributions towards hair restoration treatments, the only situations in which a company might kick in some funding are those involving hair loss due to injury, burning, or scarring.
While a lack of help on the insurance front might initially prohibit you from seeking treatment that could change your life for the better, some doctors are now offering affordable hair restoration. Dr. Daniel McGrath is a hair restoration surgeon at McGrath Medical, a Texas establishment with offices in Austin and Dallas, and he understands that for many, hair restoration treatment can be a significant burden. He also recognizes the fact that in most cases, insurance companies cannot be counted on to assist with the associated costs. For this reason, Dr. McGrath makes a point of keeping his pricing as reasonable as possible given his own operational expenses. He also offers his patients a number of options as far as payment plans are concerned, including certain interest-free alternatives. After all, Dr. McGrath’s philosophy is that although hair restoration won’t come with any actual medical benefits, the psychological gains associated with such treatment are hard to quantify financially. Therefore, he likes to take extra steps to ensure that anyone who wants a hair transplant and is a good candidate for the procedure can pursue this option without having to let money matters get in the way.
If you’re interested in getting a hair transplant, then you should be aware that not every doctor will be as sympathetic as Dr. McGrath towards your potential financial plight. While Dr. McGrath is able to keep his pricing competitive by charging $4 per follicular unit or graft, plenty of hair restoration surgeons will demand as much as $8 to $9 per graft. Therefore, if you’re seriously considering a hair transplant, then it might be a good idea to shop around.
On the other hand, when it comes to hair restoration, it can be difficult to put a price on actual experience. Hair transplants require a certain degree of skill and technique, so although some doctors might offer their services in exchange for less money, by going with the cheapest option out there, you might deprive yourself of the best possible results.
Another thing to be aware of when searching for a hair transplant surgeon is that some doctors have a policy of charging by the hair, not by the graft or follicular unit. Why is this bad? A follicular unit can often include two to three hairs in a single bundle, whereas an individual hair is a single piece. Therefore, don’t be misled by doctors who might offer a “low-cost alternative” of only $3 per hair for a transplant, as that can easily end up being the equivalent of $6 per graft or follicular unit.
Despite the fact that some hair restoration specialists are going out of their way to offer reasonable pricing in exchange for their services, the cost of the average hair transplant is still rather significant. And since you can’t count on your health insurance company to help foot the bill, you’ve probably got no choice but to tackle the finances alone. So before you settle on a particular hair transplant surgeon, make certain that he truly offers a winning combination of solid experience and affordable pricing.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
