Alopecia treatment cost: all you need to know

15th October 2024

Alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, can be a distressing condition that affects both men and women of all ages. Many individuals seek out treatments to restore their hair and regain confidence.

An important consideration for those exploring treatments is cost. It’s difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all answer to how much alopecia treatment costs as there are lots of different aspects involved.

However, in this blog, we’ll break down some of the main factors that contribute to alopecia treatment costs, helping you to make an informed decision about your hair restoration journey.

Factors that influence alopecia treatment costs

Alopecia treatment costs can vary widely depending on the type of treatment chosen, the extent of the hair loss, and the clinic providing the service. Below are the key factors that determine the overall cost.

Type of alopecia

Alopecia is the general term for hair loss. Hair loss comes in many different forms, and the type you’re experiencing will play a significant role in the treatment approach, and therefore alopecia treatment cost.

Some of the common types of alopecia include:

• Androgenetic alopecia: a genetic condition, also known as male or female pattern baldness, which is the most common form of hair loss.
• Alopecia areata: an autoimmune condition which causes patchy hair loss.
• Telogen effluvium: the excessive shedding of resting hair after a shock to the system, such as a hormonal change, stress, or medication.

Hair loss can also be caused by other factors such as poor nutrition, illness, medications, hormones, and certain hairstyles or treatment.

Different forms of alopecia require different levels of medical intervention, which will influence the overall cost. Some treatments may be ongoing, while others may be more of a one-time cost.

Treatment type

The type of treatment for alopecia will have the most significant impact of cost. There are a range of popular non-surgical and surgical solutions, including:

• Medication: There are various medications available which are usually helpful for early onset of conditions like androgenetic alopecia. These treatments are generally more affordable upfront, but they are long-term treatments, so costs may accumulate over time.
• PRP therapy: Platelet-rich plasma therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from your own blood into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. This non-surgical treatment is more expensive than medication due to the specialised process and multiple sessions required.
• Laser therapy: Low-level laser therapy is another non-surgical solution that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate hair growth. While less expensive than surgery, the cost of multiple sessions or the purchase of a quality device can add up. Read more about the cost of our recommended Theradome laser helmet.
• Hair transplant surgery: Hair transplants such as Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) or Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)/stripare highly effective permanent treatments. However, these tend to be the most costly option. The cost can vary significantly based on the number of grafts required and the quality of the clinic.

Each treatment comes with its own cost considerations, and the choice will depend on factors like the type and severity of alopecia, patient preferences, and professional recommendations.

Extent of hair loss

For those with mild to moderate alopecia, less treatment may be required, leading to a lower overall cost. However, if your hair loss is more severe, the treatment plan will likely be more extensive, requiring more time, effort, and medical resources.

For example, a hair transplant for a small area will cost less than a full scalp procedure. Similarly, the number of medications or size of PRP sessions required will vary depending on how much hair loss has occurred.

Experience and reputation of the clinic

Highly experienced surgeons and specialists with a strong track record of successful treatments may charge more for their services due to the fact that they only operate on one patient per day and provide a very personal service. Expertise often correlates with better outcomes, especially when it comes to invasive procedures.

At The Maitland Clinic, we are committed to maintaining a team of highly skilled, full-time technicians. By investing in well-compensated, experienced, and motivated professionals driven to achieve life-changing results, we can deliver you the highest standard of care and the best outcome possible.

We also invest in high tech equipment, instruments, graft storage solutions (to optimise graft survival when out of the body), and aftercare treatments. These are often critical to preventing complications and ensuring optimal results, but using such advanced technology can impact the total cost of the treatment.

Alopecia treatments at The Maitland Clinic

Alopecia treatment costs vary widely depending on a range of factors. While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact figure, understanding these factors can help you plan for your hair restoration experience.

When possible, it’s essential to prioritise the quality of care and experience of the clinic over the lowest cost. A skilled specialist will provide the best chance of successful, natural-looking results, offering a treatment plan tailored to your condition and goals.

To learn more about our personalised alopecia treatments and to explore the various alopecia treatment costs, get in touch with our team today.