PRP vs Hair Transplant Costs
Both PRP therapy and hair transplants are popular options for restoring hair — but their price tags, results, and maintenance needs are very different.
This guide breaks down how much each really costs, what those costs include, and how to decide which is right for you.
1. PRP Therapy Costs
What It Is:
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses your own blood, spun in a centrifuge, to concentrate growth factors and inject them into thinning areas of your scalp.
Cost Range (USA/Europe Average)
- Per Session: $400–$1,500
- Typical Protocol: 3–4 initial sessions (spaced 4–6 weeks apart), then maintenance every 4–6 months
- Year One Total: $1,200–$6,000 (including maintenance)
What’s Included:
- Blood draw and processing
- Scalp injections
- Sometimes bundled with microneedling or topical boosters
Note: PRP is a maintenance treatment — ongoing sessions are required to keep results.
2. Hair Transplant Costs
What It Is:
Surgical redistribution of your own hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back/sides) to thinning or bald areas.
Cost Range (USA/Europe Average)
- FUE Method: $3,000–$15,000
- FUT Method: $4,000–$12,000
- Price depends on grafts needed (usually $2–$8 per graft)
What’s Included:
- Surgical team and facility fees
- Graft extraction and implantation
- Post-op care instructions (sometimes includes medications, shampoos, or follow-ups)
Note: A transplant is generally a one-time (or few-time) procedure, but hair loss can still progress in untreated areas.
3. Cost Comparison Table
| Factor | PRP Therapy | Hair Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $1,200–$6,000/year | $3,000–$15,000 one-time |
| Longevity | Maintenance required | Permanent (in treated areas) |
| Downtime | Minimal (1–2 days) | Moderate (7–14 days) |
| Best For | Early thinning, boosting density | Significant bald areas |
| Pain Level | Mild discomfort | Mild–moderate (local anesthesia) |
4. Factors That Affect Cost
For PRP:
- Clinic reputation & location
- Add-on treatments (microneedling, exosomes)
- Session frequency
For Hair Transplants:
- Number of grafts required
- Surgeon’s experience
- Technique (FUE vs FUT)
- Country — e.g., Turkey offers $1–$2/graft, USA averages $4–$8/graft
5. Which Is More Cost-Effective?
- Short Term: PRP is less expensive upfront and works well for early thinning or as a post-transplant booster.
- Long Term: A well-executed hair transplant can be more cost-effective over 10+ years because it doesn’t require ongoing maintenance like PRP (beyond normal hair care).
6. Combining PRP and Transplants
Some clinics combine both:
- PRP after transplant to speed healing and improve graft survival
- PRP maintenance to protect native hair from further loss
Bottom Line:
- PRP is a great early intervention or density booster but requires ongoing investment.
- Transplants are a bigger upfront cost with more permanent results in treated zones.