Hair Transplant | Due To a Recent Illness I’ve Experienced Hair Loss, Is a Hair Transplant Right For Me?

Due To a Recent Illness I’ve Experienced Hair Loss, Is a Hair Transplant Right For Me?

Due to a recent illness, my hair has thinned dramatically, particularly in the front/crown. I am considering my alternatives and wish to know the approximate costs of a hair transplant. Does insurance ever cover the costs because of hair loss from an illness?
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Illnesses can cause a form of hair loss called a Telogen Effluvium. This is when the hair follicle’s cycle synchronizes and you experience excessive shedding (similar to how a cat or dog sheds). The fortunate thing about Telogen Effluvium is this is temporary and that hair will come back. Sometimes a Telogen Effluvium uncovers a progressive form of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, which was slowly getting worse over the last few years. Insurances will not cover either form of hair loss. A Telogen Effluvium is not treated with a hair transplant since it will get better as the hairs cycle into the growth phase. Hair transplants for androgenetic alopecia is consider cosmetic.

Sincerely,
Paul J. McAndrews, M.D.
Senior Medical Advisor, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons
Member, American Hair Loss Association