Hair transplants are not a standard treatment for active alopecia areata. This autoimmune condition causes the immune system to attack hair follicles. Transplanted grafts are often destroyed just like original hair. Surgery is only a last resort after 2 to 5 years of total disease stability.
- Stability requirement: Condition must be inactive with no new patches for 2+ years.
- Inflammation check: Scalp biopsies confirm no underlying immune activity before proceeding.
- Donor health: Sufficient healthy follicles must exist outside the affected areas.
- Failure risk: Immune cells can target and kill new grafts during future flare-ups.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many clinics offer 5,000-graft packages for around $2,500, these are rarely suitable for alopecia areata. High-volume specialists like Dr. Cengiz Yaylaci, who has performed 20,000+ procedures, often prioritize stabilizing the scalp first. Choosing a package with included PRP therapy, like those at Adem and Havva Medical Center, may help support follicle health after a long period of documented remission.
Patient Consensus: Patients warn that some clinics push transplants for active cases, which often leads to grafts shedding within 3 months. Many emphasize getting a second opinion and a biopsy to confirm stability before spending money on surgery.