Hair transplant has become one of the most highly sought-after cosmetic procedures worldwide. In 2021 alone, 3,4 million hair restoration treatments were performed globally (CAGR).

As a result, medical facilities and countries have continuously improved their hair transplant services and technology. By 2024, countries popular in medical tourism—such as Turkiye, Malaysia, Thailand, and India—have become well-known for their advanced hair transplant industry, offering high-quality treatments, the latest technology, and hospitality packages, all at affordable prices.

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What is Hair Transplant?

Many people view hair transplant treatment primarily as a solution for balding. However, according to the NHS definition, hair restoration is a procedure designed to address balding or thinning hair by transplanting hair from one part of the scalp to the balding or thinning area.

Hair restoration is usually performed through minor surgery by dermatologists or plastic surgeons. The healthcare provider will take a portion of the patient’s scalp with hair and transplant it to the balding area. The results usually will be permanent.

Despite looking painful, hair transplant surgery is one of the safest cosmetic procedures with minimal health risks. However, you should still be selective when choosing the best cosmetic surgeon for the treatment. If you choose to do it abroad, make sure the clinics’ accreditation, check reviews from past patients, and enquire as much information as possible about the respective clinics. 

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Types of Hair Transplant Treatment

Like other cosmetic treatments, hair transplant can be done with restorative or aesthetic objectives.

• Restorative hair transplant treatment includes a hairline transplant (to restore the receding hairline from the top of the forehead and temples) and a full hair transplant (usually to restore the balding area from the top of the head).
• Aesthetic hair transplant treatment is more varied and only requires minor surgery, like mustache, beard, or eyebrow hair transplants.

Based on the method used, dermatologists or plastic surgeons perform hair restoration surgery in two ways: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).

• FUT hair transplantation involves removing strips of skin with hair from the back of the head and transplanting them to the balding areas after the affected skin is removed.
• FUE hair transplantation works similarly to “harvesting and planting.” Doctors remove individual hair follicles one by one and replant them in the balding area. The FUE method involves less invasive surgery and a quicker recovery time but is generally more expensive than FUT. 

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Benefit of Doing Hair Transplant Treatment Abroad?

Talking from a price perspective, getting hair transplant treatment abroad is definitely worth the cost, especially in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, India, or Turkey (which is also the closest option for those in the UK and the US). Currently, the average cost for a hair transplant in the UK ranges between $1,000 to $1,500. In comparison, countries like Malaysia and Turkey offer the same (or even higher) level of service and results, with prices ranging from $300 to $600.

Pros:

• Cost savings: Hair transplant treatments abroad are significantly cheaper compared to Western countries.
• High-quality services: Many clinics abroad have highly experienced surgeons and use the latest technology.
• Travel experience: You get the chance to explore a new country while undergoing treatment.

Cons:

• Travel expenses: While the procedure itself is cheaper, the cost of flights, accommodation, and other travel expenses should be considered.
• Follow-up care: It can be difficult to get follow-up treatment or address complications once you return home. But right now, reputable aesthetic clinics and hospitals mostly provide online after-care especially for the international hospitals.
• Language: Sometimes it can be difficult to communicate once you’re going to countries with different languages. However, most hospitals (especially the ones with medical tourism packages) have medical staffs proficient in English.

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Top Countries for Hair Restoration Treatments and Prices

After getting to know about hair transplant types and pros-cons of doing it abroad, here are some recommended countries to do it, including the price ranges.

1. Turkey

Price range: TRY 6,000 - 15,000 ($300 - $750)

Turkey is the leading destination for hair transplants, drawing medical tourists from around the world. Its proximity to Europe, English-speaking professionals, top-tier aesthetic clinics, and highly affordable prices make it an attractive choice. The country's reputation for quality procedures, advanced technology, and comprehensive packages that include accommodations and transport add to its appeal.

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2. Malaysia

Price range: MYR 4,000 - 10,000 ($850 - $2,200)

Malaysia is known for its world-class healthcare facilities, accredited by international standards like JCI. The country has skilled surgeons and offers hair transplant services that combine quality results with lower costs compared to Western countries. Moreover, the government keeps working on improving Malaysia’s healthcare system to be more international patients-friendly. Many clinics and hospitals in the country even prepare exclusive offers and hospitality packages for international patients.

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3. Thailand

Price range: THB 30,000 - 50,000 ($800 - $1,400)

Following Malaysia, Thailand is also popular as a medical travel destination, offering a blend of exceptional medical care and hospitality. Hair transplant clinics in Thailand are renowned for their state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained specialists, and personalized treatment plans. 

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4. India

Price range: INR 30,000 - 90,000 ($350 - $1,100)

India is another budget-friendly destination for hair restoration procedures. The country is home to numerous accredited clinics and experienced surgeons who offer a wide range of hair transplant methods, including FUE and FUT. India’s healthcare system is well-regarded for using modern techniques at lower prices compared to Western nations. Additionally, English is widely spoken, making communication easier for international patients.

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Interested in getting more information about getting medical treatments abroad? Stay tuned for our next article on Medichoice, your trusted medical travel assistant.

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