Physician Answered Q & As

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?

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.


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