I was just wondering what the average costs per graft is. I recently had a consultation with Dr. Ziering, located in newport beach, CA and it was priced at $7 for the first 1200, and $4 after that. Is that high or about average? I know the saying is "you get what you pay for," but what do top doctors charge? Also, does anyone know if Dr. Ziering is a good qualified doctor?

From what I've reserarched, It's around $4.00/graft, even by the top docs. A lot of the top docs will charge $4/graft for the first 2000 or so, then even less for every graft after that, like $2/graft. Some docs even throw in some free grafts or will "dicker" on the price a little. I'm not sure as far as exact numbers, because every doc price varies. But I will tell you that $7/graft for strip is high IMO. Also, is Dr. Ziering employed by MHR? If so, I would be very cautious. They are charging more so they can pay for all of their advertising.

It averages out to about $3-4 for strip.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a doctor in the Southern California region? Preferably Orange County, but Los Angeles and San Diego works too.

USCMan,

You seriously do not want to let geography be a factor for you. The best doctors are available in the US/Canada so I would research these forums and results and go to the doctor you think is the best. I flew all the way from the UK for my HT to go with the doctor who I thought was the best in the world for me. You should do the same, $7 per graft is very expensive and is at least $2 more than what you would pay per graft for the best surgeons in the world. The only people I know to charge that much are hair mills run by sub-par doctors, this high price is a necessity to pay for their commission based sales and expensive marketing campaigns.

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1344 grafts with Ron Shapiro - June 2006

I paid $3.23 per graft for 3000 FUT on July 10th and 11th of 2006 with Dr. Brad Limmer in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Limmer is a coalition member on this site.

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Bald Class: 5A. 3000 FUT. Dr. Brad Limmer in San Antonio, TX on July 10th and 11th of 2006.

I paid $2.00 a graft with Nuhart in Atlanta Georgia ..got 2173 grafts..It was worth the flight.I checked alot of other places first..I have learned that, in getting a hair transplant its a jungle out there..everyone trying to get as much money as they can from you..There is also a Dr in California named Richard Ochs that will do $2 a grafts with 10% off for travel. He has been doing it for many years and uses blades not needles.

what do u mean, he uses blades not needles? was your ht done w/needles?

Yes mine was done with needles. There are recommended surgeons from this site that also use needles..Limmer, Lehr, ect. Most say its not so much of an issue of using needle or blades, but the skills used to use them.Its just that i hear blades cause less trauma and shock loss.

who are these "most" that you refer to?