Custom Donor Area Expansion with Scalp Tissue Extenders Cost in Korea
Mijan Mijan • August 8, 2025
Custom Donor Area Expansion with Scalp Tissue Extenders – Cost in Korea
Scalp tissue expansion/extenders are used pre-operatively to increase donor scalp laxity and surface area before FUT (strip) or combined hybrid procedures. By gradually stretching the donor skin over 2–6 weeks, surgeons can harvest wider/longer strips with less closure tension, potentially improving graft yield and minimizing scar width. Korean clinics may offer this as a planned stage before transplant or as a corrective strategy for tight scalps.
Comprehensive Cost Overview
| Package Type | Estimated Cost (KRW) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Extender Program (device + 2–3 activations) | ₩2,500,000 – ₩3,800,000 | $1,900 – $2,900 |
| Standard Extender + FUT Planning (device + insertion/removal + 3–5 activations) | ₩3,800,000 – ₩5,500,000 | $2,900 – $4,180 |
| Premium Program (sedation options, imaging, advanced aftercare) | ₩5,500,000 – ₩7,500,000 | $4,180 – $5,700 |
Detailed Cost Analysis by Component
| Component | Description | Cost (KRW) | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extender Device & Consumables | Medical-grade scalp extender(s), anchors, sterile drapes | ₩800,000 – ₩1,800,000 | $610 – $1,370 |
| Insertion Procedure | Local anesthesia, pocket creation, fixation, dressing | ₩1,500,000 – ₩3,000,000 | $1,140 – $2,280 |
| Expansion Activations (each visit) | Weekly/biweekly incremental expansion and wound check | ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 per session | $115 – $230 |
| Removal & Closure | Extender removal, hemostasis, layered closure | ₩900,000 – ₩1,800,000 | $690 – $1,370 |
| Pain Control & Dressings | Analgesics, antibiotics (if prescribed), dressing supplies | ₩100,000 – ₩250,000 | $75 – $190 |
Additional & Optional Services Cost
| Service | Description | Cost (KRW) | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP/Exosome at Closure | Biologic boosters to support healing and scar quality | ₩300,000 – ₩800,000 | $230 – $610 |
| Sedation Upgrade | Oral or nitrous sedation for insertion/removal procedures | ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 | $115 – $230 |
| LLLT/LED Recovery Sessions | Post-op light therapy to reduce inflammation | ₩50,000 – ₩120,000 per session | $38 – $90 |
| Scar Minimization Add-Ons | Trichophytic closure techniques or SMP camouflage | ₩200,000 – ₩500,000 | $150 – $380 |
| Advanced Imaging | High-res scalp mapping/ultrasound for planning | ₩80,000 – ₩200,000 | $60 – $150 |
Clinical Treatment Costs
| Service | Description | Cost (KRW) | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Surgical Consultation | Laxity assessment, donor mapping, program timeline | ₩50,000 – ₩100,000 | $38 – $75 |
| Follow-Up Expansion Visit | Tension adjustment, incision check, dressing change | ₩30,000 – ₩70,000 | $23 – $55 |
| Suture/Staple Removal | Removal after device insertion or final closure | ₩20,000 – ₩40,000 | $15 – $30 |
| Complication Management (if needed) | Hematoma/seroma drainage, antibiotics change | ₩100,000 – ₩300,000 | $75 – $230 |
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