Love Is Blind, but Hairlines Are Visible: A Tale of Two Transplants
In the world of reality television, appearances are scrutinized in high definition, and for the male cast members of Netflix’s Love Is Blind, the pressure to look their best doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling. Two recent alumni, Jimmy Presnell and Devin Buckley, have both taken the plunge into hair restoration, offering a perfect case study for anyone considering the procedure. However, their journeys illustrate the two distinct paths available to patients today: the premium domestic route and the booming medical tourism sector in Turkey.
This is a tale of two transplants—same goal, vastly different price tags and philosophies.
The Domestic Route: Jimmy’s $11,000 Investment
Jimmy Presnell, who underwent his procedure over a year ago, represents the argument for staying local. Opting for Solve Clinics in Chicago, Jimmy’s decision was driven by a desire for security and a long-term doctor-patient relationship.
Transparency regarding cost is rare in the industry, but Jimmy openly shared the figures. Paying roughly $5 per graft for between 2,100 and 2,200 grafts, his base procedure cost hovered around the $10,000 to $11,000 mark. He has also invested in Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, which cost between $400 and $600 each, to boost retention and growth.
For Jimmy, the premium price was justified by the level of care. In a candid comparison, he noted that he had received quotes from overseas clinics ranging from $3,000 to $5,000—packages that often included flights and hotels. However, the lack of ongoing consultation deterred him. “They just pretty much send you home after the surgery. You don’t really have any type of relationship,” he explained. By staying in the US, he secured peace of mind and accessible follow-up care, a decision that appears to have paid off given his transformative results a year later.
The International Route: Devin’s Turkish Trek
Conversely, Devin Buckley illustrates the popular “medical tourism” route, having flown to Turkey for his restoration in August 2025. He chose Vita Clinic, where procedures generally range from $1,500 to $7,000—a fraction of the cost of US-based surgeries.
Devin’s motivation was deeply personal. Admitting to using spray-on fibers to conceal thinning for years, he feared that the women he connected with in the pods would notice his hair loss upon meeting face-to-face. “I’m going to do something super vulnerable right now,” he shared, highlighting the emotional toll of hair loss.
While Jimmy is enjoying his final results, Devin is currently in the trenches of the recovery process. Recently updating fans from the notorious “shedding phase” or “shock loss,” Devin is navigating the period where transplanted hair falls out before permanent regrowth begins. His journey highlights the trade-off of the international route: significant financial savings in exchange for traveling abroad for a major medical procedure, often returning home for the recovery process without the surgeon nearby.
The Verdict: Which Path is Right for You?
The contrasting experiences of these Love Is Blind stars highlight the critical decision facing every potential hair transplant patient.
Jimmy’s path offers the “concierge” experience: higher costs, but with the safety net of local regulations and easy access to the surgeon for post-op concerns. Devin’s path represents the value option: high-quality work is available abroad for significantly less, provided one is willing to travel and manage the recovery with remote guidance.
Whether you have a budget of $11,000 or $3,000, the most important step is research. As these reality stars have shown, there is no single “right” place to restore your hairline—only the place that is right for your budget, your comfort level, and your long-term goals.
Ready to start your own journey? Browse our directory to compare top-rated clinics in the US, Turkey, and beyond.