Patients who research clinics independently before booking have 45% lower revision rates than those who book based on advertising alone. The technique a clinic specializes in directly affects your graft survival rate, scarring profile, and final density, so asking the right questions about specialization is one of the most important steps in your hair restoration process.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Why Technique Specialization Matters
Not all hair transplant clinics offer the same procedures, and not all surgeons have equal experience across every method. A clinic that performs 90% FUE procedures will have a fundamentally different workflow, equipment set, and team training compared to one that splits evenly between FUE and FUT. That difference shows up in your results.
The three primary techniques available in 2026 are:
| Technique | Full Name | Max Grafts/Session | Recovery | Scar Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUE | Follicular Unit Extraction | Up to 5,000 | 7-10 days | Small dot scars |
| FUT | Follicular Unit Transplantation | Up to 4,000 | 10-14 days | Linear scar |
| DHI | Direct Hair Implantation | Up to 3,500 | 7-10 days | Minimal dot scars |
Each technique achieves a 90-95% graft survival rate when performed by experienced surgeons. The differences lie in scarring, recovery time, density capability, and cost.
Essential Questions About Technique Specialization
1. Which technique does this clinic perform most frequently?
This is your starting question. Volume matters. A surgeon who performs 300 FUE procedures per year will produce more consistent results than one who performs 30. Ask for the exact breakdown. If a clinic says they "offer everything," press for specifics on how many of each technique they performed in the last 12 months.
2. Does the surgeon personally extract and implant the grafts?
In some clinics, technicians handle the extraction or implantation while the surgeon oversees. In others, the surgeon performs every step. Neither approach is automatically better, but you need to know who is doing what. In Turkey, large-volume clinics often use teams of technicians under surgeon supervision. In the US and UK, the surgeon typically handles more of the procedure directly.
Ask specifically: "Who will hold the punch tool during extraction?" and "Who places the grafts into the recipient sites?"
3. What punch size do you use for FUE extraction?
Punch size ranges from 0.7mm to 1.0mm. Smaller punches (0.7-0.8mm) produce less visible scarring but require more skill and take longer. Larger punches (0.9-1.0mm) are faster but leave slightly more visible marks. The ideal size depends on your hair characteristics and skin type.
A clinic that defaults to one punch size for every patient may not be tailoring the approach to individual needs.
4. Do you offer Sapphire FUE or robotic-assisted extraction?
Sapphire FUE uses blades made from synthetic sapphire crystal, creating finer incisions that can heal faster and allow denser graft packing. Robotic FUE (using systems like ARTAS) provides AI-guided extraction for consistent angle and depth.
Not every patient needs these options. But a clinic that offers them demonstrates investment in current technology and gives you more choices.
5. How do you determine which technique is right for my case?
The answer should reference your specific Norwood stage, donor area density, scalp laxity, hair texture, and goals. If the clinic recommends the same technique for everyone regardless of these factors, that is a concern.
A good surgeon will explain why a Norwood 3 patient with thick, curly hair might benefit from a different approach than a Norwood 5 patient with fine, straight hair.
Matching Technique to Your Norwood Stage
Your hair loss stage should influence which technique you prioritize:
| Norwood Stage | Grafts Needed | Recommended Technique | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| NW2 | 800-1,500 | FUE or DHI | Small session, minimal scarring priority |
| NW3 | 1,500-2,200 | FUE or DHI | Moderate session, density focus on hairline |
| NW3V | 2,000-2,800 | FUE | Dual-zone work (hairline + vertex) |
| NW4 | 2,500-3,500 | FUE | Larger session, may need mega-session capability |
| NW5 | 3,000-4,500 | FUE or FUT | High graft count, donor preservation matters |
| NW6 | 4,000-6,000 | FUT or combined FUE+FUT | Maximum graft yield needed |
| NW7 | 5,500-7,500 | Combined FUE+FUT | Multiple sessions likely needed |
Knowing your Norwood stage before the consultation puts you in a stronger position. Use the free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to get your estimated stage and graft range before your first appointment.
Questions About DHI Specifically
Direct Hair Implantation uses a Choi implanter pen that combines the incision and placement steps into one motion. This can be advantageous for hairline work where precise angle and direction control matters most.
Ask these DHI-specific questions:
- How many Choi pens do you use per session? More pens means faster implantation and less time grafts spend outside the body.
- What is your maximum graft count with DHI? Most clinics cap DHI sessions at 3,500 grafts. If you need more, the clinic should offer a plan for additional sessions or a combined approach.
- Do you use DHI for the entire scalp or just the hairline? Some clinics use DHI for the front (where precision matters most) and standard FUE for the crown, which can be a practical hybrid approach.
Questions About FUT Specifically
FUT remains valuable for patients needing maximum graft counts, particularly at Norwood 6-7. If a clinic recommends FUT, ask:
- How long will the strip be, and where exactly will the incision fall? The strip should be placed within the safe donor zone to avoid future visible scarring as the hairline continues to recede.
- What closure technique do you use? Trichophytic closure allows hair to grow through the scar line, making it far less visible than standard closure.
- Can the FUT scar be revised later if needed? Experienced surgeons can revise FUT scars using FUE to transplant hair directly into the scar tissue.
Red Flags in Technique Discussions
Watch for these warning signs when discussing techniques with a clinic:
- "Our technique is proprietary." There is no secret technique in hair transplantation. FUE, FUT, and DHI are standardized methods. Custom branding of standard techniques is marketing, not innovation.
- Guaranteed graft counts before examination. No reputable surgeon guarantees exact graft numbers without examining your donor area and recipient zone.
- Pushing one technique despite contraindications. A clinic that only performs DHI recommending it for a Norwood 7 case requiring 6,000+ grafts is prioritizing their capabilities over your needs.
- Refusing to share complication rates. Every procedure carries risk. Honest clinics will share their complication and revision rates when asked.
- No mention of non-surgical options. For Norwood 2-3, medications like finasteride (80-90% halt further loss, 65% regrowth) and minoxidil (40-60% regrowth) should at least be discussed before surgery.
For a complete list, see our guide on clinic red flags to avoid.
Building Your Pre-Consultation Checklist
Before any consultation, prepare the following:
- Know your Norwood stage. Use AI assessment tools to get an objective baseline.
- Research which techniques suit your stage. Use the table above as a starting point.
- Prepare your questions in writing. Bring a printed list so you do not forget anything during the appointment.
- Request the surgeon's case gallery. Ask for cases matching your ethnicity, age range, and Norwood stage.
- Get multiple consultations. Compare at least two to three clinics before committing.
See our full consultation question checklist for a printable version covering all consultation topics.
How AI Assessment Helps Before Your Consultation
Walking into a consultation with your estimated Norwood stage and projected graft count changes the dynamic entirely. Instead of relying solely on the clinic's assessment, you have independent data to compare against their recommendation.
If a clinic suggests 3,500 grafts but your AI assessment and two other consultations estimate 2,200, that discrepancy is worth investigating. It could mean the clinic is upselling, or it could mean they are planning for more aggressive coverage. Either way, you are in a better position to have that conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a reputable hair transplant clinic?
Start by verifying the surgeon holds board certification from the ABHRS or equivalent body. Review their before-and-after gallery for cases matching your Norwood stage, and check independent review platforms rather than relying solely on the clinic website.
What credentials should a hair transplant surgeon have?
Look for board certification in dermatology or plastic surgery, plus specific hair restoration training through the ABHRS or ISHRS. Surgeons who have performed over 1,000 procedures and publish their outcomes data offer the highest confidence level.
How do I know if before/after photos are real?
Authentic photos use consistent lighting, angles, and backgrounds across both images. Ask clinics for unedited photos with visible patient identifiers removed but metadata intact. Clinics that refuse to show original files may be editing results.
Not sure what Norwood stage you are? Get a free AI hairline analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze to estimate your stage and graft needs before booking any consultation.