Questions to Ask Your DHI Surgeon Before Surgery
A thorough consultation is your best protection against poor results. Patients who research their options report 60% fewer post-operative surprises. Knowing the right questions to ask helps you evaluate whether a surgeon is the right fit and whether their approach matches your needs.
This list covers the essential questions organized by topic, along with what a good answer looks like for each.
Questions About the Surgeon's Experience
1. How many DHI procedures have you personally performed?
Why it matters: DHI requires specialized skill with the Choi Implanter Pen. A surgeon should have performed at least 500 DHI procedures to be considered experienced with this specific technique.
Good answer: A specific number with details about the types of cases (Norwood stages, graft counts).
Red flag: Vague answers like "hundreds" or redirecting to total transplant experience without DHI-specific numbers.
2. Will you personally perform the extraction and implantation?
Why it matters: Some clinics have technicians perform parts of the procedure while the surgeon supervises. In some countries, this is standard practice, but you should know who is doing what.
Good answer: Clear breakdown of what the surgeon does versus the support team. The implantation phase should be surgeon-led for DHI.
3. Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with my Norwood stage?
Why it matters: Results vary significantly by hair loss pattern. A surgeon who performs well on Norwood 3 patients may have less experience with Norwood 5 cases.
Good answer: A portfolio of 10+ cases at your stage, showing results at 12 months or later with consistent photo angles and lighting.
Questions About Your Specific Case
4. What Norwood stage am I, and how many grafts do I need?
Why it matters: The graft count should match evidence-based ranges for your stage. Significant deviations suggest the clinic may be under-recommending to lower the price or over-recommending to increase revenue.
Reference ranges to verify against:
| Norwood Stage | Expected Graft Range |
|---|---|
| N2 | 800 to 1,500 |
| N3 | 1,500 to 2,200 |
| N3V | 2,000 to 2,800 |
| N4 | 2,500 to 3,500 |
| N5 | 3,000 to 4,500 |
| N6 | 4,000 to 6,000 |
| N7 | 5,500 to 7,500 |
5. What density can I realistically expect from this graft count?
Why it matters: A transplant typically achieves 40 to 60 follicular units per cm2 per session. Natural density ranges from 120 to 230 FU/cm2. Setting realistic expectations upfront prevents disappointment.
Good answer: A specific density range with explanation of how it compares to natural density and what it will look like at 12 months.
6. Is my donor area strong enough for this procedure?
Why it matters: The safe extraction limit is 45% of donor follicles. Taking more creates visible thinning in the back and sides of the head.
Good answer: Assessment of your donor density (FU/cm2), total available grafts for lifetime use, and whether this procedure leaves room for future sessions.
Questions About the Procedure
7. What graft storage solution do you use?
Why it matters: Grafts stored in chilled Hypothermosol or ATP-supplemented saline survive better than those stored in basic saline at room temperature. Time outside the body matters for graft viability.
Good answer: Names the specific solution and explains the storage protocol, including temperature control.
8. How long will the procedure take, and how long will grafts be outside the body?
Why it matters: Graft viability decreases after 4 to 6 hours outside the body. DHI typically takes 6 to 8 hours for 2,000 grafts, but well-organized teams minimize exposure time by working in batches.
Good answer: A clear timeline with explanation of how the team manages graft exposure time.
9. What angle and depth do you use for hairline grafts?
Why it matters: Natural hairlines have grafts placed at 10 to 15 degree angles with single-hair grafts in the front row. The DHI Choi Pen allows precise depth control, and a good surgeon should be able to explain their approach.
Good answer: Specific angles and placement strategy, with explanation of how the micro-irregular hairline border is achieved.
Questions About Risks and Complications
10. What is your graft survival rate, and how do you measure it?
Why it matters: Standard graft survival for DHI is 90% to 95%. Clinics that claim higher rates should be able to explain how they measure survival (follow-up assessments, trichoscopy at 12 months).
Good answer: A specific percentage backed by their follow-up measurement method.
11. What percentage of your patients need revision procedures?
Why it matters: Some patients need touch-up sessions. An honest surgeon will provide their revision rate and explain common reasons.
Good answer: A specific percentage (typically 5% to 15%) with explanation of causes and how revisions are handled.
12. What happens if I am not satisfied with the results?
Why it matters: Understanding the clinic's policy on unsatisfactory results before you commit protects you financially and emotionally.
Good answer: A clear revision policy, including whether touch-ups are included, at what timeframe they are assessed (typically 12 to 18 months), and any associated costs.
Questions About Recovery and Aftercare
13. What medications will I take before and after surgery?
Why it matters: Post-operative antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and hair loss prevention drugs (finasteride at 1mg daily halts further loss in 80% to 90% of patients) should all be part of the protocol.
14. When can I return to work and exercise?
Why it matters: DHI recovery takes 7 to 10 days. Office work is typically possible at day 5. Exercise should wait 2 to 4 weeks depending on intensity.
15. What does your follow-up schedule look like?
Why it matters: A quality clinic schedules check-ins at day 7 to 10 (first wash), month 3, month 6, and month 12 minimum.
Good answer: A structured follow-up schedule with both in-person and remote options.
Questions About Cost
16. What is included in the quoted price?
Make sure the total includes:
- Pre-operative consultation and blood tests
- The procedure and all medical supplies
- Post-operative medication
- Follow-up appointments
- Emergency contact availability during recovery
17. Are there financing options?
Many clinics offer payment plans. Understanding the total cost, including interest, helps you budget accurately.
Come Prepared with Your Data
Walking into a consultation with your Norwood stage already assessed puts you in a stronger position. You can immediately verify whether the surgeon's recommendation matches evidence-based graft ranges for your stage.
Get your free AI hair loss assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to identify your Norwood stage before your consultation. Having independent data helps you evaluate whether a surgeon's recommendation is appropriate for your situation.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon for personalized treatment recommendations.